Generic risk warning and disclaimer

Investment involves risk. As a general rule, you should only trade in financial products that you are familiar with and understand the risk associated with them. The risk warning described in each financial product below is not exhaustive, you should carefully consider your investment experience, financial situation, investment objective, risk tolerance level and consult your independent financial adviser as to the suitability of your situation prior making any investment.

Shares

Risk of Securities Trading

The prices of securities fluctuate, sometimes dramatically. The price of a security may move up or down, and may become valueless. It is as likely that losses will be incurred rather than profit made as a result of buying and selling securities.

Risk of Margin Trading

The risk of loss in financing a transaction by deposit of collateral is significant. You may sustain losses in excess of your cash and any other assets deposited as collateral with the licensed or registered person. Market conditions may make it impossible to execute contingent orders, such as “stop-loss ” or “stop-limit” orders. You may be called upon at short notice to make additional margin deposits or interest payments. If the required margin deposits or interest payments are not made within the prescribed time, your collateral may be liquidated without your consent. Moreover, you will remain liable for any resulting deficit in your account and interest charged on your account. You should therefore carefully consider whether such a financing arrangement is suitable in light of your own financial position and investment objectives.

Risk of providing an authority to repledge your securities collateral

There is risk if you provide the licensed or registered person with an authority that allows it to apply your securities or securities collateral pursuant to a securities borrowing and lending agreement, repledge your securities collateral for financial accommodation or deposit your securities collateral as collateral for the discharge and satisfaction of its settlement obligations and liabilities.

If your securities or securities collateral are received or held by the licensed or registered person in Hong Kong, the above arrangement is allowed only if you consent in writing. Moreover, unless you are a professional investor, your authority must specify the period for which it is current and be limited to not more than 12 months. If you are a professional investor, these restrictions do not apply.

Additionally, your authority may be deemed to be renewed (i.e. without your written consent) if the licensed or registered person issues you a reminder at least 14 days prior to the expiry of the authority, and you do not object to such deemed renewal before the expiry date of your then existing authority.

You are not required by any law to sign these authorities. But an authority may be required by licensed or registered persons, for example, to facilitate margin lending to you or to allow your securities or securities collateral to be lent to or deposited as collateral with third parties. The licensed or registered person should explain to you the purposes for which one of these authorities is to be used.

If you sign one of these authorities and your securities or securities collateral are lent to or deposited with third parties, those third parties will have a lien or charge on your securities or securities collateral. Although the licensed or registered person is responsible to you for securities or securities collateral lent or deposited under your authority, a default by it could result in the loss of your securities or securities collateral.

A cash account not involving securities borrowing and lending is available from most licensed or registered persons. If you do not require margin facilities or do not wish your securities or securities collateral to be lent or pledged, do not sign the above authorities and ask to open this type of cash account.

Risk of trading Growth Enterprise Market stocks

Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) stocks involve a high investment risk. In particular, companies may list on GEM with neither a track record of profitability nor any obligation to forecast future profitability. GEM stocks may be very volatile and illiquid. You should make the decision to invest only after due and careful consideration. The greater risk profile and other characteristics of GEM mean that it is a market more suited to professional and other sophisticated investors. Current information on GEM stocks may only be found on the internet website operated by The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. GEM Companies are usually not required to issue paid announcements in gazetted newspapers. You should seek independent professional advice if you are uncertain of or have not understood any aspect of this risk disclosure statement or the nature and risks involved in trading of GEM stocks.

Risk of trading Nasdaq-Amex securities at The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited

The securities under the Nasdaq-Amex Pilot Program (“PP”) are aimed at sophisticated investors. You should consult the licensed or registered person and become familiarised with the PP before trading in the PP securities. You should be aware that the PP securities are not regulated as a primary or secondary listing on the Main Board or the Growth Enterprise Market of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

HK Shares IPO

Risk associated with HK Shares IPO

The allotment basis is unknown at the time of subscription. In case of the shares are heavily over subscription, you may only be allotted part of the shares or even no shares at all. On the other hand, if the IPO turns out to be not as popular as it is anticipated to be, then you may get more shares than you would expect.

When you subscribe IPO shares through IPO financing, additional financing costs will be incurred even though no shares being allotted.

IPO shares price will not necessarily rise above the offer price on the first day of trading. Performance of new shares will also be affected by the overall market sentiment and it is possible for the share price to drop below the offer price.

The potential profits derived from an IPO investment may not offset the transaction costs and interest expense incurred if subscribe on margin. You will incur a loss if allotted shares are unable to sell above the offer price anticipated.

When you subscribe IPO shares under the international placing tranche (as opposed to the Hong Kong public offering tranche), there might be certain unforeseen circumstances that lead to potential late delivery of the allotted shares to your trading account. In case you wish to sell the allotted shares, please contact your Wealth Manager or call our Customer Service Hotline for assistance.

Warrants

Specific risk of Warrants

Issuer Default Risk

In the event that a warrant issuer becomes insolvent and defaults on their listed securities, you will be considered as unsecured creditors and will have no preferential claims to any assets held by the issuer. You should therefore pay close attention to the financial strength and credit worthiness of warrant issuers. 

Product Risk     

Warrants are issued over underlying securities, baskets of securities, an underlying index or a currency. The value of warrants will depend on a range of factors, such as exercise price, the price of the underlying securities or the level of the underlying index, the volatility of the underlying securities or the underlying index, the time remaining to the expiry date, interest rate, dividends and other factors. Thus, you should be familiar with mechanics of warrants before purchasing the same.

Gearing Risk

Warrants are traded by way of leverage and can change in value rapidly according to the gearing ratio relative to the underlying assets. You should be aware that the value of a warrant may fall to zero resulting in a total loss of the initial investment.

Expiry Considerations

Warrants have a limited life span. The value of warrants erodes as the warrant nears its expiry. On expiry, warrant cannot be traded or exercised and it is possible that it may become worthless. You may lose the whole invested amount together as well as the associated trading cost (if any). Therefore, you should be aware of the expiry time horizon and choose a product with an appropriate lifespan for their trading strategy.

Foreign Exchange Risk

Trading warrants with underlying assets not denominated in Hong Kong dollars are also exposed to exchange rate risk. Currency rate fluctuations can adversely affect the underlying asset value, also affecting the structured product price.

Specific Risk of Trading Derivative Warrants

Time decay risk

All things being equal, the value of a derivative warrant will decay over time as it approaches its expiry date. Derivative warrants should therefore not be viewed as long term investments.

Volatility risk

Prices of derivative warrants can increase or decrease in line with the implied volatility of underlying asset price. You should be aware of the underlying asset volatility.

Specific Risk of Trading Callable Bull/Bear Contracts (“CBBC”)
Mandatory call risk

You trading CBBCs should be aware of their intraday “knockout” or mandatory call feature. A CBBC will cease trading when the underlying asset value equals the mandatory call price/ level as stated in the listing documents. You will only be entitled to the residual value of the terminated CBBC as calculated by the product issuer in accordance with the listing documents. You should also note that the residual value can be zero.

Funding costs

The issue price of a CBBC includes funding costs. Funding costs are gradually reduced over time as the CBBC moves towards expiry. The longer the duration of the CBBC, the higher the total funding costs. In the event that a CBBC is called, you will lose the funding costs for the entire lifespan of the CBBC. The formula for calculating the funding costs are stated in the listing documents. 

Shanghai – Hong Kong Stock Connect

Specific Risk associated with Shanghai – Hong Kong Stock Connect

Not protected by Investor Compensation Fund

Stock trading under Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect will not be covered by Hong Kong's Investor Compensation Fund.

Quota

Trading under Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect will, initially, be subject to a maximum cross-boundary investment quota (i.e., Aggregate Quota), together with a Daily Quota. You should be noted that the corresponding buy orders will be suspended on the next trading day (sell orders will still be accepted) until the aggregate quota balance returns to the daily quota level.

Difference in trading day

Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect will only operate on days when both markets are open for trading and when banks in both markets are open on the corresponding settlement days. So it is possible that there are occasions when it is a normal trading day for the Mainland market but you cannot carry out any A share trading. You should take note of the days Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect is open for business and decide according to their own risk tolerance capability whether or not to take on the risk of price fluctuations in A shares during the time when Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect is not trading.

Restrictions on selling imposed by front-end monitoring

If you usually keep your A-shares outside of your brokers, if you want to sell certain A shares you hold, you must transfer those A shares to the respective accounts of your brokers before the market opens on the day of selling (T day). If you fail to meet this deadline, you will not be able to sell those A shares on T day.

The recalling of eligible stocks

When a stock is recalled from the scope of eligible stocks for trading via Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, the stock can only be sold but restricted from being bought. This may affect your investment portfolio or strategies. You should therefore pay close attention to the list of eligible stocks as provided and renewed from time to time by SSE and SEHK.

Trade suspension mechanism for Mainland A-shares

According to the Rules of the Shanghai Stock Exchange on the Real-time Monitoring of Unusual Securities Transactions《上海證券交易所證券異常交易實時監控細則》as promulgated by the SSE, trading may be suspended temporarily during a trading day to suit market needs.

Market volatility risk

As an emerging market, mainland China has a higher market volatility compared to other developed markets.

Macro-economic Risk

The economic slowdown of mainland China in recent years has raised the concern about its growth outlook, and the potential circumstances is sometimes described as “hard landing”.

Liquidity Risk

AThe A-Share market is dominated by retail investors, whose participation rate is up to 81%. As the market is not fully open to all investors, it is sensitive to the changes in policies and liquidity in China. Some investors will gauge the risks caused by potential changes in liquidity and policies with the Shanghai Interbank Offered Rate (SHIBOR), sovereign bond yields and the open market operations of the People’s Bank of China.

Currency risk in RMB

You will be exposed to currency risk if conversion of the local currency into RMB is required. RMB is subject to exchange rate risk. Fluctuation in the exchange rate of RMB may result in losses in the event that you subsequently convert RMB into another currency (including Hong Kong Dollars). Exchange controls imposed by the relevant authorities may also adversely affect the applicable exchange rate. RMB is currently not freely convertible and conversion of RMB may be subject to certain policy, regulatory requirements and/or restrictions (which are subject to changes from time to time without notice). The actual conversion arrangement will depend on the policy, regulatory requirements and/or restrictions prevailing at the relevant time.

Futures and Options

Risk of trading Futures and Options

The risk of loss in trading futures contracts or options is substantial. In some circumstances, you may sustain losses in excess of your initial margin funds. Placing contingent orders, such as “stop-loss” or “stop-limit” orders, will not necessarily avoid loss. Market conditions may make it impossible to execute such orders. You may be called upon at short notice to deposit additional margin funds. If the required funds are not provided within the prescribed time, your position may be liquidated. You will remain liable for any resulting deficit in your account. Trading in futures and options is not suitable for many members of the public, You should therefore study and understand futures contracts and options before you trade and carefully consider whether such trading is suitable in the light of your investment experience, own financial position and investment objectives. If you trade options you should inform yourself of exercise and expiration procedures and your rights and obligations upon exercise or expiry.

Effect of “Leverage” or “Gearing”

Transactions in futures carry a high degree of risk. The amount of initial margin is small relative to the value of the futures contract so that transactions are “leveraged” or “geared” . A relatively small market movement will have a proportionately larger impact on the funds you have deposited or will have to deposit: this may work against you as well as for you. You may sustain a total loss of initial margin funds and any additional funds deposited with the firm to maintain your position. If the market moves against your position or margin levels are increased, you may be called upon to pay substantial additional funds on short notice to maintain your position. If you fail to comply with a request for additional funds within the time prescribed, your position may be liquidated at a loss and you will be liable for any resulting deficit.

Risk-reducing Orders or Strategies

The placing of certain orders (e.g. “stop-loss” orders, or “stop-limit” orders) which are intended to limit losses to certain amounts may not be effective because market conditions may make it impossible to execute such orders. Strategies using combinations of positions, such as “spread” and “straddle” positions may be as risky as taking simple “long” or “short” positions.

Options - Variable Degree of Risk

Transactions in options carry a high degree of risk. Purchasers and sellers of options should familiarize themselves with the type of option (i.e. put or call) which they contemplate trading and the associated risks. You should calculate the extent to which the value of the options must increase for your position to become profitable, taking into account the premium and all transaction costs.

The purchaser of options may offset or exercise the options or allow the options to expire. The exercise of an option results either in a cash settlement or in the purchaser acquiring or delivering the underlying interest. If the option is on a futures contract, the purchaser will acquire a futures position with associated liabilities for margin. If the purchased options expire worthless, you will suffer a total loss of your investment which will consist of the option premium plus transaction costs. If you are contemplating purchasing deep-out-of-the-money options, you should be aware that the chance of such options becoming profitable ordinarily is remote.

Selling (“writing” or “granting” ) an option generally entails considerably greater risk than purchasing options. Although the premium received by the seller is fixed, the seller may sustain a loss well in excess of that amount. The seller will be liable for additional margin to maintain the position if the market moves unfavorably. The seller will also be exposed to the risk of the purchaser exercising the option and the seller will be obligated to either settle the option in cash or to acquire or deliver the underlying interest. If the option is on a futures contract, the seller will acquire a position in a futures contract with associated liabilities for margin. If the option is “covered” by the seller holding a corresponding position in the underlying interest or a futures contract or another option, the risk may be reduced. If the option is not covered, the risk of loss can be unlimited.

Certain exchanges in some jurisdictions permit deferred payment of the option premium, exposing the purchaser to liability for margin payments not exceeding the amount of the premium. The purchaser is still subject to the risk of losing the premium and transaction costs. When the option is exercised or expires, the purchaser is responsible for any unpaid premium outstanding at that time.

Terms and Conditions of Contracts

You should ask the firm with which you deal about the terms and conditions of the specific futures or options which you are trading and associated obligations (e.g. the circumstances under which you may become obliged to make or take delivery of the underlying interest of a futures contract and, in respect of options, expiration dates and restrictions on the time for exercise). Under certain circumstances the specifications of outstanding contracts (including the exercise price of an option) may be modified by the exchange or clearing house to reflect changes in the underlying interest.

Suspension or Restriction of Trading and Pricing Relationships

Market conditions (e.g. illiquidity) and/or the operation of the rules of certain markets (e.g. the suspension of trading in any contract or contract month because of price limits or “circuit breakers”) may increase the risk of loss by making it difficult or impossible to effect transactions or liquidate/offset positions. If you have sold options, this may increase the risk of loss.

Further, normal pricing relationships between the underlying interest and the futures, and the underlying interest and the option may not exist. This can occur when, for example, the futures contract underlying the option is subject to price limits while the option is not. The absence of an underlying reference price may make it difficult to judge “fair value”.

Deposited Cash and Property

You should familiarize yourself with the protections given to money or other property you deposit for domestic and foreign transactions, particularly in the event of a firm insolvency or bankruptcy. The extent to which you may recover your money or property may be governed by specific legislation or local rules. In some jurisdictions, property which had been specifically identifiable as your own will be pro-rated in the same manner as cash for purposes of distribution in the event of a shortfall.

Commission and Other Charges

Before you begin to trade, you should obtain a clear explanation of all commission, fees and other charges for which you will be liable. These charges will affect your net profit (if any) or increase your loss.

Transactions in Other Jurisdictions

Transactions on markets in other jurisdictions, including markets formally linked to a domestic market, may expose you to additional risk. Such markets may be subject to regulation which may offer different or diminished investor protection. Before you trade you should enquire about any rules relevant to your particular transactions. Your local regulatory authority will be unable to compel the enforcement of the rules of regulatory authorities or markets in other jurisdictions where your transactions have been effected. You should ask the firm with which you deal for details about the types of redress available in both your home jurisdiction and other relevant jurisdictions before you start to trade.

Trading Facilities

Electronic trading facilities are supported by computer-based component systems for the order-routing, execution, matching, registration or clearing of trades. As with all facilities and systems, they are vulnerable to temporary disruption or failure. Your ability to recover certain losses may be subject to limits on liability imposed by the system provider, the market, the clearing house and/or participant firms. Such limits may vary: you should ask the firm with which you deal for details in this respect.

Off-exchange Transactions

In some jurisdictions, and only then in restricted circumstances, firms are permitted to effect off-exchange transactions. The firm with which you deal may be acting as your counterparty to the transaction. It may be difficult or impossible to liquidate an existing position, to assess the value, to determine a fair price or to assess the exposure to risk. For these reasons, these transactions may involve increased risks. Off-exchange transactions may be less regulated or subject to a separate regulatory regime. Before you undertake such transactions, you should familiarize yourself with applicable rules and attendant risks.

Foreign Exchange

Risk Warning

The risk of loss in leveraged foreign exchange trading can be substantial. You may sustain losses in excess of your initial margin funds. Placing contingent orders, such as “stop-loss ” or “stop-limit” orders, will not necessarily limit losses to the intended amounts. Market conditions may make it impossible to execute such orders. You may be called upon at short notice to deposit additional margin funds. If the required funds are not provided within the prescribed time, your position may be liquidated and you will remain liable for any resulting deficit in your account. You should therefore carefully consider whether such trading is suitable in light of your own financial position and investment objectives.

Others

Risks of client assets received or held outside Hong Kong

Client assets received or held by the licensed or registered person outside Hong Kong are subject to the applicable laws and regulations of the relevant overseas jurisdiction which may be different from the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571) and the rules made thereunder. Consequently, such client assets may not enjoy the same protection as that conferred on client assets received or held in Hong Kong.

Currency risk

The profit or loss in transactions in foreign currency-denominated contracts (whether they are traded in your own or another jurisdiction) will be affected by fluctuations in currency rates where there is a need to convert from the currency denomination of the contract to another currency.

Risk of using electronic trading service

Trading on an electronic trading system may differ from trading on other electronic trading systems. If you undertake transactions on an electronic trading system, you will be exposed to risks associated with the system including the failure of hardware and software. The result of any system failure may be that your order is either not executed according to your instructions or is not executed at all.