Launch of Digital Licensing Platform

55th Floor, Two International Finance Centre, 香 港 中 環 金 融 街 8 號 國 際 金 融 中 心 2 期 55 樓 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong 網 址：www.hkma.gov.hk Website: www.hkma.gov.hk Our Ref.: B1/15C 11 May 2026 The Chief Executive All Authorized Institutions Dear Sir/Madam, Launch of Digital Licensing Platform I am writing to announce the launch of the Digital Licensing Platform to enable authorized institutions (“AIs”) to submit applications for approval to become a chief executive/ alternate chief executive/ director under section 71 of the Banking Ordinance and related notifications with greater ease and security. The Digital Licensing Platform facilitates a paperless licensing process, and has fully automated functions including web-based licensing forms with auto-fill and skip logic features, electronic signatures and electronic approval letters. It will help to enhance efficiency, security and transparency of the licensing process by providing a streamlined digital channel for submission, communication and tracking of applications and notifications. AIs are encouraged to submit the applications and related notifications through the Digital Licensing Platform starting from today. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (“HKMA”) aims to discontinue the acceptance of paper licensing forms from 1 October 2026. The HKMA will hold briefings on the use of the Digital Licensing Platform by AIs. Details will be provided separately in due course. The URL of the Digital Licensing Platform and user guide are available on the Supervisory Communication Website.

• 2 - If you have any questions about this circular, please approach the Licensing Team of the HKMA. Yours faithfully, Alan Au Executive Director (Banking Conduct)