To better protect Hong Kong’s Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) members, the eMPF electronic platform will introduce by the end of July a stricter verification process for MPF withdrawals, the head of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority said Sunday.

Ayesha Macpherson Lau, MPFA chair, said in a blog post that the new arrangement will be implemented after “isolated cases of abuse” were detected in applications for withdrawals, including false declarations and the use of high-quality counterfeit identity cards.

ALSO READ: Lau: eMPF platform ensures user privacy, data security

Under the new arrangement, except for withdrawal applications on the grounds of small balance (HK$5,000 or below) and death, all MPF members filing withdrawal applications via eMPF must undergo authentication through the “iAM Smart” app and complete real-time facial identification to ensure the authenticity of the applicant’s identity.

Once their identity is confirmed, applicants will then be required to submit their supporting documents through eMPF. The MPF trustees will release the funds only after the documents are vetted.

READ MORE: MPF managers weigh contingency plans amid US rating downgrades

If the trustee requires additional information from the applicant, eMPF will follow up to provide assistance and ensure that the case is handled properly, Lau said. 

Lau said there had been cases where lawbreakers induced scheme members to make unlawful applications for an early withdrawal of MPF, or illegally withdraw MPF benefits of members who reached the age of 65 using high-quality counterfeit identity cards.