SFC Convicts Ng Ka Hei for False Trading in Hong Kong Stocks

Hong Kong Court Finds Ng Ka Hei Guilty of Market Manipulation

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) convicted Hong Kong trader Ng Ka Hei of seven counts of false trading. The Eastern Magistrates Courts found Ng manipulated share prices from September 2022 to October 2023, misleading investors and damaging market integrity.

This case shows the SFC actively cracking down on market manipulation and deceptive trading that erode investor confidence in Hong Kongs financial markets.

Details of the False Trading Scheme

According to the SFC, Ng employed a manipulative strategy commonly known as “scaffolding.” The technique involves placing and subsequently canceling orders at successively higher price levels to create a false impression of rising demand.

Investigators also found that Ng executed a series of wash trades—transactions in which he was effectively both the buyer and the seller. These artificial trades inflated market activity, leading participants to believe that genuine demand for the shares existed.

By exploiting this false appearance of liquidity, Ng sold his holdings at artificially elevated prices, earning an illicit profit of HK$117,715.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Ng pleaded guilty to all seven charges of false trading under the Securities and Futures Ordinance, which prohibits acts that manipulate the price or appearance of securities trading. Following the conviction, the Eastern Magistrates‘ Courts adjourned sentencing to February 12, 2026, and granted Ng a HK$10,000 cash bail pending the court’s decision.

The SFC said the conviction supports its goal to keep markets fair and warned that offenders will face serious consequences.

Regulatory and Market Implications

This case shows Hong Kong‘s strong commitment to market transparency. As Asian regulators toughen anti-manipulation rules, the SFC’s win against Ng Ka Hei points to stricter oversight and accountability across the region.

Analysts say convictions like this deter trading abuses and support investor trust. The SFC‘s efforts help uphold Hong Kong’s reputation as a strong global market.