Leung, who is a former financial journalist, worked for the Hong Kong Government as the undersecretary for financial services and the treasury from 2008 – 2013.
Prior to that, she was executive director of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in charge of international affairs for eight years.
From 1984 – 1994, she was a reporter for the Asian Wall Street Journal.
Leung will succeed Alexa Lam, who joined the SFC in 1999 and has been an executive director since December 2001. Lam intends to retire when her current term ends on 28 February.
Leung was appointed for a three-year term effective from 2 March.
Previously, she had worked to reform the local fund industry and was involved in developing the Stock Connect between Hong Kong and Shanghai, which launched last November, and the anticipated cross-border fund recognition scheme, according to local reports.
“Ms Leung brings to the SFC a wealth of experience and knowledge,” said Ashley Alder, CEO of the SFC. “I look forward to working closely with her in her new role heading the investment products division and as a member of our board.”