BOCOM International Review: Securities Firm Not Forex

Overview

BOCOM International Holdings Company Limited represents the investment banking and securities trading division of Bank of Communications, one of China's five largest state-owned commercial banks. Established in 1998 as a subsidiary focused on capital markets, this Hong Kong-based institution operates fundamentally differently from the fraudulent forex broker descriptions circulating online.

The authentic BOCOM International specializes in institutional brokerage services, investment banking advisory, asset management, and securities trading primarily within Greater China markets. The firm maintains operations under Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission oversight, though with a complex regulatory history that warrants careful examination. Unlike fraudulent imposters claiming to offer retail forex trading with astronomical leverage ratios, the legitimate entity focuses on traditional securities and investment banking services.
For More Information, Visit BOCOM’s Official Website at bocomgroup.com

Overview Table

Aspect	Information
Company Name	BOCOM International Holdings Company Limited
Parent Company	Bank of Communications Co., Ltd. (Est. 1908)
Founded Year	1998 (Investment banking arm)
Registered Country/Area	Hong Kong SAR
Regulation	SFC (Mixed Status - APJ 121 active, BGZ962 revoked)
Primary Business	Securities, Investment Banking, Asset Management
Trading Platforms	Proprietary systems (No MT4/MT5)
Target Market	Institutional & Qualified Investors
Minimum Deposit	Varies by product (Not CNY 700 as falsely claimed)
Maximum Leverage	Subject to SFC limits (Not 1:500)
Tradable Assets	Stocks, Bonds, IPOs (No retail forex)

Facts List

1. Legitimate subsidiary of Bank of Communications, China's fifth-largest bank
2. Investment banking division established 1998, not 1912
3. Operates under Hong Kong SFC with mixed license status
4. Does NOT offer MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 platforms
5. Does NOT provide retail forex or CFD trading
6. Focuses on Hong Kong and mainland China securities markets
7. Serves primarily institutional and high-net-worth clients
8. Participates in Stock Connect program for China A-shares access
9. Any site claiming "BOCOM forex trading" is likely fraudulent
10. Real company uses proprietary trading platforms, not third-party forex platforms

BOCOM Licenses and Regulatory

The regulatory framework surrounding BOCOM International reveals a complex situation requiring careful analysis. The firm operates under the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong, maintaining an active license (APJ 121) for conducting regulated activities. However, the revocation of license BGZ962 creates legitimate concerns about historical compliance issues.

License Type	Number	Status	Implications
SFC Type 1	APJ 121	Active	Dealing in securities permitted
SFC License	BGZ962	Revoked	Past compliance failures indicated
Mainland China	Various	Active	CSRC approved for certain activities
International	None	N/A	No forex regulatory licenses

The SFC maintains strict oversight of financial institutions in Hong Kong, requiring segregated client accounts, regular audits, maintaining adequate capital reserves, and comprehensive risk management systems. The revocation of one license while maintaining another suggests specific violations rather than complete regulatory failure, though details remain undisclosed.

Trading Instruments

BOCOM International's product offerings center on traditional capital markets instruments rather than speculative retail products. The firm provides access to Hong Kong-listed securities, Chinese mainland shares through Stock Connect programs, fixed income products, and participation in initial public offerings.

Asset Class	Sub-Categories	Access Level	Minimum Investment
Equities	HK stocks, H-shares, Red chips	Direct trading	Varies
China A-Shares	Shanghai, Shenzhen via Connect	Qualified investors	Higher thresholds
Fixed Income	Government, Corporate bonds	Institutional focus	Substantial
IPO Services	New listings subscription	Selective access	Case-by-case
Structured Products	Notes, warrants	Limited offering	Professional only
Mutual Funds	Selected funds	Available	Varies by fund

Trading Platforms

Unlike fraudulent claims of MT4/MT5 availability, BOCOM International utilizes proprietary trading systems designed specifically for securities trading in Asian markets. These platforms integrate with Hong Kong Exchange systems and provide direct market access for qualified clients.

The mobile applications support iOS and Android devices, offering basic trading functionality, real-time quotes for Hong Kong markets, and account management features. Web-based platforms provide broader functionality for desktop users, though lacking the sophisticated charting and automated trading features found in forex platforms.

Feature	BOCOM Proprietary	Claimed MT4/MT5	Reality Check
Platform Type	Securities-focused	Forex/CFD	MT4/MT5 NOT offered
Availability	Mobile, Web, Desktop	Not available	Proprietary only
Markets	HK, China stocks	N/A	No forex access
Automated Trading	Not supported	Would support	No EA/robots
Charting Tools	Basic	Advanced	Limited analysis
Order Types	Standard equity	Multiple	Stock orders only
Programming API	Limited/None	MQL4/MQL5	Not applicable

BOCOM How to Open an Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

Opening an account with the legitimate BOCOM International requires meeting qualified investor criteria and completing comprehensive compliance procedures:

Step 1: Eligibility Verification - Confirm you meet minimum asset requirements and investor qualifications for Hong Kong securities trading.

Step 2: Documentation Preparation - Gather required documents including passport/ID, proof of address (within 3 months), bank statements, and income/asset verification.

Step 3: Application Submission - Complete application forms either online or at Hong Kong branch locations.

Step 4: Risk Assessment - Complete mandatory risk profiling questionnaires and investment knowledge assessments.

Step 5: Due Diligence Review - Undergo KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) screening processes.

Step 6: Account Approval - Wait for compliance department review and approval (typically 5-10 business days).

Step 7: Account Funding - Transfer funds via bank wire from verified accounts (no third-party deposits accepted).

Step 8: Platform Access - Receive login credentials for proprietary trading platforms.

Charts and Analysis

BOCOM International provides research and analysis tools appropriate for securities trading rather than speculative forex trading. The offerings focus on fundamental analysis of listed companies and market trends rather than technical trading tools.

Analysis Type	Description	Availability
Equity Research	Company analysis reports	Institutional clients
Market Commentary	Daily market updates	All clients
IPO Research	New listing analysis	Participating clients
Technical Charts	Basic price charts only	Limited tools
Economic Data	China/HK focused	General access
Trading Education	Minimal offerings	Not emphasized

BOCOM Account Types

The account structure at BOCOM International reflects traditional brokerage services rather than retail forex tier systems. Each account type serves specific client segments with appropriate service levels and access rights.

Account Types Comparison Table

Feature	Cash Account	Margin Account	Stock Connect	Institutional
Minimum Deposit	HKD 10,000+	HKD 100,000+	HKD 500,000+	Negotiable
Leverage Available	None	Limited by SFC	None	Customized
Markets Access	Hong Kong	Hong Kong	HK + China A	Global
Interest on Margin	N/A	Variable rates	N/A	Negotiated
Research Access	Basic	Enhanced	Enhanced	Full suite
Dedicated RM	No	No	Sometimes	Yes
Platform Options	Standard	Standard	Specialized	Multiple
Settlement Period	T+2	T+2	T+1/T+2	Flexible

Negative Balance Protection

Traditional securities accounts at BOCOM International operate under different risk parameters than forex trading. Cash accounts cannot technically go negative as purchases require full payment upfront. Margin accounts face margin calls when equity falls below maintenance requirements, with forced liquidation preventing negative balances under normal market conditions. The concept of "negative balance protection" as marketed by forex brokers doesn't apply to securities trading under SFC regulation. Instead, margin requirements, position limits, and forced liquidation rules protect both clients and brokers from excessive losses.

BOCOM Deposits and Withdrawals

Fund transfers at BOCOM International follow traditional banking procedures with emphasis on security and compliance rather than instant processing common in retail forex.

Payment Methods Comparison Table

Method	Deposit	Withdrawal	Processing Time	Fees	Notes
Local Bank Wire	✓	✓	1-2 days	Bank charges	Primary method
International Wire	✓	✓	3-5 days	Higher fees	Currency conversion
Check/Cheque	✓	✓	5-7 days	Possible fees	Less common
Credit Card	✗	✗	N/A	N/A	Not supported
E-wallets	✗	✗	N/A	N/A	Not available
Cryptocurrency	✗	✗	N/A	N/A	Not supported

 

Support Service for Customer

Customer service operates during Hong Kong business hours with multilingual support reflecting the firm's regional focus. Unlike 24/7 forex broker support, service aligns with stock market operating hours.

Customer Support Availability Table

Channel	Operating Hours	Response Time	Languages	Quality
Phone	Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00 HKT	Immediate	Chinese, English	Professional
Email	24/7 submission	1-2 business days	Chinese, English	Detailed
Branch Visit	Business hours	Immediate	Chinese, English	Comprehensive
Live Chat	Not available	N/A	N/A	N/A
WhatsApp	Not offered	N/A	N/A	N/A
Weekend Support	Closed	N/A	N/A	N/A

Prohibited Countries

BOCOM International maintains strict geographical restrictions based on regulatory requirements and sanctions compliance. US persons face restrictions under American regulations, while sanctioned countries are completely prohibited. The firm primarily serves Hong Kong residents, mainland Chinese clients through appropriate channels, and select international institutional clients meeting qualification requirements.

Special Offers for Customers

Rather than deposit bonuses or spread rebates common in forex trading, BOCOM International offers value through market access and investment opportunities including priority IPO allocations for qualifying clients, margin financing at competitive rates, and access to exclusive investment products and institutional research reports.

Conclusion

The investigation reveals two distinct entities: the legitimate BOCOM International securities firm and fraudulent forex brokers falsely using the BOCOM name. The real company operates as a respectable, though not without concerns, securities brokerage serving institutional and qualified investors in Greater China markets.

The mixed regulatory status, while concerning, reflects specific historical issues rather than current operational problems. However, the existence of fraudulent entities claiming the BOCOM brand while offering retail forex services presents significant risks to unsuspecting traders.

For securities investors seeking Hong Kong market access, the legitimate BOCOM International provides established services backed by a major Chinese bank. For retail forex traders, any "BOCOM" offering MT4/MT5 platforms and high leverage should be recognized as fraudulent and avoided entirely.

Have you found the right broker? Check out our broker reviews.

Looking for a broker that supports Chinese? Check out Cinda International.

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About the Author

Arash Doostelahi

Arash Doostelahi is a dynamic content writer and online course creator based in Tehran, Iran, with expertise in content strategy, instructional design, and digital storytelling. Leveraging a blend of creativity and technical skills, Arash delivers...

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