CMB International Securities Becomes First Chinese Bank-Affiliated Brokerage to Launch 24/7 Crypto Trading in Hong Kong

CMB International Securities (CMBI), the investment arm of China Merchants Bank, has officially entered the cryptocurrency trading arena by launching 24/7 access to Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT) through its mobile trading platform. The move makes CMBI the first Chinese bank-affiliated brokerage in Hong Kong to receive approval for trading virtual assets, signaling a groundbreaking moment in Asia’s rapidly evolving digital finance ecosystem.

A First for Chinese Bank-Affiliated Brokerage Firms

CMB International Securities’ expansion into cryptocurrency represents a significant shift for traditional financial institutions in Asia. While China itself has maintained a restrictive stance on digital currencies, Hong Kong has chosen a progressive regulatory path, aiming to establish itself as a leading global hub for digital assets.

Through the new service, qualified investors can now open virtual asset accounts on the CMBI mobile app and trade cryptocurrencies around the clock. This 24/7 accessibility marks a departure from traditional equity and bond trading hours, giving investors more flexibility in managing their portfolios.

According to the company, the service will initially focus on the three most liquid and widely adopted digital assets—Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT—before expanding to a wider variety of tokens in the future.

Hong Kong’s Strategic Crypto Push

The launch aligns with Hong Kong’s broader vision of becoming a global crypto and virtual asset hub. Unlike mainland China, which has banned most cryptocurrency-related activities, Hong Kong regulators have embraced digital assets, setting clear guidelines for exchanges, stablecoins, and tokenized assets.

In recent years, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has:

• Introduced a licensing framework for crypto exchanges,

• Approved derivatives trading for virtual assets,

• Proposed a comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoins, and

• Encouraged tokenization of traditional financial products.

These measures have been designed to create a safe yet innovative environment for crypto adoption, making Hong Kong one of the few global jurisdictions with clear, forward-looking digital asset regulations.

By aligning with these regulatory initiatives, CMBI is not only providing new investment opportunities for its clients but also reinforcing Hong Kong’s commitment to building a regulated yet competitive digital finance market.

CMBI’s Measured Expansion Strategy

Despite the bold move into crypto, CMB International Securities has emphasized a cautious and compliance-first approach. The firm has highlighted that it will roll out services in phases, ensuring that investor protection, cybersecurity, and risk management remain top priorities.

This strategy reflects Hong Kong’s overall regulatory philosophy: encouraging innovation while maintaining strong oversight to prevent systemic risks. According to insiders, CMBI is expected to expand beyond Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT once its compliance infrastructure has been fully tested and refined.

Industry analysts suggest that this phased expansion will likely include tokenized bonds, security tokens, and regulated stablecoin products, reflecting Hong Kong’s broader push to integrate traditional finance with blockchain technology.

Traditional Finance Meets Digital Assets

The entry of CMB International Securities into the cryptocurrency market underscores a growing global trend: traditional financial institutions embracing digital assets.

In the United States, for example, many of the country’s largest banks are steadily moving into the sector. A recent report by Bitcoin services provider River noted that 13 of the top 25 U.S. banks have shifted from “no plans” to either “exploring,” “announced,” or “launched” crypto-related services.

• JPMorgan Chase, one of the world’s largest banks, has partnered with Coinbase to explore blockchain integrations for institutional clients.

• Bank of America has also been testing blockchain-based settlement systems and researching stablecoin adoption.

• Even smaller U.S. banks have begun offering Bitcoin custody services to their clients, reflecting rising demand from high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors.

By joining this global movement, CMB International Securities is positioning itself as a first-mover among Asian bank-affiliated firms, potentially opening the door for other Chinese-backed institutions to explore the digital asset space under Hong Kong’s regulatory umbrella.

Why This Move Matters

The implications of CMBI’s launch extend beyond its own client base. Analysts argue that the move represents a broader institutional validation of cryptocurrency in Asia and could trigger a wave of adoption among traditional financial firms in the region.

Several key reasons why this matters:

1. Institutional Legitimacy: The involvement of a major Chinese bank’s subsidiary lends credibility to the sector, which has often been criticized for its volatility and lack of regulation.

2. Regional Leadership: Hong Kong is positioning itself as the primary digital asset hub in Asia, competing with Singapore, Dubai, and even New York.

3. Investor Confidence: Retail and institutional investors may feel more comfortable investing in crypto through a licensed, bank-affiliated platform compared to unregulated exchanges.

4. Global Momentum: As more traditional institutions join the space, cryptocurrency continues to move closer to mainstream finance.

Hong Kong vs. Mainland China: A Delicate Balance

The move also highlights the delicate balance between Hong Kong and mainland China’s policies on cryptocurrencies. While Beijing has banned crypto trading and mining domestically, it has allowed Hong Kong to act as a sandbox for financial innovation, particularly in digital assets.

This dual approach allows China to maintain control over domestic financial risks while testing new models in Hong Kong that could, if successful, inform future policies. CMBI’s involvement suggests that Chinese financial institutions are watching Hong Kong’s crypto experiments closely, even if they cannot participate directly within the mainland.

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, the success of CMB International Securities’ crypto offering will depend on several factors:

• Market Demand: If institutional and retail investors adopt the platform at scale, it could accelerate CMBI’s expansion into additional digital asset offerings.

• Regulatory Clarity: As global regulators, including the U.S. SEC and European Union, implement stricter rules for crypto, Hong Kong will need to maintain its balance of openness and oversight.

• Technology and Security: Ensuring cybersecurity and seamless trading experiences will be critical to building investor trust.

• Global Partnerships: Partnerships with exchanges, fintech firms, and blockchain networks could broaden CMBI’s reach in the digital economy.

Industry experts believe that the launch is just the beginning of a larger transformation in Asia’s financial sector, where traditional institutions increasingly integrate blockchain-based products and services.

Conclusion

CMB International Securities’ decision to launch 24/7 cryptocurrency trading in Hong Kong marks a historic milestone for Chinese bank-affiliated brokerages and reflects a broader global trend of traditional finance embracing digital assets. By offering qualified investors access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT, the firm is helping to bridge the gap between legacy banking systems and the emerging world of Web3 finance.

While challenges remain—ranging from regulatory scrutiny to market volatility—the cautious yet ambitious move positions CMBI as a pioneer in Asia’s digital asset landscape. As Hong Kong cements its role as a global crypto hub, other financial institutions may soon follow, accelerating the integration of blockchain technology into mainstream finance.

Source: CoinGabbar

Disclaimer

The content published on nyohoka.com is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be considered as financial, investment, trading, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency and digital asset investments carry a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors.

We do not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information provided. nyohoka.com and its authors are not responsible for any losses or damages that may arise from the use of this content.

Always do your own research (DYOR) and consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.