HKMA Revises Guidance on Risk Management of Electronic Banking

Given that e-banking involves the delivery of financial services through technological means, both general risk management principles applicable to the provision of the underlying financial services and the typical technological controls are applicable to e-banking. This module does not repeat the general guidance of HKMA in these areas, instead it elaborates on how the relevant risk management measures may be applied or refined in case of e-banking for different types of customers. Authorized institutions should use a risk-based approach to managing the risks associated with e-banking. In this connection, authorized institutions should comply with the requirements in this module and should also make reference to other relevant Supervisory Policy Manual modules and HKMA guidance issued from time to time. 

As part of the risk governance for e-banking, authorized institutions’ senior management should establish clear policies and accountability to ensure that a rigorous independent assessment is performed before the launch of any new electronic delivery channel of e-banking service, or a major enhancement to existing services. The purpose of the independent assessment is to validate whether the e-banking service complies with applicable regulatory guidance and whether sufficient risk management controls are in place in relation to the service or enhancement concerned. In general, items to be reported in the independent assessment should cover, at a minimum, the areas specified in Annex A, and the report should be submitted to HKMA on request.

Keywords: Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Banking, E-Banking, Risk Management, Supervisory Policy Manual, Independent Assessment, HKMA