The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to sign a memorandum of understanding with its Hong Kong counterpart on fast-track approval of cross-border investment in mutual funds by the second quarter.
After the agreement is signed, both parties will amend regulations to ease cross-border mutual fund investment, Nataya Niyamanusorn, the SEC’s assistant secretary-general, said on the sidelines of a meeting with Hong Kong regulators.
The current filing process for cross-border mutual fund investment is a lengthy ordeal, she said.
Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana said Hong Kong’s authorities support easier cross-border mutual fund investment.
Meanwhile, Stock Exchange of Thailand president Pakorn Peetathawatchai said the agreement will come as a boon to Thai investors, as they can more easily access China’s stock market through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect scheme.
At least 10 Thai mutual funds are putting money into China.
Hong Kong’s stock regulator will also provide support for green bonds issued in Thailand to list on the Hong Kong market by easing listing regulations, Mr Pakorn said.