Build an investment “no” list first
Last updated: 2 September 2026
Define your guardrails before emotion and urgency arrive.
Build an investment “no” list first
Define your guardrails before emotion and urgency arrive. This is not a product recommendation or personalised advice. It is a practical process for verifying details and weighing trade-offs before you act.
Three checks before you act
1. borrowed money；2. unlicensed approaches；3. unexplained returns
How to use this guide
Start with your cash flow, time horizon and risk capacity, then compare terms. When you see “up to”, “limited time” or “guaranteed”, check eligibility, caps, fees and effective dates.
One finishable next step
Next step: choose one verification you can complete today—open the official terms, note the deadline, or ask the issuer or provider a precise question.
Source
Source and update note: confirm time-sensitive details in the official source. HKMA: banking stability and anti-scam measures: https://www.hkma.gov.hk/media/eng/publication-and-research/annual-report/2025/15_Banking_Stability.pdf
Fast comparison checklist
| Check | Why it matters | Your next move |
|---|---|---|
| borrowed money | It changes the real-world value or risk. | Confirm it in the official terms. |
| unlicensed approaches | It changes the real-world value or risk. | Confirm it in the official terms. |
| unexplained returns | It changes the real-world value or risk. | Confirm it in the official terms. |
Decision readiness check
Illustrative self-score (0–10). This is a planning tool, not market or product performance data.