CMB International Launches 24/7 Crypto Trading in Hong Kong
CMB International Securities, a subsidiary of China Merchants Bank, has become the first bank-affiliated securities firm in Hong Kong to offer licensed 24/7 crypto trading. Approved by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission with Type 1 and Type 7 licenses, the platform supports Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Tether (USDT). Investors must complete KYC and AML checks before trading, and assets are protected via cold wallets, real-time risk monitoring and external audits. A partnership with OKX Planet ensures deep liquidity during peak hours. The integrated service lets institutional and individual clients manage both digital assets and traditional securities through a single account. This move strengthens Hong Kong’s position as a regulated digital asset hub and paves the way for other Chinese financial firms, such as Guotai Junan and Tianfeng International, to upgrade their licenses and enter the crypto market.
Bullish
CMB International’s entry as the first bank-affiliated securities firm to launch licensed 24/7 crypto trading marks a milestone in institutional adoption. Similar moves by major banks in Singapore and Europe drove up liquidity and investor confidence, leading to increased volume and narrower spreads. In the short term, traders can expect improved market depth and more stable price action in BTC, ETH and USDT. Over the long term, Hong Kong’s strengthened regulatory framework and integrated trading model should attract global institutional flows and support sustained growth in the digital asset market.