On August 18, 2025, CMB International Securities introduced its virtual asset trading function on its mobile application. The firm is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Merchants Bank. With this launch, it became the first Chinese bank-affiliated securities company to conduct regulated cryptocurrency trading in Hong Kong.
The new service supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. It offers trading at all hours, giving investors constant access to the market. Eligible users must first complete Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering checks through an integrated account system. This setup allows investors to manage both traditional and digital assets under one platform.
CMB International obtained approvals for Type 1 and Type 7 licenses from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission in July 2024. These licenses cover securities dealing and automated trading services. The service also complies with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Ordinance and the Stablecoin Ordinance, which took effect on August 1.
CMB International focuses on security and compliance
CMB International has emphasized strict compliance and robust technical design. The platform includes cold storage wallets, multi-layer verification, real-time risk monitoring, and third-party audits. These measures match the security requirements laid out by regulators for virtual asset service providers.
The company has also partnered with OKX Planet. This collaboration ensures liquidity and stable trading during periods of heavy activity. By combining regulatory approval with technical safeguards, the firm has set a strong precedent for traditional financial institutions entering the crypto sector.
The launch carries major implications. For China Merchants Bank, the move strengthens its position in Hong Kong’s financial services market. The bank already managed assets worth over 130 billion yuan by 2024, growing at nearly 15 percent annually. Adding crypto trading provides high-net-worth clients with broader asset allocation options.
Hong Kong pushes ahead with Digital Finance Strategy
For Hong Kong, the launch supports its policy of building an international hub for virtual assets. The government’s “ASPI-Re” strategy, unveiled earlier this year, highlighted the need for secure and innovative digital finance infrastructure. CMB International’s entry fits within this broader policy framework.
More than 40 licensed platforms already operate in Hong Kong, including HashKey and OSL. Yet CMB International’s brand credibility and client base provide a unique edge. Its integrated account system is particularly attractive for institutions seeking exposure to both traditional and digital markets.
This step may also spark competition. Other Chinese securities firms are already seeking license upgrades to join the space. With the Stablecoin Ordinance in effect, products like the Hong Kong dollar-pegged HKDG could become a new battleground.
CMB International’s move marks not only a milestone for its own growth but also a sign of shifting dynamics in Hong Kong’s financial sector. As compliance frameworks settle and innovation accelerates, the landscape of virtual asset trading is set for a new phase of development.
