Hong Kong remains one of Asia’s most dynamic financial centers, home to a robust regulatory environment and a highly skilled talent pool. For global companies looking to expand or build a finance-focused team in the region, hiring finance and investment experts in Hong Kong presents both incredible opportunities and regulatory complexity.

The biggest decision for international employers is whether to establish a local entity or partner with an Employer of Record (EOR). Both approaches allow companies to hire remote employees in Hong Kong, but they differ significantly in setup time, compliance risks, and long-term flexibility.

This guide compares both options in detail and explains how to choose the best strategy to access Hong Kong’s premier financial talent—without compromising compliance or speed to market.

Why Hire Finance and Investment Experts in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is ranked among the top three global financial centers, offering access to professionals in:

• Asset and wealth management
  
• Investment banking and advisory
  
• Fintech and digital payments
  
• Corporate finance and treasury
  
• Audit, tax, and compliance
  

These professionals are well-versed in international finance regulations, multilingual (often fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin), and familiar with regional markets like China, Singapore, and Southeast Asia.

For global businesses seeking to expand APAC operations or manage regional capital flows, building a team in Hong Kong makes strategic sense.

Option 1: Setting Up a Local Entity

Establishing a Hong Kong limited company or branch office is the traditional approach for global businesses entering the market. Here’s what it involves:

Legal and Administrative Steps

• Register with the Companies Registry
  
• Appoint a local company secretary
  
• Open a local business bank account
  
• Apply for a Business Registration Certificate
  
• File tax and audit reports annually
  

This process typically takes 4–8 weeks and incurs legal and setup costs ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 20,000, depending on complexity.

Compliance Responsibilities

When operating a local entity, you’ll be responsible for:

• Drafting compliant employment contracts in English and Chinese
  
• Processing payroll under Hong Kong labor laws
  
• Withholding salaries, contributions to MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund)
  
• Handling tax declarations (including salaries tax and employer returns)
  
• Providing legally mandated benefits like paid leave, severance, and sick days
  

Failure to comply may result in fines, penalties, or reputational damage.

Option 2: Hiring Through an Employer of Record (EOR)

An Employer of Record is a third-party organization that hires employees on your behalf in Hong Kong. You direct the work, but the EOR company handles all local compliance.

Key Benefits of Using an EOR

• Faster market entry (onboarding in 1–2 weeks)
  
• No need to register a legal entity
  
• Access to compliant employment contracts and HR processes
  
• Full support for payroll, tax, and MPF contributions
  
• Easier scaling: hire one person or build a full team
  
• Minimal legal exposure
  

With a trusted EOR company, you can hire remote employees like financial analysts, fund managers, or tax advisors quickly and compliantly—especially useful for project-based hiring or market testing.

Comparing EOR vs Local Entity

Compliance Matters: Payroll & Tax Obligations in Hong Kong

Regardless of your setup, all employers must comply with Hong Kong’s employment laws. Key responsibilities include:

Salaries Tax and Returns

Employees are subject to Hong Kong’s progressive tax system. Employers must submit annual employer returns and notify the Inland Revenue Department of new hires.

Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)

A compulsory retirement savings scheme where both employer and employee contribute 5% of the monthly salary, up to a capped amount.

Working Hours and Leave

There is no statutory maximum working hour limit, but employees are entitled to:

• 7–14 days of paid annual leave
  
• 12 statutory holidays
  
• Paid sick leave
  
• Maternity/paternity leave
  

A qualified EOR company or top EOR provider ensures all contributions and obligations are managed in real time, so you avoid non-compliance.

Common Finance Roles Hired in Hong Kong via EOR

Some of the most commonly hired roles include:

• Investment Analysts
  
• Corporate Finance Managers
  
• Fund Operations Specialists
  
• Financial Controllers
  
• Tax Advisors
  
• Risk & Compliance Officers
  
• Fintech Product Managers
  

With increasing digitalization, there’s also a demand for finance professionals experienced in blockchain, ESG reporting, and digital asset management.

How an EOR Simplifies Hiring These Experts

A reputable EOR company in Hong Kong takes care of:

• Drafting bilingual employment contracts
  
• Managing onboarding and probation processes
  
• Handling international payroll services in HKD
  
• Ensuring MPF and tax compliance
  
• Providing statutory and additional benefits
  
• Offering exit management and termination support
  

You focus on core finance operations, client acquisition, or fund growth—while your Employer of Record ensures every employment touchpoint complies with local laws.

Why EOR Is Ideal for Finance Sector Expansion

In the fast-paced finance industry, agility and compliance are critical. An EOR solution lets you:

• Test the Hong Kong market before full investment
  
• Build a small expert team to manage APAC financial ops
  
• Quickly replace or expand roles based on project scope
  
• Ensure compliance with evolving financial regulations
  

It’s especially beneficial for hedge funds, fintechs, wealth managers, and advisory firms looking to scale fast.

The Bottom Line: EOR for Scalable, Compliant Hiring in Hong Kong

Hiring finance and investment experts in Hong Kong offers global businesses a strategic edge—but the process must be managed with care. Setting up a local entity makes sense for long-term, large-scale operations with significant in-market presence. However, for most companies exploring opportunities or scaling selectively, working with a trusted Employer of Record delivers speed, flexibility, and peace of mind.

From drafting compliant contracts to managing payroll and taxes, your EOR company acts as a seamless extension of your global HR strategy.

Why Global Employers Trust Team Apac

At Team Apac, we specialize in helping international businesses hire remote employees in Hong Kong and across the Asia-Pacific region. As one of the top EOR providers, we deliver customized global employment solutions, handle all aspects of compliance, and offer robust international payroll services so you can focus on building a world-class financial team—without borders.
Let Team Apac simplify your Hong Kong hiring strategy. Reach out today to learn more about our best Employer of Record services.