Often hear the beautiful ladies and handsome gentlemen in the Hong Kong financial sector talking about the “178 license” they need to obtain. What exactly is it?

May 15, 2023

What is the Hong Kong 178 license?

In fact, the 178 license is not a real license but refers to a combination of examination papers that need to be taken. It consists of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Practitioners Qualification Examination Paper 1, Paper 7, and Paper 8.

In Hong Kong, activities related to the securities industry, such as collecting commissions for buying and selling securities for clients, are regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). One must obtain an SFC license before engaging in such activities.


One of the competency requirements for applying for an SFC license to become a representative or responsible officer is to pass the specified exams in the Licensing Examination (LE) administered by the Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute (HKSI).

For example, if you want to engage in regulated Type 9 activities in Hong Kong - providing asset management, such as managing real estate investment plans as a sales representative, you must pass the HKSI LE Papers 1, 7, and 12.

To engage in regulated Type 1 activities - securities trading - one must pass the HKSI LE Papers 1, 7, and 8.

In addition, passing the exam does not guarantee a successful licensing!
Passing the exam only fulfills one of the competency requirements - meeting the industry qualifications or local regulatory framework examination criteria. Other requirements include education, relevant industry experience, recognized industry qualifications, or additional ongoing training.

Applicants need to submit the exam qualification proof along with other required documents to the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for approval. If approved, they will obtain the qualification to carry out the regulated activities in question, which is considered as obtaining the license.

How can we help?

2CExam provides HKSI LE, IIQE, EAQE and SQE related exam preparation materials. We sell mock question banks for HKSI LE Papers 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12 in Chinese and English; and bibles for HKSI LE Papers 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 in Chinese. We also offer 1 on 1 tutorial services. Besides, we have also made free tutorial videos for HKSI LE Papers 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 12 and posted on public channels such as Youtube/ Bilibili/ Tencent/ Iqiyi. 2CExam has been an exam training expert for years. Should you need any help please visit www.2cexam.com or contact us through:
Phone +852 2110 9644 Email: [email protected] Wechat: hk2cexam WhatsApp: +852 9347 2064

 

 

Please support us by leaving comments and likes if you think this article helps you!

You can scan or click on the QR codes to visit our social media.

Latest Article

Categories

過往文章

Contact US

Interesting Articles

What exam should I take if I want to be a sponsor?

May 26, 2021

  In Hong Kong, unless an individual or company is exempted, If they wish to conduct the ten “regulated activities” defined by the Securities and Futures Ordinance, they need to apply for a license/registration with the Securities and Futures Commission.   Type 1: Dealing in securities Type 2: Dealing in future contracts Type 3: Leveraged…

What exam should I take if I want to help customers buy and sell futures and options?

May 26, 2021

In Hong Kong, unless an individual or company is exempted, if they wish to conduct the ten “regulated activities” defined by the Securities and Futures Ordinance, they need to apply for a license/registration with the Securities and Futures Commission.   Type 1 Dealing in securities Type 2 Dealing in futures contracts Type 3 Leveraged foreign…

What exam should I take if I want to help clients buy and sell Hong Kong stocks, US stocks, and bonds?

May 25, 2021

  In Hong Kong, unless an individual or company is exempted, if they wish to conduct ten “regulated activities” defined by the Securities and Futures Ordinance, they need to apply for a license/registration with the SFC.   Type 1 Dealing in securities Type 2 Dealing in futures contracts Type 3 Leveraged foreign exchange trading Type…

What exam should I take if I want to sell group insurance, accident insurance and disability insurance with death compensation?

May 25, 2021

     Are group insurance, accident insurance and disability insurance with death compensation general insurance policies or long-term policies? In fact, there is no absolute answer, because an insurance policy with both accident/disability compensation and life insurance components can be general policies or long-term policies, depending on the plan. As in death compensation accident insurance: It…

What exam should I take if I want to sell life insurance, savings life insurance, annuities, and critical illness insurance?

May 25, 2021

  Life insurance, endowment insurance, annuities, and critical illness insurance are all insurances that are particularly related to human life. Life insurance and endowment life insurance are types of insurance that pay consolation money to the beneficiary after the death of the insured. Annuities are closely related to the life of the insured. Basically for…

What exam should I take if I want to sell accident insurance, domestic helper insurance, and medical insurance?

May 25, 2021

Accident insurance, domestic helper insurance, and medical insurance are all medical-related insurances that are purchased in order to avoid burdening huge (medical) expenses. According to Hong Kong’s “Insurance Ordinance”, general business protection covers 17 categories, including accidents, sickness, and general legal liability. Therefore, if you want to sell accident insurance, domestic helper insurance, and medical…

What exam should I take if I want to sell engineering insurance and liability insurance?

May 25, 2021

Engineering insurance and liability insurance are insurances designed to avoid huge financial burdens caused by huge losses. Part of the engineering insurance will protect the legal liabilities of causing the third party to be injured or have property losses; while the liability insurance is to compensate for the liabilities derived from causing injuries or losses…

What exam should I take if I want to sell car insurance, water damage insurance, home insurance, property insurance, and marine cargo insurance?

May 25, 2021

Car insurance, water damage insurance, home insurance, property insurance, and marine cargo insurance are all property insurances that are purchased to cover losses caused by accidents. According to Hong Kong’s “Insurance Ordinance”, general business insurance covers 17 major categories, including land vehicles, ships, fires and natural forces, damage to property, etc. Therefore, if you want…

What is the Use for IIQE Certificates?

May 25, 2021

Is there any difference between notification of results and a certificate? Do I need to submit both at the same time when I apply for a license?   The IIQE notification of results and certificate are two different kinds of proof. The Vocational Training Council (VTC) Institute of Professional Education and Knowledge (PEAK) is responsible…

What is the Use of an HKSI Notification of Result and Certificate? Do I Need to Submit Both for SFC/HKMA License Application?

May 25, 2021

HKSI’s notification of results and HKSI certificate are two different kinds of proof. The Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute is responsible for organizing examinations and issuing certificates. Therefore, the notification of results and certificates are issued by HKSI. However, passing the HKSI LE exam and being issued a certificate is not necessarily related. Anyone…