COVID-19 Coronavirus: Capital Markets

In light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, some public companies in Hong Kong are struggling to meet their financial reporting obligations. For these companies, the risks associated with any delays in disclosing their financial information should be minimized due to public companies’ disclosure obligations with respect to inside information under the SFO. Further, there is a group of individuals who may be concerned with an increased exposure – the board of directors and, in particular, the audit committee.

Read our guidance: Reporting Obligations for Hong Kong Public Companies (Hong Kong) - April 3, 2020

Amongst many moves being initiated in different markets, AIM regulation set out certain temporary measures it is implementing to support AIM companies and nominated advisers in an attempt to afford market players some latitude during the pandemic crisis. AIM regulation has stated it will be applying 'discretion' to the application of some of the junior market's rules until further notice. AIM companies should continue to meet their disclosure obligations without delay.

Read our guidance: AIM Temporary Measures (UK) - March 26, 2020

The global capital markets are in a state of flux, with major sell offs in global stock markets due to fears about the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus, as well as a result of the slump in oil prices. In these precarious and volatile times, issuers should take time to consider the following.

Read our guidance: Bond Issuer Considerations (Global) - March 23, 2020