What is a TCSP License in Hong Kong? Why It Matters When Choosing a Company Secretary

When registering a Hong Kong company, you will need to appoint a licensed company secretary. But what does “licensed” mean in this context? This guide explains the TCSP licensing regime, why it was introduced, and why it matters when choosing your company secretary or corporate service provider.

What is a TCSP License?

TCSP stands for Trust or Company Service Provider. A TCSP license is a regulatory license issued by the Hong Kong Companies Registry under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (AMLO). It is required for any person or entity that provides the following services in Hong Kong:

• Formation of companies or other legal persons
• Acting as a director, company secretary, or nominee shareholder of a company
• Providing a registered office address for a company
• Acting as a trustee of an express trust
• Acting as a nominee shareholder for another person

In other words, if a company secretary firm or corporate service provider offers any of these services in Hong Kong, they must hold a valid TCSP license.

Why Was the TCSP Regime Introduced?

The TCSP licensing regime was introduced in March 2018 as part of Hong Kong’s efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. It aligns Hong Kong with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and ensures that all corporate service providers meet minimum standards for:

• Customer due diligence (CDD) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures
• Record-keeping requirements
• Suspicious transaction reporting
• Ongoing monitoring of business relationships

How to Verify a TCSP License

The Hong Kong Companies Registry maintains a public register of all licensed TCSP holders. You can verify any provider’s license by searching the TCSP Register on the Companies Registry website (www.cr.gov.hk).

Echo Olesen Global holds TCSP license TC010076, which can be verified on the Companies Registry’s public register.

Why You Should Only Work with TCSP-Licensed Providers

Working with an unlicensed company secretary or corporate service provider carries significant risks:

• Legal risk: Engaging an unlicensed TCSP is an offence under Hong Kong law, potentially exposing your company to regulatory action.
• Compliance risk: Unlicensed providers may not follow proper KYC and AML procedures, putting your company at risk of being used for illicit purposes.
• Reputational risk: Association with an unlicensed provider can damage your company’s reputation with banks and business partners.
• Banking risk: Hong Kong banks increasingly require evidence that your company secretary is TCSP-licensed before opening a business account.

What to Look for in a TCSP-Licensed Provider

When choosing a company secretary or corporate service provider in Hong Kong, look for:

• A valid TCSP license number (verifiable on the Companies Registry website)
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Clear communication and responsive service
• Experience with international clients and overseas-owned companies
• Comprehensive services covering company registration, company secretary, and ongoing compliance

Echo Olesen Global’s TCSP License

Echo Olesen Global (傲承環球) holds TCSP license TC010076, issued by the Hong Kong Companies Registry. Our licensed team provides company registration, company secretary, registered office address, and a full range of corporate services to international clients in over 50 countries. Our TCSP license can be verified at any time on the Companies Registry’s public register.

Conclusion

The TCSP licensing regime is a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s regulatory framework for corporate service providers. Always verify your company secretary’s TCSP license before engaging their services. Echo Olesen Global’s TCSP-licensed team is committed to providing compliant, professional corporate services to international clients — contact us for a free consultation.