Things To Know About WeChat SFC 
                     THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT 
WECHAT SFC 
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT 
WECHAT SFC 
• Intermediaries that choose to introduce instant messaging technology into their business practices are 
supposed to put in place measures as well as controls to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. 
This includes the requirement to keep proper records of client orders. Recently, The Hong Kong Securities 
and Futures Commission (SFC) responded to a growing volume of enquiries from the securities industry 
about the receipt of client orders through instant messaging apps such as WeChat SFC and WhatsApp.
• Not long ago, the SFC posted a circular to intermediaries providing guidance on the key controls as well as 
procedures that the intermediaries are expected to put in place when they are using instant messaging 
applications to receive client orders. The regulator requires that all messages relating to client orders and the 
instant messaging accounts as well as devices for storing and processing them need to be properly 
maintained and centrally managed in order to reduce the possibility of error and minimize the risk of 
tampering with records. All order messages need to be fully recorded and properly maintained for a period 
of about 2 years. 
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT 
WECHAT SFC 
• To be able to provide security and reliability, companies need to make sure that the identities 
of the clients who send order messages are properly authenticated and validated. If there is 
any doubt, direct confirmation need to be obtained by calling clients at their registered phone 
numbers. Where appropriate, the intermediaries should get a written acknowledgement from 
the client that the order messages received via their mobile phone number originated from the 
client. The best and highest level of security available in WeChat SFC solutions need to be 
activated where appropriate. Intermediaries are supposed to establish a written contingency 
plan that will help cope with emergencies as well as disruptions relating to instant messaging 
applications. This plan needs to be appropriately tested, regularly updated and communicated 
to the clients.
• For more information on WeChat SFC, visit our website at https://www.telemessage.com/
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT 
WECHAT SFC