CMB International Securities, a subsidiary of China Merchants Bank, made a significant leap in the virtual asset trading arena by launching compliant crypto transactions in Hong Kong on August 18. This move marked the first time a Chinese bank-affiliated securities firm offered such services in the region.
The platform enables 24/7 trading of popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether through a user-friendly mobile application that requires Know Your Customer verification. This launch was made possible by securing Type 1 and Type 7 licenses from Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission in July 2025, ensuring adherence to the Securities and Futures Ordinance and the new Stablecoin Ordinance that came into effect on August 1.
To guarantee the security of transactions, CMB International’s trading platform is equipped with multiple security mechanisms, including cold storage wallets, real-time risk monitoring, and third-party audits.
This groundbreaking initiative positions CMB International as a pioneer in the industry among the 40+ licensed virtual asset platforms in Hong Kong. The firm’s assets under management surpassed 130 billion yuan by 2024, with crypto services expected to further accelerate growth.
By partnering with OKX Planet, CMB International’s trading platform benefits from robust trading engines and liquidity support for high-concurrency scenarios. The platform’s integrated account model allows for simultaneous investment in virtual assets and traditional securities, catering to institutional investors seeking comprehensive asset allocation solutions.
Moreover, CMB International plans to collaborate with public blockchains like Solana to issue tokenized money market fund CMBMINT, aligning with Hong Kong’s ASPIRe strategy to build a secure virtual asset ecosystem.
In a bid to enhance institutional adoption of virtual assets, Hong Kong has been streamlining its licensing procedures for virtual asset platforms since January 2025. The government has also expanded tokenization efforts to include gold tokens and money market funds, and is exploring tokenizing real estate and private equity through Project Ensemble infrastructure.
Despite recent global crypto security incidents resulting in significant losses, the Hong Kong market continues to thrive. Hong Kong-listed companies raised over $1.5 billion in July alone for crypto ventures, with notable players like OSL Group and SenseTime Group securing substantial funding for their respective projects.
Looking ahead, the regulatory landscape in Hong Kong is poised to evolve further, with mainland Chinese institutions gearing up to launch similar services. While Beijing maintains strict crypto prohibitions on the mainland, its support for Hong Kong’s digital asset hub development is evident.
In conclusion, CMB International’s foray into virtual asset trading in Hong Kong signifies a significant milestone in the region’s financial landscape, highlighting the convergence of traditional finance and digital assets in a compliant and secure manner.