As one of Australia's largest Significant Investor Visa (SIV, 188C) and Investor Visa (IV, 188B) fund managers, MA Financial Group helped pioneer the program, working closely with Australian federal and state governments. Forming part of our Asset Management division, our specialist SIV client team spans Sydney, Melbourne, Shanghai and Hong Kong, offering a range of investment solutions to high-net-worth investors.
The IV (188B) and SIV (188C) programs
The Significant Investor Visa was introduced by the Australian Government in 2012 as a way to boost the economy, and drive innovation by attracting high-net-worth individuals from other countries seeking permanent residency in Australia.
In July 2021 the Australian Government changed the investment framework for Investor Visa applicants who are now required to invest in the same complying investment framework as the SIV.
The SIV (188C) and IV (188B) are streams within the Australian Government's Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (Subclass 188) visa, and the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) (Subclass 888) visa.
Visa Application Process
EOI (Expression Of interest)
Apply online via Skill Select (Australian Government website)
State Nomination
Nomination is required from an Australian state or territory, or Austrade (for the SIV only)
Visa application submitted to Australia Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
- Application form
- Medical checks
- Background police check
- Source of funds (SOF) check
Invitation to make complying Investment
Investor transfer of specified funds to fund manager
PR / 888 Visa
- Maintain complying investment
- Spend required number of days in in Australia over 5 years.
- Investors may apply for permanent residency after 3 years if they have fulfilled the residency requirement at this time
- Meet nominating state’s requirements
SIV and IV complying funds
The SIV (188C) and IV (188B) complying investment rules were changed by the Australian Government in July 2021. MA Financial Group offers funds that are complying investments for the purposes of SIV and IV, both before and after 1 July 2021. The date of your visa application will determine which set of rules apply to you. Please always refer back to the relevant government website for any further information or updates to the complying investment rules.
Department of Home Affairs - Significant Investor Stream
Department of Home Affairs - Investor Stream
Venture Capital And Private Equity (VCPE)
Mandatory 10%
Mandatory minimum investment of at least 10% ($500,000) into a venture capital or private equity fund. MA Financial Group offers an unconditionally registered Australian domiciled Venture Capital And Private Equity (VCPE) that’s been designed specifically for SIV and IV investors. The VCLP targets Australian-based private companies (unlisted) across a range of industries, including agriculture, technology, food, health, education and tourism.
Emerging Companies/Small Caps Fund
Mandatory 30%
Mandatory minimum investment of at least 30% ($1.5 million) in a managed fund that invests in Australian Emerging Companies (“Small Caps”). Investments must focus on ASX-listed companies that have a market capitalisation of less than $500 million, however a maximum of 20% can be invested in Australian unlisted companies.
Balancing Investment 60%
The Balancing Investment allows a maximum of 60% ($3.0 million) to be invested in managed funds investing in commercial property, corporate bonds or listed equities. MA Financial Group offers a range of investment options across all asset classes.
Venture Capital And Private Equity (VCPE)
Mandatory 20%
Mandatory minimum investment of at least 20% ($1.0 million) into a venture capital or private equity fund. MA Financial Group offers an unconditionally registered Australian domiciled Venture Capital And Private Equity (VCPE) that’s been designed specifically for SIV and IV investors. The VCLP targets Australian -based private companies (unlisted) across a range of industries, including agriculture, technology, food, health, education and tourism.
Emerging Companies/Small Caps Fund
Mandatory 30%
Mandatory minimum investment of at least 30% ($1.5 million) in a managed fund that invests in Australian Emerging Companies (“Small Caps”). Investments must focus on ASX-listed companies that have a market capitalisation of less than $500 million, however a maximum of 20% can be invested in Australian unlisted companies.
Balancing Investment 50%
The Balancing Investment allows a maximum of 50% ($2.5 million) to be invested in managed funds investing in commercial property, corporate bonds or listed equities. MA Financial Group offers a range of investment options across all asset classes.
Venture Capital And Private Equity (VCPE)
Mandatory 20%
Mandatory minimum investment of at least 20% ($500,000) into a venture capital or private equity fund. MA Financial Group offers an unconditionally registered Australian domiciled Venture Capital And Private Equity (VCPE) that’s been designed specifically for SIV and IV investors. The VCLP targets Australian-based private companies (unlisted) across a range of industries, including agriculture, technology, food, health, education and tourism.
No property and development or land ownership, finance, insurance, construction or passive investments.
Emerging Companies/Small Caps Fund
Mandatory 30%
Mandatory minimum investment of at least 30% ($0.75 million) in a managed fund that invests in Australian Emerging Companies (“Small Caps”). Investments must focus on ASX-listed companies that have a market capitalisation of less than $500 million, however a maximum of 20% can be invested in Australian unlisted companies.
Balancing Investment 50%
The Balancing Investment allows a maximum of 50% ($1.25 million) to be invested in managed funds investing in commercial property, corporate bonds or listed equities. MA Financial Group offers a range of investment options across all asset classes.
Restriction on cash (Max. 20%) and residential real estate.
Client Relationship Team
Jimmy Fong
Executive Director and Licensed Representative
Jimmy is an Executive Director at MA Financial Group and is responsible for client services, fund marketing and business development.
Jimmy has over 10 years’ experience in the private wealth and the wealth management sector, managing client relationships and servicing Ultra High Net Worth clients by providing financial advice on managed funds, bonds, investment and SIV products.
Prior to joining MA Financial Group, Jimmy held the senior position at International Financial Institutions like HSBC, Standard Charted and OCBC Bank.
Jimmy holds a Bachelor of Economics from the City University of Hong Kong.
He is fluent in English, Cantonese, Mandarin and the Shanghai dialect.
Catherine Li
Client Director and Licensed Representative
Catherine has over ten years' experience in financial services including investment banking and asset management and servicing high net worth and institutional investors.
She previously worked in Investor Relations for an Australian Property Fund Manager and was involved in the fund raising for multiple property developments in Australia, she also worked as analyst at a large Chinese Investment Bank underwriting private placement bonds for major property developers.
Catherine holds a Bachelor of Information System Management from Beijing Language and Cultural University, a Master's Degree in Finance from EDHEC Business School in France and Master's Degree in Business Administration from Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Catherine is fluent in English and Mandarin.
Teresa Cheung
General Manager
Teresa is the General Manager of MA Asset Management and has primary responsibility for the oversight of regulated activities in Hong Kong.
Teresa previously worked at Ernst & Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers (Hong Kong) for over 15 years as a tax consultancy services professional. She advised senior executives and their companies on US and Hong Kong tax issues. Prior to joining MA Financial Group, she worked at the Hong Kong office of the RHB Group, her clients included institutional clients and high net worth individuals.
Teresa holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Finance, from University of Auckland, New Zealand and a Master Degree in Business Administration from the University of Bradford in the UK. She is a Chartered Accountant and a member of Chartered Accountant Australia & New Zealand and The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountant.
Teresa is fluent in English and Cantonese.
Denise So
Distribution Director
Denise is a Distribution Director at MA Asset Management and is responsible for fund distribution and business development.
Denise has over 10 years’ experience across extensive functions in private banking and wealth management. Prior to joining MA Financial Group, Denise was a fund specialist for product development and provided investment fund solutions for HNW clients at Haitong International. Prior to that, she was at Investment Services of BNP Paribas Wealth Management, working closely with CIO and product teams for comprehensive wealth management investment strategy and product marketing in APAC.
Denise holds a Bachelor degree of Arts from the University of Hong Kong (major in Geography and minor in Economics), and a Master degree of International and Public Affairs from the University of Hong Kong.
She is fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
Tim Chau
Client Director and Licensed Representative
Tim was appointed as Client Director and is responsible for providing investment advice to high net worth clients, distribution channels development and fund marketing.
Tim joined MA Financial Group bringing along over 10 years of experience in private wealth management, asset management and credit analytics.
He was previously working in a Multi-family office, where Tim was responsible for the firm’s discretionary portfolios and investment advisory for UHNWs and institutional clients. Prior to that, Tim was a consultant for a credit related fintech start-up in Hong Kong. Previously, Tim was a Private banker with Nomura International and Citibank.
Tim graduated from the University of Reading with a bachelor degree in Consumer Behaviour and Marketing.
Tim speaks fluent English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
Joanne Wong
Client Service Associate
Joanne is a Client Service Associate at MA Financial Group and mainly serves the Hong Kong business.
Prior to joining MA Financial Group, Joanne worked for PCCW Media in their marketing team and she has also worked at Orix Banking Ltd’s Loan and Vehicle Finance Department
Joanne holds a Bachelor of Event Management from Edinburgh Napier University.
Joanne is fluent in Cantonese, English and Mandarin.
