CMBI receives approval to offer regulated crypto services with the new Hong Kong license.
- CMBI secures virtual asset trading license from SFC in Hong Kong.
- License permits regulated crypto services in Hong Kong only.
- Increased access for investors to crypto and traditional assets.
CMB International Securities received a virtual asset trading license from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission on July 14, 2025, to offer regulated cryptocurrency services in Hong Kong.
This move positions CMB as a key player in Hong Kong’s evolving crypto market, aligning with regulatory frameworks and boosting institutional participation.
CMB International Securities Ltd. (CMBI) has obtained a virtual asset trading license from Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) on July 14, 2025.
This development holds strategic importance for Hong Kong’s status as a digital finance hub, enhancing regulated crypto access despite restrictions on mainland participants.
CMBI Expands Crypto Services with New SFC License
CMBI, a brokerage arm of China Merchants Bank, has been granted a license to provide regulated cryptocurrency trading in Hong Kong.
With this license, CMBI intends to expand its service offerings to include custody and advisory services for approved virtual assets, highlighting its commitment to innovation.
Hong Kong Cements Financial Hub Status with CMBI Move
Hong Kong stands to reinforce its status as a regulated financial hub, with CMBI now facilitating virtual asset access for qualified investors. The move aligns with increasing global acceptance of digital assets.
Industry watchers expect this could lead to a boost in trading volumes and greater institutional adoption, amid a tightening regulatory landscape in mainland China. “By securing this license, 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,” stated Joshua Chu, Lawyer & Co-Chair, Hong Kong Web3 Association.
Mainland Bank Brokers Secure Historic Hong Kong License
This marks the first instance of a mainland bank’s brokerage arm obtaining such a license in Hong Kong, paralleling a trend seen with DBS and Standard Chartered in the digital asset sector.
Experts anticipate that the continued licensing of such entities will foster financial integration across traditional and digital sectors, guided by Hong Kong’s evolving regulatory framework.
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