CMB International 2025 Review: Leading HK Financial Firm

Overview

CMB International stands as a distinguished Hong Kong-based financial institution, established in 2010 as a subsidiary of China Merchants Bank. With 15 years of operational excellence, CMBI has evolved into a significant player in Asian financial markets, offering comprehensive services to corporate, institutional, and high-net-worth clients across the Asia-Pacific region.

The firm operates from its prestigious headquarters at 39/F, 45/F & 46/F Champion Tower, 3 Garden Road, Central Hong Kong, leveraging its strategic position to bridge international capital markets with Greater China opportunities. CMBI regularly ranks among leading underwriters for Hong Kong IPOs and maintains significant market share in debt capital markets.

In July 2025, CMBI achieved a landmark milestone by becoming the first Chinese bank-backed firm in Hong Kong to receive SFC approval for virtual asset trading, launching 24/7 cryptocurrency services for professional investors. This positions them uniquely in the evolving digital asset landscape while maintaining their institutional-grade standards.

Additional details about their comprehensive service offerings, trading platforms, and investment solutions can be found on their official website at cmbi.com.hk.

Overview Table

Feature	Details
Company Name	CMB International (CMBI)
Established	2010
Headquarters	39/F, 45/F & 46/F, Champion Tower, 3 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong
Parent Company	China Merchants Bank
Main Regulator	Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong
Trading Products	Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Futures, Options, Cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, USDT)
Trading Platforms	Yat Lung Global, SP Trader, Multicharts
Minimum Deposit	Relationship-driven (varies by account type)
Customer Support	Phone: (852) 3900 0888, Email: crm@cmbi.com.hk
Target Market	Institutional, Corporate, High-Net-Worth Individuals

Facts List

1. Founded in 2010 with 15 years of operational excellence in Asian financial markets
2. First Chinese bank-backed firm with SFC virtual asset license (July 2025)
3. Holds multiple SFC licenses including Types 1, 2, 4, 6, and 9 across subsidiaries
4. Regularly ranks among leading underwriters for Hong Kong IPOs
5. Offers 24/7 cryptocurrency trading (BTC, ETH, USDT) for professional investors
6. Three distinct trading platforms serving different client segments
7. Direct access to Hong Kong, US, and China A-shares through Stock Connect
8. Occupies three floors in prestigious Champion Tower, Central Hong Kong
9. Integrated with China Merchants Bank for seamless fund transfers
10. Serves institutional, corporate, and high-net-worth clients exclusively

CMB International Licenses and Regulatory

CMBI operates under Hong Kong's stringent regulatory framework, maintaining multiple licenses with the Securities and Futures Commission. This comprehensive oversight provides exceptional security for clients. Each subsidiary holds specialized licenses: CMB International Capital Limited for corporate finance advisory, CMB International Securities Limited for securities dealing and now virtual assets, CMB International Futures Limited (License No: ACQ651) for derivatives, and CMB International Asset Management Limited for portfolio management.

The significance of this multi-license structure surpasses industry standards. While many brokers operate under single licenses, CMBI's specialized approach ensures focused expertise with appropriate oversight for each business line. Regular audits, dedicated compliance teams, and capital reserves well above regulatory minimums demonstrate their commitment to client protection.

• SFC Type 1: Dealing in Securities
• SFC Type 2: Dealing in Futures Contracts (License No: ACQ651)
• SFC Type 4: Advising on Securities
• SFC Type 6: Advising on Corporate Finance
• SFC Type 9: Asset Management
• SFC Virtual Asset License (July 2025)
• Money Lenders License
• HKMA Registration for banking-related services
• CSRC RQFII qualification
• Stock Connect program licenses

Trading Instruments

CMBI offers a carefully curated selection of tradable assets focusing on quality and institutional needs. The recent addition of cryptocurrencies marks a strategic expansion while maintaining their premium positioning.

Category	Key Features	Market Coverage
Equities	Direct market access, extended hours for US stocks	Hong Kong, US, China A-shares
ETFs	Hong Kong-listed and international options	Global markets
Fixed Income	Primary and secondary market access	Asia-Pacific, Global
Derivatives	Index futures, commodity futures, options	CME, SGX, HKEX
Cryptocurrencies	BTC, ETH, USDT for professional investors	24/7 trading

Trading Platforms

CMBI's technology infrastructure reflects their commitment to serving diverse client needs through specialized platforms, each targeting specific user segments while maintaining institutional-grade reliability.

Yat Lung Global serves as the primary mobile application, now enhanced with crypto trading capabilities. Available for iOS and Android, it provides real-time market data, advanced charting, and seamless order execution across multiple markets including the new 24/7 cryptocurrency trading.

SP Trader caters to professional traders with desktop-based functionality, algorithmic trading capabilities, and multi-monitor support. It excels in futures and options trading with sophisticated analytics for derivatives strategies.

Multicharts provides quantitative traders with powerful strategy development and automated trading capabilities, supporting custom indicators, backtesting, and portfolio-level analysis across multiple markets simultaneously.

Trading Platform Comparison Table

Feature	Yat Lung Global	SP Trader	Multicharts
Platform Type	Mobile App	Multi-device	Desktop
Target Users	General/Crypto	Professional	Algorithmic
Markets	All + Crypto	All Markets	All Markets
Real-time Data	Yes	Yes	Yes
Order Types	Standard	Advanced	All Types
Algo Trading	No	Limited	Yes
Languages	CN/EN	CN/EN	CN/EN
24/7 Access	Yes (Crypto)	No	No

CMB International How to Open an Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Initial Consultation - Contact CMBI to discuss investment objectives
2. Choose Method - Select online (via app), in-person, or mail application
3. Prepare Documents - Gather ID, address proof, and financial information
4. Submit Application - Complete forms with supporting documents
5. Identity Verification - Undergo verification including video call if online
6. Compliance Review - Allow 2-3 business days for checking
7. Account Approval - Receive confirmation and credentials
8. Fund Account - Transfer initial deposit via bank transfer
9. Platform Setup - Download and configure trading platforms
10. Begin Trading - Start investing with full market access

Charts and Analysis

CMB International provides comprehensive educational resources and market analysis tools designed to enhance client knowledge and trading capabilities. The firm's approach emphasises quality over quantity, delivering institutional-grade research and insights typically reserved for professional investors.

Category	Key Features
Research Reports and Market Analysis	- Daily market commentaries with timely insights - Sector-specific and macroeconomic reports - Company research combining fundamental and technical analysis - Focus on Hong Kong-listed and China-concept stocks - Proximity to local markets and management teams enables unique insights
Educational Webinars and Seminars	- Programs for all experience levels, from basic investment concepts to advanced derivatives strategies - Guest speakers include economists and fund managers - Specialised sessions on Stock Connect and Greater China market access - Coverage of regulatory updates and market structure changes
Trading Tools and Calculators	- Options calculators for strategy evaluation - Bond calculators for yield and duration analysis - Portfolio risk assessment and performance tools - Advanced technical analysis with institutional-grade charting and pattern recognition systems
Market Data and Economic Calendar	- Real-time quotes and historical data - Market statistics and corporate events tracking - Economic calendar covering data releases and central bank meetings - Seamless integration with trading platforms for analysis-to-execution workflow
Exclusive Client Resources	- Private research calls with senior analysts - Customised portfolio reviews with strategists - Invitations to investment forums and conferences - Tailored services for high-net-worth and institutional clients

CMB International Account Types

CMBI's flexible account structure accommodates different client segments through customized solutions rather than rigid tiers. Individual accounts provide access to all trading products with features scaling based on relationship size. Joint and corporate accounts offer additional controls. Prime brokerage accounts serve institutional clients with securities lending and enhanced leverage. Wealth management accounts integrate comprehensive financial planning for high-net-worth individuals.

Account Types Comparison Table

Feature	Individual	Corporate	Prime Brokerage	Wealth Management
Minimum Deposit	Relationship-based	Higher requirements	Institutional	High requirements
Trading Products	All available	All available	All + exclusive	All available
Leverage	Yes (qualified)	Yes	Enhanced	Yes
Platform Access	All platforms	All platforms	All + API	All + exclusive
Research Access	Standard	Enhanced	Full + direct	Premium
Relationship Manager	Available	Dedicated	Team coverage	Senior dedicated
Crypto Trading	Yes (qualified)	Yes (qualified)	Yes	Yes

Negative Balance Protection

CMBI implements comprehensive risk management protocols through multiple protection layers. While not advertising blanket negative balance protection like retail brokers, their institutional-grade systems provide thorough client assessment, real-time position monitoring, automated alerts, and active risk management during volatile periods. The firm's substantial capital strength and preventive approach minimize situations where clients might face demands exceeding account equity.

CMB International Deposits and Withdrawals

CMBI provides multiple funding options leveraging their China Merchants Bank integration. Deposit methods include bank transfers, counter deposits, instant bank-securities transfers for linked accounts, and international wires. Withdrawal options feature online instructions processed within one business day, paper-based forms, and immediate transfers to linked bank accounts.

Payment Methods Comparison Table

Method	Type	Processing Time	Requirements
Bank Transfer	Deposit	Same-day before 4PM	Client name match
Counter Deposit	Deposit	Immediate	Notification required
Bank-Securities Transfer	Both	Immediate	Linked accounts only
International Wire	Deposit	1-3 days	SWIFT fees may apply
Online Withdrawal	Withdrawal	1 business day	Platform verification

 

Support Service for Customer

CMBI's multi-channel support infrastructure provides personalized service through phone support at (852) 3900 0888, email at crm@cmbi.com.hk, WeChat integration, and in-person consultations at Champion Tower. Support staff include experienced market professionals capable of addressing sophisticated queries, with dedicated relationship managers for qualified clients.

Customer Support Availability Table

Channel	Availability	Languages	Response Time
Phone	Mon-Fri 8:30AM-6PM HKT	Cantonese, Mandarin, English	<3 minutes
Email	Business hours	All languages	Within 1 day
WeChat	Business hours	Chinese, English	Same day
In-Person	By appointment	All languages	Scheduled
Relationship Manager	Business hours	Client preference	Priority

 

Prohibited Countries

CMBI maintains strict compliance with international regulations, resulting in service restrictions for certain jurisdictions. US persons face limitations requiring accredited investor status. EU residents may encounter MiFID II-related restrictions. Countries under UN sanctions or FATF blacklists face enhanced requirements or prohibitions. Mainland Chinese residents can access services within capital control regulations.

Special Offers for Customers

Rather than temporary promotions, CMBI focuses on sustained value through preferential IPO allocations for clients with significant relationships, exclusive access to private placements and structured products, premium research with early deal flow information, volume-based fee reductions for active traders, and integrated wealth management benefits through the China Merchants Bank ecosystem.

Conclusion

CMB International emerges as a sophisticated financial institution uniquely positioned in Asian capital markets. Their July 2025 cryptocurrency launch transforms them from a traditional institutional broker into a pioneering bridge between conventional and digital assets. With exceptional regulatory compliance, institutional-grade platforms, and unmatched Greater China expertise, CMBI excels at serving sophisticated investors seeking premium financial services. While not suitable for casual retail traders seeking low fees or extensive crypto options, they provide exceptional value for institutional, corporate, and high-net-worth clients requiring comprehensive financial solutions with strong Asian market connectivity.

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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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