meta_id 2964391

On March 13, 2026, the Hong Kong Government gazetted the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 3) Notice 2026, revising 12 fees under the licensing regime for Money Service Operators (MSOs). The new fees will take effect on May 15, 2026. The revised fees reflect a cost recovery review conducted at 2026-27 price levels, which identified that current cost recovery rates for 11 of the 12 fees ranged from 60 to 76 percent. The revision aligns with the government's "user-pays" principle, ensuring fees adequately recover the full cost of public services provided. The photocopying fee will increase to HK$1.5 per page to align with relevant government standard charges. The remaining 11 fees will increase between 10 and 15 percent, or between HK$55 and HK$500 in dollar terms. Key fee increases include: application for licence grant (from HK$3,310 to HK$3,810); licence renewal (from HK$790 to HK$910); and applications for approval to become a director, ultimate owner, or partner (from HK$860 to HK$945 per person). Additional fees for business premises and persons subject to fit and proper person tests have also been adjusted proportionally. These fees have remained unchanged since the MSO regime commenced on April 1, 2012. Hong Kong Customs will continue enhancing efficiency and streamlining procedures to contain service provision costs. Enquiries can be directed to the Money Service Supervision Bureau at 3742 7742 or msoenquiry@customs.gov.hk. REFERENCES: Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 3) Notice 2026, Hong Kong Government Press Release, March 13, 2026