The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is an independent statutory body established under the Securities and Futures Commission Ordinance (SFC Ordinance). The Securities and Futures Commission Ordinance and nine other ordinances related to securities and futures have been merged into the Securities and Futures Ordinance. These Provisions came into effect on April 1 2003. The Securities and Futures Commission is responsible for enforcing the laws governing Hong Kong's securities and futures markets and promoting and assisting the development of these markets.

According to the Securities and Futures Ordinance, the statutory regulatory objectives of the Securities and Futures Commission are:

1. Maintain and promote fairness, efficiency, competition, transparency and order in the securities and futures industry;

2. Raise public awareness of the operation and functions of the securities and futures industry;

3. To provide protection for the public who invest in or hold financial products;

4. Minimize crimes and misconduct in the securities and futures industry;

5. Reduce the systemic risk of the securities and futures industry;

6. Take appropriate measures related to the securities and futures industry to assist the Financial Secretary in maintaining the financial stability of Hong Kong.