1.RISK OF SECURITIES TRADING 
The prices of securities fluctuate, sometimes dramatically. The price of a security may move up or down, and may become valueless. It is as likely that losses will be incurred rather than profit made as a result of buying and selling securities.
 

2.RISK OF TRADING GROWTH ENTERPRISE MARKET STOCKS 
Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) stocks involve a high investment risk. In particular, companies may list on GEM with neither a track record of profitability nor any obligation to forecast future profitability. GEM stocks may be very volatile and illiquid. You should make the decision to invest only after due and careful consideration. The greater risk profile and other characteristics of GEM mean that it is a market more suited to professional and other sophisticated investors. Current information on GEM stocks may only be found on the internet website operated by The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. GEM Companies are usually not required to issue paid announcements in gazetted newspapers.
 
You should seek independent professional advice if you are uncertain of or have not understood any aspect of this risk disclosure statement or the nature and risks involved in trading of GEM stocks.
 

3.RISK OF TRADING SECURITIES DENOMINATED IN RENMINBI (RMB) 
RMB securities are subject to exchange rate fluctuations that may provide both opportunities and risks. The fluctuation in the exchange rate of RMB may result in losses in the event that you convert RMB into Hong Kong dollars (“HKD”) or other foreign currencies. RMB is not fully and freely convertible and conversion of RMB through banks is subject to a daily limit and other limitations as applicable from time to time. You should take note of the limitations and changes thereof as applicable from time to time and allow sufficient time for exchange of RMB from/to another currency if the RMB amount exceeds the daily limit. Any RMB conversion in relation to a RMB securities transaction will be based on an exchange rate determined by the Company as a principal according to the prevailing exchange rate.
 

4.RISK OF TRADING OVERSEAS ISSUERS’ SECURITIES 
Overseas issuer is subject to a different set of governing laws. The tax consequences derived from trading in overseas issuers’ securities which are listed in Hong Kong might vary from that of Hong Kong issuers’ securities owing to the differences in the tax regime (e.g. transactions tax, dividends tax, capital gains tax, etc.). You should consult your own tax advisors as to the applicable tax consequences of purchasing, holding, disposing of or dealing in overseas issuers’ securities based on your particular circumstances in order to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
 

5.RISK OF EXERCISING AND TRADING RIGHTS ISSUE  
For exercising and trading of the rights issue, investors have to pay attention to the deadline and other timelines. Rights issues that are not exercised will have no value upon expiry. If investors decide not to exercise the rights and sell the rights in the market, the rights must be sold during the specified trading period within the subscription period, after which they will become worthless. If investors pass up the rights, the shareholding in the expanded capital of the company will be diluted.

 
6.   RISK OF TRADING EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (ETFs) 
1.     Market risk
ETFs are typically designed to track the performance of certain indices, market sectors, or groups of assets such as stocks, bonds, or commodities.  ETF managers may use different strategies to achieve this goal, but in general they do not have the discretion to take defensive positions in declining markets.  Investors must be prepared to bear the risk of loss and volatility associated with the underlying index/assets.
2.     Tracking errors
Tracking errors refer to the disparity in performance between an ETF and its underlying index/assets.  Tracking errors can arise due to factors such as the impact of transaction fees and expenses incurred to the ETF, changes in composition of the underlying index/assets, and the ETF manager’s replication strategy. (The common replication strategies include full replication/representative sampling and synthetic replication which are discussed in more detail below.)
3.  Trading at discount or premium
An ETF may be traded at a discount or premium to its Net Asset Value (NAV).  This price discrepancy is caused by supply and demand factors, and may be particularly likely to emerge during periods of high market volatility and uncertainty.  This phenomenon may also be observed for ETFs tracking specific markets or sectors that are subject to direct investment restrictions.
4.     Foreign exchange risk
Investors trading ETFs with underlying assets not denominated in Hong Kong dollars are also exposed to exchange rate risk.  Currency rate fluctuations can adversely affect the underlying asset value, also affecting the ETF price.
5.     Liquidity risk
Securities Market Makers (SMMs) are Exchange
Participants that provide liquidity to facilitate trading in ETFs.  Although most ETFs are supported by one or more SMMs, there is no assurance that active trading will be maintained.  In the event that the SMMs default or cease to fulfill their role, investors may not be able to buy or sell the product.
6.     Counterparty risk involved in ETFs with different replication strategies
(a)    Full replication and representative sampling strategies
An ETF using a full replication strategy generally aims to invest in all constituent stocks/assets in the same weightings as its benchmark. ETFs adopting a representative sampling strategy will invest in some, but not all of the relevant constituent stocks/assets. For ETFs that invest directly in the underlying assets rather than through synthetic instruments issued by third parties, counterparty risk tends to be less of concern.
(b)    Synthetic replication strategies
ETFs utilising a synthetic replication strategy use swaps or other derivative instruments to gain exposure to a benchmark. Currently, synthetic replication ETFs can be further categorized into two forms:
 
i. Swap-based ETFs.
Total return swaps allow ETF managers to replicate the benchmark performance of ETFs without purchasing the underlying assets. Swap-based ETFs are exposed to counterparty risk of the swap dealers and may suffer losses if such dealers default or fail to honor their contractual commitments.
 
ii. Derivative embedded ETFs
ETF managers may also use other derivative instruments to synthetically replicate the economic benefit of the relevant benchmark. The derivative instruments may be issued by one or multiple issuers. Derivative embedded ETFs are subject to counterparty risk of the derivative instruments’ issuers and may suffer losses if such issuers default or fail to honour their contractual commitments.
 
Even where collateral is obtained by an ETF, it is subject to the collateral provider fulfilling its obligations.  There is a further risk that when the right against the collateral is exercised, the market value of the collateral could be substantially less than the amount secured resulting in significant loss to the ETF.
 
7.RISK OF TRADING STRUCTURED PRODUCTS 
Compliance with the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the listing rules) and the propose of giving information with regard to us and derivative warrants(warrants), callable contracts(contracts) and other structured products(the warrants, contracts and such other structured products are collectively structured products) to be listed on the stock exchange. The issuer of the structured products may sometimes be the only person quoting prices on the relevant exchange. The prices of the structured products may fall in value as rapidly as they may rise and investors may sustain a total loss of your investment.
 
Structured products are subject to a number of risks which may include but not limited to the following:
1.Issuer default risk
In the event that a structured product issuer becomes insolvent and defaults on their listed securities, investors will be considered as unsecured creditors and will have no preferential claims to any assets held by the issuer. Investors should therefore pay close attention to the financial strength and creditworthiness of structured product issuers.
2.     Uncollateralised product risk
Uncollateralised structured products are not asset backed. In the event of issuer bankruptcy, investors can lose their entire investment. Investors should read the listing documents to determine if a product is uncollateralised.
3.     Gearing risk
Structured products such as derivative warrants and callable bull/bear contracts (CBBCs) are leveraged and can change in value rapidly according to the gearing ratirelative to the underlying assets. Investors should be aware that the value of a structured product may fall to zero resulting in a total loss of the initial investment.
4.     Expiry considerations
        Structured products have an expiry date after which the issue may become worthless. Investors should be aware of the expiry time horizon and choose a product with an appropriate lifespan for their trading strategy. At expiry, if the cash settlement amount is zero or negative, investors will lose the value of your investment.
5.     Extraordinary price movements
The price of a structured product may not match its theoretical price due to outside influences such as market supply and demand factors. As a result, actual traded prices can be higher or lower than the theoretical price.
6.     Foreign exchange risk
Investors trading structured products with underlying assets not denominated in Hong Kong dollars are also exposed to exchange rate risk. Currency rate fluctuations can adversely affect the underlying asset value, also affecting the structured product price.
7.     Liquidity risk
The Exchange requires all structured product issuers to appoint a liquidity provider for each individual issue. The role of liquidity providers is to provide two way quotes to facilitate trading of their products. In the event that a liquidity provider defaults or ceases to fulfill its role, investors may not be able to buy or sell the product until a new liquidity provider has been assigned.
 
Investors should therefore ensure that they understand the nature of the structured products and carefully study the risk factors set out in this base listing document and the relevant supplemental listing document in respect of any issue of structured products before they invest in any structured products and, where necessary, seek professional advice, before they invest in the structured products.
 
Investors need to understand better how products will operate in extreme market conditions or in the face of bankruptcy, structured products constitutes general unsecured contractual obligations.
 
8.  ADDITIONAL RISKS OF TRADING CALLABLE BULL/BEAR CONTRACTS (CBBCs) 
1.     Mandatory call risk
Investors trading CBBCs should be aware of their intraday “knockout” or mandatory call feature. A CBBC will cease trading when the underlying asset value equals the mandatory call price/level as stated in the listing documents. Investors will only be entitled to the residual value of the terminated CBBC as calculated by the product issuer in accordance with the listing documents. Investors should also note that the residual value can be zero.
2.     Funding costs
The issue price of a CBBC includes funding costs. Funding costs are gradually reduced over time as the CBBC moves towards expiry. The longer the duration of the CBBC, the higher the total funding costs. In the event that a CBBC is called, investors will lose the funding costs for the entire lifespan of the CBBC. The formula for calculating the funding costs are stated in the listing documents.
 
9.  ADDITIONAL RISKS OF TRADING DERIVATIVE WARRANTS 
1.     Time decay risk
All things being equal, the value of a derivative warrant will decay over time as it approaches its expiry date. Derivative warrants should therefore not be viewed as long term investments.
2.     Volatility risk
Prices of derivative warrants can increase or decrease in line with the implied volatility of underlying asset price. Investors should be aware of the underlying asset volatility.
 
10.  RISK OF TRADING US EXCHANGE-LISTED OR DERIVATIVES  
You should understand the US rules applicable to trades in security or security-like instrument in markets governed by US law before undertaking any such trading. US law could apply to trading in US markets irrespective of the law applicable in your home jurisdiction. 
 
Many (but by no means all) stocks, bonds and options are listed and traded on US stock exchanges. NASDAQ, which used to be an OTC market among dealers, has now also become a US exchange. For exchange-listed stocks, bonds and options, each exchange promulgates rules that supplement the rules of the US Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the protection of individuals and institutions trading in the securities listed on the exchange.
 
Whether you are intending to trade in US exchange-listed securities or derivatives, you should understand the particular rules that govern the market in which you are intending trade. An investment in any of these instruments tends to increase the risk and the nature of markets in derivatives tends to increase the risk even further. 
 
Market data such as quotes, volume and market size may or may not be as up-to-date as expected with NASDAQ or listed securities.
 
11.  RISK OF TRADING NASDAQ-AMEX SECURITIES AT THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LIMITED 
The securities under the Nasdaq-Amex Pilot Program (“PP”) are aimed at sophisticated investors. You should consult the licensed or registered person and become familiarised with the PP before trading in the PP securities. You should be aware that the PP securities are not regulated as a primary or secondary listing on the Main Board or the Growth Enterprise Market of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.
 
12.  RISKS OF CLIENT ASSETS RECEIVED OR HELD OUTSIDE HONG KONG 
Client assets received or held by the licensed or registered person outside Hong Kong are subject to the applicable laws and regulations of the relevant overseas jurisdiction which may be different from the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571) and the rules made thereunder. Consequently, such client assets may not enjoy the same protection as that conferred on client assets received or held in Hong Kong.
 
13.  RISK OF TRADING OF FOREIGN SECURITIES, INCLUDING B SHARES LISTED IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA 
You should only undertake trading of foreign securities if you understand the nature of foreign securities trading and the extent of your exposure to risks. In particular, foreign securities trading is not regulated by the SEHK and will not be covered by the Investor Compensation Fund despite the fact that Chief Securities Limited is an exchange participant of the SEHK. You should carefully consider whether such trading is appropriate for you in light of your experience, risk profile and other relevant circumstances and seek independent professional advice if you are in doubt.
 
14.  RISK OF TRADING EXCHANGE TRADED NOTES (ETNs) 
ETN is a type of unsecured, unsubordinated debt security issued by an underwriting bank, designed to provide investors access to the returns of various market benchmarks. The returns of ETNs are usually linked to the performance of a market benchmark or strategy, minus applicable fees. Similar to other debt securities, ETNs have a maturity date and are backed only by the credit of the issuer. 
 
You can buy and sell the ETNs on the exchange or receive a cash payment at the scheduled maturity or may early redeem the ETNs directly with the issuer based on the performance of the underlying index less applicable fees, with redemption restrictions, such as the minimum number of ETNs for early redemption, may apply. 
 
There is no guarantee that investors will receive at maturity or upon an earlier repurchase, investors’ initial investment back or any return on that investment. Significant adverse monthly performances for investors’ ETNs may not be offset by any beneficial monthly performances. The issuer of ETNs may have the right to redeem the ETNs at the repurchase value at any time. If at any time the repurchase value of the ETNs is zero, investors’ investment will expire worthless. ETNs may not be liquid and there is no guarantee that you will be able to liquidate your position whenever you wish. 
 
Although both ETFs and ETNs are linked to the return of a benchmark index, ETNs as debt securities do not actually own any assets they are tracking, but just a promise from the issuer to pay investors the theoretical allocation of the return reflected in the benchmark index. It provides limited portfolio diversification with concentrated exposure to a specific index and the index components. In the event that the ETN issuer defaults, the potential maximum loss could be 100% of the investment amount and no return may be received, given ETN is considered as an unsecured debt instrument. 
 
The value of the ETN may drop despite no change in the underlying index, instead due to a downgrade in the issuer’s credit rating. Therefore, by buying ETNs, investors get direct exposure to the credit risk of the issuer and would only have an unsecured bankruptcy claim if the issuer declares bankruptcy. The principal amount is subject to the periodic application of investor fee or any applicable fees that can adversely affect returns. Where you trade ETNs with underlying assets not denominated in local currencies are also exposed to exchange rate risk. Currency rate fluctuations can adversely affect the underlying asset value, also affecting the ETN price. 
 
Investors may have leveraged exposure to the underlying index, depending on the product feature. The value of ETNs can change rapidly according to the gearing ratio relative to the underlying assets. You should be aware that the value of an ETN may fall to zero resulting in a total loss of the initial investment.
 
15.  RISK OF TRADING EQUITY-LINKED NOTES (ELNs) 
ELNs combine notes/deposits with options and its return component is based on the performance of the underlying asset. The maximum return is usually limited to a predetermined amount of cash. You may stand to lose all his investment capital if the price of the underlying asset moves substantially against his view. Most ELNs are not low risk products. You will be taking on the credit risk of the issuer and his investment return depends primarily on the future price movement of the underlying asset(s). ELNs are structured products involving derivatives. Their maximum return is capped but the potential loss can be significant. It is important that you read all the relevant offer documents to fully understand the features and risks of ELNs before deciding to invest.
 
16.  RISK OF PROVIDING AN AUTHORITY TO HOLD MAIL OR TO DIRECT MAIL TO THIRD PARTIES 
If you provide the licensed or registered person with an authority to hold mail or to direct mail to third parties, it is important for you to promptly collect in person all contract notes and statements of your account and review them in detail to ensure that any anomalies or mistakes can be detected in a timely fashion.
 
Notes for licensed or registered persons
The licensed or registered person should confirm with the client at least on an annual basis whether that client wishes to revoke the authority. For the avoidance of doubt, it will be acceptable for the licensed or registered person to send a notification to the client before the expiry date of the authority and inform the client that it is automatically renewed unless the client specifically revokes it in writing before the expiry date.
 
17.  RISK OF USING THE ELECTRONIC TRADING SERVICES 
(1).If you undertake Transactions via Electronic Services, you will be exposed to risks associated with the Electronic Services system including the failure of hardware and software, and the result of any system failure may be that your order is either not executed according to your Instructions or is not executed at all;
(2).Due to unpredictable traffic congestion and other reasons, Electronic Services may not be reliable and Transactions conducted via Electronic Services may be subject to delays in transmission and receipt of your Instructions or other Information, delays in execution or execution of your Instructions at prices different from those prevailing at the time your
Instructions were given, transmission interruption or blackout. There are risks of misunderstanding or errors in communication, and that there is also usually not possible to cancel an Instruction after it has been given. The Company accepts no responsibility for any loss which may be incurred by the Client as a result of such interruptions or delays or access by third parties. You should not place any Instruction with us via Electronic Services if you are not prepared to accept the risk of such interruptions or delays; and
(3) Market data and other information made available to the Client through our Electronic Service may be obtained by the Company from third parties. While the Company believes such market data or information to be reliable, neither the Company nor such third parties guarantees the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of any such market data or information.
 
18.  RISK OF TRADING EQUITY LINKED INSTRUMENTS AND NOTES (ELIs/ELNs)  
    Equity Market Risk
ELNs combine notes/deposits with options, and the return component is based on the performance of the underlying asset. You shall pay attention to fluctuations in the equity market and the underlying security price, impact of dividends and corporate actions. 
   Counter Party Risk 
Most ELNs are not low risk products. You will be taking on the credit risk of the issuer and his investment return depends primarily on the future price movement of the underlying assets. You may incur loss in whole or in part, and may receive underlying security or only part of their investment capital in return. 
(3)    Return and Loss
ELNs are structured products involving derivatives. Their maximum return is capped but the potential loss can be significant. The maximum return is usually limited to a predetermined amount of cash. However, when the price of underlying asset moves against your view, you may stand to lose part or all of your investment capital. 
(4)   Price adjustment 
You should note that the price and return of ELIs at expiry may be affected and adjusted in accordance with any dividend payment with ex-dividend pricing or any corporate actions. 
(5)    Liquidity Risk 
You should be aware that there may not always be a secondary market for the product which poses a liquidity risk. Even though it might exist, the price may be lower than that of the product’s issue or purchase price. 
(6)    Potential yield affected by fees and charges
Generally speaking, ELIs offer an interest rate higher than that of fixed deposits and bonds, and the return on investment is also capped at the potential yield of the ELIs.  
You should note that you will be charged for fees and expenses for the buy/disposal of ELIs and payment / delivery at expiry. You should refer to statements for information of the fees and charges, or make direct enquiry with your broker. The information regarding potential yields may not have taken fees and charges into consideration.
(7)    Additional Features and Trading policy
You should pay attention to read all the offer documents of the products which are intended to invest, to understand the trading policy or additional features if any. Trading policy may stipulate a particular method as to how the ELI will be settled, such as in cash payment or by physical delivery. Additional features may include but not limited to early call, knock-in and daily accrual coupon. The policy and features may affect the return of the ELIs in various ways. 
 
It is important that you should read all the relevant offer documents to fully understand the policy, features, and specific risks of ELIs before your decision to of the investment.
 
19.  RISK OF BOND TRADING 
(a)    Default risk 
This is a risk that bond issuer will be unable to pay bondholder the payment, contractual interest or principal as scheduled. You should pay attention to credit ratings of bond issuers. Lower rated bond issuers may be more likely to default and bondholder may lose the whole or most of their investment.
(b)    Interest rate risk 
It is the major risk associated with bond investments. The price of a fixed rate bond will fall when the interest rate rises. The bond price would fall below the purchase price should interest rate rise after the date of purchase.
(c)    Exchange rate risk
Bond that is dominated in foreign currency is exposed to exchange rate risk. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rate may adversely affect the underlying value and price of the investments. 
(d)   Liquidity risk
In the event of emergency to sell bond before its maturity, there is no assurance that the bond will be actively trading in the secondary market. If the bond issuer defaults or ceases to fulfill their role, you as the investor may not be able buy or sell the product. 
(e)    Equity risk
For bonds that are convertible, equity risk may exist and the underlying value and return of investments may be adversely affected.
 
20. Risk of providing an authority to repledge your securities collateral etc.
There is risk if you provide the licensed or registered person with an authority that allows it to apply your securities or securities collateral pursuant to a securities borrowing and lending agreement, repledge your securities collateral for financial accommodation or deposit your securities collateral as collateral for the discharge and satisfaction of its settlement obligations and liabilities.
 
If your securities or securities collateral are received or held by the licensed or registered person in Hong Kong, the above arrangement is allowed only if you consent in writing. Moreover, unless you are a professional investor, your authority must specify the period for which it is current and be limited to not more than 12 months. If you are a professional investor, these restrictions do not apply.
 
Additionally, your authority may be deemed to be renewed (i.e. without your written consent) if the licensed or registered person issues you a reminder at least 14 days prior to the expiry of the authority, and you do not object to such deemed renewal before the expiry date of your then existing authority.
 
You are not required by any law to sign these authorities. But an authority may be required by licensed or registered persons, for example, to facilitate margin lending to you or to allow your securities or securities collateral to be lent to or deposited as collateral with third parties. The licensed or registered person should explain to you the purposes for which one of these authorities is to be used.
 
If you sign one of these authorities and your securities or securities collateral are lent to or deposited with third parties, those third parties will have a lien or charge on your securities or securities collateral. Although the licensed or registered person is responsible to you for securities or securities collateral lent or deposited under your authority, a default by it could result in the loss of your securities or securities collateral.
 
A cash account not involving securities borrowing and lending is available from most licensed or registered persons. If you do not require margin facilities or do not wish your securities or securities collateral to be lent or pledged, do not sign the above authorities and ask to open this type of cash account.
 
21. Risks of Synthetic Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”)
Unlike traditional Exchange traded Funds (“ETFs”), Synthetic ETFs do not buy the assets in their benchmark. Instead, they typically invest in financial derivative instruments to replicate the benchmark’s performance. Investment in Synthetic ETFs involves high risk and is not suitable for every investor. Investors should understand and consider the following risks before trading Synthetic ETFs.
(a)  Market Risk
ETFs are typically designed to track the performance of certain indices, market sectors, or group of assets such as stocks, bonds, or commodities. Investors are exposed to the political, economic, currency and other risks related to the ETF’s underlying index/assets it is tracking. Investment must be prepared to bear the risk of loss and volatility associated with the underlying index/asset.
(b)  Counterparty Risk
Where a Synthetic ETF invests in derivatives to replicate the index performance, investors are exposed to the credit risk of the counterparties who issued the derivatives, in addition to the risks relating to the index, Further, potential contagion and concentration risks of the derivatives issuers should be taken into account (e.g. since derivative issuers are predominantly international financial institutions, the failure of one derivative counterparty of Synthetic ETF may have a “knock-on” effect on other derivative counterparties of the Synthetic ETFs). Some Synthetic ETFs have collateral to reduce the counterparty risk, but there may be a risk that the market value of the collateral has fallen substantially when the Synthetic ETF seeks to realize the collateral.
(c)  Liquidity Risk
There is no assurance that a liquid market exists for an ETF. A higher liquidity risk is involved if a Synthetic ETF involves derivatives which do not have an active secondary market. Wider bid-offer spreads in the price of derivatives may result in losses. Therefore, they can be more difficult costly to unwind early, when the instruments provide access to a restricted market where liquidity is limited.
(d)  Tracking Error Risk
There may be disparity between the performance of the ETFs and the performance of the underlying index due to, for instance, failure of the tracking strategy, currency differences, fees and expenses.
(e)  Trading at a Discount or Premium
Where the index/ market that the ETF tracks is subject to restricted access, the efficiency in unit creation or redemption to keep the price of the ETFs in line with its net asset value (NAV) may be disrupted, causing the ETF to trade at a higher premium or discount to its NAV. Investors who buy an ETF at a premium may not be able to recover the premium in the event of termination.
(f)  Foreign Exchange Risk
Investors trading ETFs with underlying assets not denominated in Hong Kong dollars are also exposed to exchange rate risk. Currency rate fluctuations can adversely affect the underlying asset value, also affecting the ETFs price.