Completing SIS-4 supplementary information for an individual or partnership renewal

SIS-4 Supplementary Information for an Individual or Partnership Renewal

The SIS-4 Supplementary Information for an Individual or Partnership Renewal accompanies a Form 6 application when an individual or partnership seeks to renew a money lenders licence under the Money Lenders Ordinance (Cap. 163). The licensing authority, the Commissioner for Labour, requires this supplementary information to verify that the applicant continues to meet the fit and proper criteria for holding a licence.

SIS-4 Form Money Lenders Licence

The SIS-4 form is the standard supplementary information schedule for individual and partnership applicants renewing a money lenders licence. It is distinct from the SIS-3 form, which is used for company renewals. File the SIS-4 together with Form 6 and the required fee. The Commissioner for Labour uses the information on the SIS-4 to assess whether the licence should be renewed, varied or refused.

Individual Licence Renewal Supplementary Information

For an individual licence renewal, the SIS-4 focuses on the personal circumstances of the sole proprietor. State your full name, Hong Kong identity card number, residential address and contact details. You must also declare any changes to your personal information since the last licence was granted or renewed. The licensing authority will check your criminal record, bankruptcy history and any previous refusals or revocations of licences under the Money Lenders Ordinance or other regulated activity regimes. If you have been convicted of any offence involving fraud, dishonesty or violence, provide full details, including the date of conviction, the court and the sentence imposed.

Partnership Licence Renewal SIS-4

When a partnership applies for renewal, complete the SIS-4 for each partner individually. The form treats each partner as a separate applicant for the purposes of the fit and proper test. Provide the full name, Hong Kong identity card number, residential address and contact details of every partner. The partnership itself must also supply its business name, business address and business registration certificate number. If any partner has changed since the last renewal, list the incoming and outgoing partners and the dates of those changes. The Commissioner for Labour will assess each partner's suitability, and a single partner who fails the test can prevent the partnership from obtaining a renewal.

Supplementary Information Form SIS-4

The supplementary information form SIS-4 is divided into several sections. The first section collects basic identification details for the applicant or each partner. The second section asks about the business premises, including the address, the nature of the premises (for example, whether it is a shop, an office or a shared workspace) and the landlord's name and contact details. The third section covers the applicant's financial position, including bank account details, sources of funding for the money lending business and any outstanding judgments or debts. The fourth section requires declarations about criminal convictions, bankruptcy and regulatory history. The final section is a declaration that the information provided is true and complete, signed by the applicant or each partner.

Supporting Documents Required with SIS-4

Attach several supporting documents to the SIS-4. These include a copy of the current business registration certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department, a copy of the money lenders licence being renewed, and proof of the business address (such as a tenancy agreement or utility bill). If the applicant or any partner has changed name, provide evidence of the change, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll. The Commissioner for Labour may also request additional details, such as a credit report or a reference from a bank. The SIS-4 itself does not replace the need for a valid trade licence or any other licence required for the regulated activity; it is purely supplementary to the renewal application.

How the Commissioner for Labour Uses SIS-4

The Commissioner for Labour, as the licensing authority under the Money Lenders Ordinance, reviews the SIS-4 to decide whether to renew the licence. The Commissioner considers the applicant's character, financial standing and compliance history. If the supplementary information reveals a material change in circumstances, such as a criminal conviction or bankruptcy, the Commissioner may refuse the renewal or impose conditions on the licence. The Commissioner may also request further information or documents before making a decision. Ensure that all information on the SIS-4 is accurate and complete, as providing false or misleading information is an offence under the Money Lenders Ordinance.

Common Mistakes When Completing SIS-4

Applicants often make errors when completing the SIS-4. The most common mistake is failing to include all partners in a partnership application. Each partner must complete a separate SIS-4, and the partnership must submit a consolidated set of forms. Another mistake is omitting supporting documents, particularly the business registration certificate and the current licence. Some applicants also fail to declare changes in personal details, such as a change of address or name. The Commissioner for Labour will return incomplete applications, delaying the renewal process. To avoid delays, check the form against the checklist provided by the licensing authority before submission.

Where to Submit SIS-4

Submit the completed SIS-4, together with Form 6 and the required fee, to the Money Lenders Licensing Section of the Labour Department. The address is on the Labour Department's website. You can submit the forms in person or by post. The licensing authority will acknowledge receipt and process the application. Processing times vary, and you should apply well before the current licence expires to avoid a gap in authorisation. If the licence expires before the renewal is granted, you must stop carrying on the money lending business until the new licence is issued.