A Money Lender's License (MLO) is issued by the Licensing Court of Hong Kong under the Money Lenders Ordinance (Cap. 163). It is the legal authorization required for any company to lend money at interest in Hong Kong.
Getting a new MLO from scratch takes 6-12 months and involves court applications, police vetting, and extensive compliance requirements. Buying an existing licensed company is dramatically faster β typically 3-5 weeks for share transfer.
What You Get
- A Hong Kong private limited company holding an active Money Lender's License
- License issued by and registered with the Licensing Court
- All annual compliance returns filed and current
- Audited financial statements (where applicable)
- Company statutory books and records
- Indemnity from seller for pre-transfer liabilities
New Application vs. Buying Existing
| Factor |
Buy Existing License |
Apply New |
| Timeline |
3-5 weeks |
6-12 months |
| Success rate |
Already granted (no court approval needed) |
Not guaranteed (court may reject) |
| Court process |
Minimal (share transfer only) |
Full court application + hearing |
| Cost |
HKD 500,000 - 800,000 |
HKD 100,000+ in fees (if approved) |
| Compliance history |
Established compliance record |
Start from zero |
Transfer Process
1
Inquiry & NDA
Contact us, sign an NDA, and receive detailed information about the licensed company.
2
Due Diligence
Review company records, license status, compliance history, and audit reports.
3
Agreement & Deposit
Sign Sale & Purchase Agreement. Pay deposit. Share transfer documents prepared.
4
Share Transfer & Filing
File share transfer with Companies Registry. Update directors, shareholders, secretary.
5
Completion
Take possession of the licensed company. Balance payment. License continues under new ownership.
Ongoing Requirements After Purchase
- Maintain a physical office in Hong Kong (virtual offices not permitted)
- Annual license renewal with the Licensing Court
- Submit annual audit reports to the Licensing Court
- Comply with the Money Lenders Ordinance (Cap. 163), including maximum interest rate (48% APR) and mandatory loan documentation
- Maintain proper loan records and company registers
- Notify the Licensing Court of any change in directors/shareholders
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Money Lender's License?
A Money Lender's License (MLO) is the legal authorization issued by the Licensing Court of Hong Kong under the Money Lenders Ordinance (Cap. 163). It allows a company to lend money at interest. Without it, lending money at interest in Hong Kong may be unenforceable or illegal.
Do I need to go to court?
Buying an existing licensed company does NOT require a court hearing. The license stays with the company. You simply buy the company via share transfer. The Licensing Court must be notified of the change of ownership, but no hearing is required.
What is the maximum interest rate I can charge?
Under the Money Lenders Ordinance, the maximum effective interest rate is 48% APR. Charging above 60% APR is a criminal offense. Loan agreements must be in writing and signed by the borrower.
Can a non-HK resident buy a money lender license company?
Yes. Non-residents can own a Hong Kong licensed money lender company. However, you must maintain a physical office in Hong Kong and comply with all licensing conditions.
What happens if the license is not renewed?
If the license is not renewed annually, the company loses its authority to lend money. You must submit annual renewal applications with the Licensing Court along with updated company information and audit reports.