CMBI Launches Virtual Asset Trading in Hong Kong

CMB International Securities has launched virtual asset trading in Hong Kong, marking the first Chinese bank-affiliated brokerage to secure a license for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether.

This move highlights increased financial integration of traditional and digital assets, with potential to boost regulated institutional participation in Hong Kong’s expanding crypto market.

First Chinese Brokerage: 24/7 Crypto Trading Surge

CMB International Securities Limited (CMBI), part of China Merchants Bank, has launched a virtual asset trading platform. Qualified investors can trade Bitcoin, Ether, and Tether using the platform’s app. The brokerage’s license approval marked a significant development in Hong Kong.

The introduction of this platform allows investors to access crypto assets round the clock. The initiative is set to increase integration between traditional and digital financial systems, promoting a regulated and compliant virtual asset ecosystem in Hong Kong.

“By securing this licence, CMBI gains regulated access to Hong Kong’s dynamic crypto market, yet it must operate within strict boundaries that prevent direct mainland participation, reflecting the delicate balance of innovation and legal constraint.”
— Joshua Chu, Co-Chair of the Web3 Association

Hong Kong’s Regulatory Framework Boosts Traditional-Digital Integration

Did you know? CMBI’s launch aligns with previous Hong Kong efforts to attract traditional financial interests into digital assets, marking the subsidiary as a pioneer among Chinese banks.

Bitcoin currently trades at $115,305.77, with a market cap of $2.30 trillion according to CoinMarketCap. The 24-hour trading volume is $57.66 billion, reflecting a 22.69% increase. The cryptocurrency has experienced a 2.29% decline over the past day.

According to the Coincu research team, the regulatory framework in Hong Kong offers a safe haven for traditional firms venturing into digital assets. It signifies an evolutionary step towards integrating conventional banking with blockchain technology.