The restriction notices prohibit the brokers, without the SFC’s prior written consent, from disposing of or otherwise dealing with any assets in any way in the trading accounts up to a certain amount, including: (i) conducting transactions in respect of any securities; (ii) processing any withdrawals or transfers of securities and/or cash or any transfers of money arising from the disposal of securities; (iii) disposing of or dealing with any securities and/or cash on the instructions of any authorised person of the accounts or any person acting on his behalf; and (iv) helping another person to dispose of or deal with any relevant property in a specified manner. The brokers must also notify the SFC if they receive any of these instructions. 'Investor protection' is the SFC's concern here.