TF International Securities Review: Access Global Markets

Overview

TF International Securities Group Limited stands as a distinguished financial institution in Hong Kong's competitive landscape, operating as a core subsidiary of Tianfeng Securities Co., Ltd. (SSE Stock Code: 601162.SH), one of China's major publicly listed securities firms. Established in 2016, this institutional-focused brokerage has built its reputation on a foundation of comprehensive regulatory compliance, sophisticated trading infrastructure, and deep market access across Greater China and global markets.

Located at the prestigious International Commerce Centre in Kowloon, TF International Securities Group distinguishes itself through its multi-license structure under the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), offering a complete suite of financial services including securities dealing, futures contracts, asset management, and corporate finance advisory. Unlike retail-orientated brokers, TFI exclusively caters to institutional investors, corporations, and high-net-worth individuals who meet Hong Kong's Professional Investor criteria.

The group's unique position as a subsidiary of a major Chinese securities firm provides substantial capital backing and extensive resources, enabling it to offer direct market access to Hong Kong stocks, China A-Shares through Stock Connect programs, and global markets. With its proprietary TFI Pro trading platform and dedicated relationship management model, the firm delivers professional-grade solutions tailored to sophisticated investors' complex needs.

Overview Table

Feature	Details
Full Group Name	TF International Securities Group Limited
Parent Company	Tianfeng Securities Co., Ltd. (601162.SH)
Headquarters	18/F, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Primary Regulator	Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)
Group CE Number	BOK471
Year Established	Mid-2010s (Hong Kong presence)
Official Website	https://www.tfisec.com/
Client Portal	https://sf.tfisec.com/
Client Focus	Institutional, Corporate, High-Net-Worth Individuals
Primary Markets	Hong Kong, Mainland China, Global Professional Investors

Facts List

1. Parent Company Strength: Backed by Tianfeng Securities Co., Ltd., a publicly-traded Chinese securities firm listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange
2. Multiple SFC Licenses: Holds comprehensive Type 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 9 licenses covering all major financial services
3. Prime Location: Offices in the International Commerce Centre, one of Hong Kong's most prestigious business addresses
4. Professional Focus: Exclusively serves institutional, corporate, and high-net-worth clients with portfolios exceeding HK$8 million
5. Direct Market Access: Provides DMA to major exchanges including HKEX, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and global markets
6. Proprietary Technology: Offers TFI Pro platform with advanced trading capabilities and API access for algorithmic trading
7. Segregated Operations: Three specialised subsidiaries handle different aspects of financial services to ensure compliance
8. Research Division: Maintains dedicated institutional research team producing in-depth market analysis
9. Relationship Banking: Assigns dedicated relationship managers to each client for personalised service
10. China Connect Access: Registered participant in Stock Connect programs for mainland Chinese securities trading

TFI Licenses and Regulatory

TF International Securities Group's regulatory framework represents the gold standard in Asian financial services oversight. Operating under the stringent supervision of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, the group maintains an exemplary compliance structure that sets it apart from many competitors in the region.

The multi-license architecture demonstrates TFI's commitment to regulatory excellence and operational segregation. Each subsidiary within the group holds specific licenses tailored to its business activities, ensuring proper oversight and minimising potential conflicts of interest. This structure is particularly important for institutional clients who require assurance that their broker maintains the highest standards of regulatory compliance.

The Hong Kong SFC is recognised globally as a Tier-1 financial regulator, implementing robust standards comparable to those in major financial centers like London and New York. For TFI's clients, this means comprehensive investor protection, strict capital adequacy requirements, and regular audits ensuring operational integrity. The SFC's regulatory framework includes stringent requirements for client asset segregation, ensuring that customer funds remain protected even in unlikely adverse scenarios.

TFI's compliance extends beyond basic licensing requirements. The group adheres to international sanctions regimes including those imposed by OFAC, the United Nations, and the European Union. This comprehensive approach to compliance ensures that institutional clients can conduct business with confidence, knowing their broker maintains impeccable regulatory standards across all jurisdictions.

Regulations List

• TFI Securities and Futures Limited (CE No. BAV573)
  • Type 1 License: Dealing in Securities
  • Type 2 License: Dealing in Futures Contracts
  • Type 4 License: Advising on Securities
• TFI Asset Management Limited (CE No. ASF056)
  • Type 4 License: Advising on Securities
  • Type 5 License: Advising on Futures Contracts
  • Type 9 License: Asset Management
• TFI Capital Limited (CE No. BPW736)
  • Type 6 License: Advising on Corporate Finance
• Group Central Entity Number: BOK471
• Primary Regulator: Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong
• Regulatory Compliance: OFAC, UN, and EU sanctions adherence
• Client Asset Protection: Segregated client accounts as per SFC requirements

Trading Instruments

TF International Securities Group offers institutional-grade access to a comprehensive range of financial instruments, reflecting its position as a full-service investment house. Unlike retail CFD brokers that offer synthetic products, TFI provides direct market access to actual securities and derivatives, ensuring transparent pricing and genuine market participation.

Service	Description
Equities	Direct access to Hong Kong-listed securities via HKEX (board lots & odd lots). China Connect programs (Shanghai-Hong Kong & Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect) for trading eligible A-shares. Access to U.S. & global equities.
Futures & Options	Professional access to global derivative markets: index, commodity & currency futures on HKEX, CME, SGX, etc. Institutional focus with strategies like spread trading, arbitrage & complex options structures.
Fixed Income	Access to government bonds, corporate bonds & other debt instruments. Tailored for institutional clients managing liabilities or seeking stable income. Special expertise in Asian fixed income markets.
Corporate Finance	Services via TFI Capital Limited: IPOs, secondary offerings, private placements & M&A advisory. End-to-end support for corporate transactions.
Asset Management	TFI Asset Management Limited provides discretionary portfolio management & advisory. Includes managed funds, structured products & customised strategies for institutional & high-net-worth clients.

Trading Platforms

Trading with TF International Securities Group represents a significant departure from the simplified, retail-orientated platforms common in the broader market. The firm's approach emphasises professional-grade tools, direct market connectivity, and personalised execution services designed for sophisticated market participants.

Trading Platforms

The centrepiece of TFI's technology offering is TFI Pro, a proprietary trading platform engineered for institutional requirements. This platform provides real-time market data feeds, advanced order types, and sophisticated risk management tools. Unlike retail platforms that may introduce latency or requotes, TFI Pro connects directly to exchange matching engines, ensuring optimal execution speeds crucial for professional trading strategies.

For clients requiring programmatic access, TFI provides API connectivity supporting FIX protocol and other industry-standard interfaces. This enables hedge funds and proprietary trading firms to deploy algorithmic strategies, conduct high-frequency trading, or integrate TFI's execution capabilities into their existing systems.

Execution Services

TFI's execution model centers on Direct Market Access (DMA), eliminating intermediary delays and ensuring transparent, exchange-based pricing. Professional traders can route orders directly to exchanges, accessing full market depth and liquidity. For clients preferring assisted execution, TFI's trading desk provides voice brokerage services with experienced dealers who understand complex order types and market nuances.

Market Data and Research

Beyond basic execution, TFI provides comprehensive market data services including real-time quotes, historical data, and market analytics. The firm's research division produces institutional-quality analysis covering equity markets, economic trends, and sector-specific insights. This research, typically reserved for major investment banks' institutional clients, provides TFI's clients with professional-grade market intelligence.

Trading Platforms Comparison Table

Platform Feature	TFI Pro	API Trading	Mobile App	Voice Desk
Asset Coverage	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Real-Time Data	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Advanced Orders	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Algorithmic Trading	Yes	Yes	No	No
Research Access	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Risk Analytics	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Multi-Currency	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
24/7 Availability	No (Market Hours)	No (Market Hours)	Yes	No (Business Hours)

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

Opening an account with TF International Securities Group follows a rigorous institutional onboarding process designed to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while establishing the foundation for a long-term professional relationship. This process differs significantly from the instant online account opening common among retail brokers.

Initial Consultation: The journey begins with direct contact with TFI's business development team. Prospective clients must reach out via phone or email to cs@tfisec.com or visit their Hong Kong offices. During this initial consultation, TFI's team assesses whether the prospective client meets the Professional Investor criteria under SFC regulations, which includes a minimum portfolio value of HK$8 million or equivalent institutional status.

Documentation Requirements: Individual professional investors must provide comprehensive documentation, including a passport or Hong Kong ID, proof of residential address dated within three months, bank statements demonstrating portfolio value, and evidence of investment experience. Additional requirements may include source of wealth declarations and tax residency certificates.

Corporate and institutional clients face more extensive requirements, including certificates of incorporation, constitutional documents, board resolutions authorising trading activities, and detailed information on ultimate beneficial owners. Financial institutions must provide evidence of their own regulatory status and may need to establish legal opinion letters confirming their capacity to trade.

Due Diligence Process: TFI conducts thorough Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks on all prospective clients. This process typically takes 5-10 business days and may involve background checks, sanctions screening, and verification of provided information. The firm may request additional documentation or clarification during this period.

Account Approval and Funding: Upon successful completion of due diligence, clients receive formal account opening documentation including client agreements, fee schedules, and trading terms. These documents require careful review and often involve negotiation of commercial terms. Once agreements are executed, clients receive account credentials and funding instructions. Initial funding must be conducted via bank wire transfer from an account in the client's name.

Charts and Analysis

TF International Securities Group's approach to market analysis and educational resources reflects its institutional focus, providing professional-grade tools and insights typically reserved for major investment banks' clients. The firm's analytical capabilities span both technical and fundamental analysis, supported by a dedicated research division.

Service	Description
Technical Analysis Tools	TFI Pro platform offers professional charting with multiple chart types (candlestick, bar, line, Renko, Point & Figure) and 100+ technical indicators. Includes drawing tools (Fibonacci, Elliott Wave, trend lines), multi-timeframe analysis, backtesting, and real-time alerts.
Institutional Research	Provides institutional-grade research across asset classes and regions. Includes equity research (financial modeling, industry analysis, investment recommendations), macro research (economic trends, policy, thematic opportunities), and publications like daily commentaries and special reports.
Market Intelligence	Real-time news feeds, economic calendars, and sentiment indicators aggregated from multiple sources. Equips clients with comprehensive market data to support informed and timely decisions.

TFI Account Types

TF International Securities Group's account structure reflects its institutional focus, eschewing the tiered retail account models in favor of bespoke solutions tailored to each client's specific requirements. Rather than predetermined account levels, TFI creates customised arrangements based on client type, trading volume, and service requirements.

Corporate Accounts

Corporate accounts serve businesses requiring treasury management, hedging solutions, or investment services. These accounts accommodate complex corporate structures with multiple authorised traders, segregated sub-accounts, and specialised reporting requirements. Corporate clients benefit from customised credit facilities, allowing for more efficient capital deployment and enhanced trading flexibility.

Terms for corporate accounts vary significantly based on the company's size, creditworthiness, and trading requirements. Large corporations may negotiate prime brokerage-style arrangements with portfolio margining, securities lending, and customised technology solutions.

Institutional Accounts

Institutional accounts cater to investment funds, family offices, and financial institutions. These sophisticated arrangements often include prime brokerage services, custody solutions, and advanced execution capabilities. Institutional clients typically receive the most favorable fee structures, reflecting their high trading volumes and professional status.

Features exclusive to institutional accounts include dedicated FIX connections, co-location services for latency-sensitive strategies, and access to TFI's complete research output. These accounts may also incorporate securities lending, repo facilities, and other advanced services.

High-Net-Worth Individual Accounts

Professional investors meeting the HK$8 million portfolio threshold access personalised wealth management services combining brokerage with advisory capabilities. These accounts feature dedicated relationship managers who provide market insights, execution services, and portfolio consultation.

While maintaining lower minimum activity requirements than institutional accounts, HNWI accounts still receive institutional-quality services including research access, sophisticated trading platforms, and favorable fee structures compared to retail brokers.

Account Types Comparison Table

Feature	Corporate	Institutional	HNWI Professional
Minimum Portfolio	Yes (Negotiable)	Yes (Negotiable)	No (HK$8 million fixed)
Dedicated RM	Yes	Yes	Yes
Research Access	Yes	Yes	Yes
Platform Options	Yes	Yes	No (Limited: TFI Pro + Mobile)
Credit Facilities	Yes	Yes	Yes (Case-by-case)
Fee Structure	Yes (Negotiated)	Yes (Volume-based)	Yes (Tiered)
API Access	Yes	Yes	Yes (On request)
Prime Services	Yes (Limited)	Yes	No
Custody Options	Yes	Yes	Yes (Standard)
Multi-Currency	Yes	Yes	Yes

Negative Balance Protection

In the institutional brokerage space, negative balance protection operates differently than in retail trading environments. TF International Securities Group, as a professional-focused broker, does not offer the type of negative balance protection mandated for retail CFD brokers in jurisdictions like the European Union. This absence of retail-style negative balance protection reflects the fundamental differences between professional and retail trading. Professional investors are expected to understand and manage leverage risks, employ sophisticated risk management strategies, and maintain adequate capital reserves. They bear full responsibility for positions that move adversely, including potential obligations exceeding account balances. For futures trading particularly, clients must understand that losses can exceed initial margin deposits. Exchange-traded futures carry unlimited loss potential for certain positions, and clients remain liable for any deficit resulting from adverse market movements. This professional standard assumes clients possess the expertise and capital resources to manage such risks appropriately. TFI implements institutional-grade risk management protocols including real-time position monitoring, margin calls, and forced liquidation procedures to minimise the likelihood of negative balances. However, during extreme market volatility or gap movements, positions may still result in negative balances for which clients remain fully liable.

TFI Deposits and Withdrawals

The funding mechanisms at TF International Securities Group reflect institutional best practices, prioritising security, auditability, and regulatory compliance over convenience features common in retail brokerage. All transactions follow strict protocols designed to prevent money laundering and ensure clear audit trails.

Deposit Methods

Withdrawal Procedures

Support Service for Customer

TF International Securities Group's customer support model exemplifies the institutional approach to client service, emphasising personalised relationships over high-volume call centers. This structure ensures clients receive expert assistance from professionals who understand their specific needs and trading strategies. Relationship Management Model: Each client receives assignment to a dedicated relationship manager or team, serving as their primary point of contact for all needs. These relationship managers possess deep market knowledge and understand each client's trading patterns, preferences, and requirements. This personalised approach eliminates the need to explain account details repeatedly and ensures consistent, informed support. Relationship managers provide proactive support, reaching out with market updates, platform enhancements, or opportunities relevant to client interests. They coordinate with other departments including research, operations, and technology to resolve any issues efficiently.

Support Channels

While maintaining traditional communication channels, TFI's support structure emphasises direct, professional interaction: Primary support occurs through direct phone lines to relationship managers during Hong Kong business hours (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM HKT). Email support via cs@tfisec.com provides documented communication for non-urgent matters. In-person meetings at TFI's International Commerce Centre offices offer face-to-face consultation for complex matters or relationship reviews. Technical Support: Platform-specific support addresses TFI Pro issues, API integration challenges, and market data questions. Technical specialists familiar with institutional trading requirements provide expert assistance, often resolving complex issues that would overwhelm typical retail broker support teams.

Customer Support Comparison Table

Support Feature	Availability	Response Time	Languages
Relationship Manager	Business Hours	Immediate	English, Chinese, Mandarin
Phone Support	9 AM - 6 PM HKT	< 1 minute	English, Chinese, Mandarin
Email Support	24/7 Submission	< 4 hours	English, Chinese
Technical Support	Business Hours	< 30 minutes	English, Chinese
In-Person Meetings	By Appointment	Scheduled	English, Chinese, Mandarin
Emergency Support	24/7	< 15 minutes	English, Chinese
Research Queries	Business Hours	< 2 hours	English, Chinese
Operations Support	Business Hours	< 1 hour	English, Chinese

Prohibited Countries

TF International Securities Group's operational footprint reflects both Hong Kong regulatory requirements and international compliance obligations. The firm maintains strict policies regarding client acceptance, adhering to multiple sanctions regimes and regulatory frameworks that define where services can be legally provided.

Sanctions Compliance: TFI cannot provide services to individuals or entities from countries subject to comprehensive international sanctions. This includes nations under OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) sanctions such as North Korea, Iran, Syria, and Cuba. Similarly, United Nations and European Union sanctions lists guide client acceptance policies, with regular screening ensuring ongoing compliance.

Beyond country-specific sanctions, TFI screens against designated individuals and entities appearing on various watchlists. This includes politically exposed persons (PEPs), individuals associated with money laundering or terrorist financing, and entities subject to targeted sanctions.

Regulatory Restrictions: As TFI operates under Hong Kong SFC licensing without pursuing retail authorisation in other jurisdictions, the firm cannot actively solicit retail clients from countries with strict marketing regulations. This effectively excludes retail investors from the European Union, Australia, Canada, and the United States, where specific licenses would be required for public solicitation.

The firm's institutional focus means these restrictions primarily impact retail investors rather than professional clients. Institutional investors and corporations from most jurisdictions can establish relationships with TFI, provided they meet professional investor criteria and no sanctions apply.

Operational Considerations: Practical considerations further limit TFI's geographic reach. The firm's Hong Kong time zone operations, Chinese and English language support, and Greater China market focus naturally concentrate its client base in Asia-Pacific regions. While not explicitly prohibited, clients from distant time zones may find the service model less suitable for their needs.

Prohibited Countries List

• Sanctioned Jurisdictions: North Korea, Iran, Syria, Cuba, Crimea region, and any countries added to OFAC/UN/EU sanctions lists
• Retail Solicitation Restrictions: European Union member states, Australia, Canada, United States (for retail clients)
• Specific Exclusions: Afghanistan, Belarus, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Venezuela, Yemen, Zimbabwe
• Conditional Restrictions: Russia (subject to specific sanctions), China (certain mainland retail investors)
• No Restrictions for Institutional Clients: Most jurisdictions are welcoming to qualified institutional investors meeting professional criteria

Special Offers for Customers

In stark contrast to retail brokers that compete through deposit bonuses and promotional campaigns, TF International Securities Group maintains the institutional market standard of avoiding such marketing tactics. This absence of special offers reflects the firm's professional positioning and regulatory philosophy.

The institutional brokerage model builds value through service quality, execution capability, and research excellence rather than temporary financial incentives. Professional clients evaluate brokers based on execution quality, platform stability, research quality, and relationship management rather than promotional offers.

TFI's value proposition centers on sustainable competitive advantages including favorable institutional pricing negotiated based on volume and relationship scope, access to exclusive research and market insights, customised technology solutions for specific trading needs, and potential credit facilities for qualified clients.

The firm may occasionally provide platform training sessions, market outlook seminars, or research presentations, but these educational offerings serve to enhance client capabilities rather than function as marketing incentives. New institutional clients might receive waived platform fees during initial setup periods, but such arrangements form part of negotiated commercial terms rather than standardised promotions.

This approach aligns with regulatory best practices in professional markets, where inducements and conflicts of interest face strict scrutiny. By avoiding retail-style promotions, TFI maintains its focus on delivering sustained value through professional services rather than short-term incentives.

Conclusion

After conducting this comprehensive analysis of TF International Securities Group Limited, I can confidently state that they represent a legitimate, highly regulated financial institution operating at the apex of Hong Kong's financial services sector. Their position as a subsidiary of Tianfeng Securities, combined with comprehensive SFC licensing, places them among the most credible brokers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Throughout this review, I've examined every aspect of their operations, from regulatory compliance to trading platforms, and the picture that emerges is one of uncompromising professionalism. They've built their business model around serving sophisticated investors who demand institutional-grade services, direct market access, and professional support. This focus permeates every aspect of their operations, from the manual account opening process to the absence of retail-orientated features.

What stands out most prominently is their regulatory foundation. In the wake of numerous brokerage failures and frauds, they maintain multiple licenses across different business lines, ensuring proper oversight and segregation of activities. The Hong Kong SFC's strict supervision provides clients with confidence that their assets remain protected under one of Asia's most robust regulatory frameworks.

However, I must emphasise that they are categorically unsuitable for retail traders. The HK$8 million minimum portfolio requirement, complex onboarding process, and institutional focus create insurmountable barriers for average investors. Those seeking user-friendly platforms, educational resources for beginners, or low minimum deposits should look elsewhere.

The critical risk for potential clients remains the potential confusion with unregulated entities using similar names. The existence of "TFI Markets LTD" and potentially other copycats means verification of regulatory credentials becomes paramount. Always confirm you're dealing with the Hong Kong-regulated entity holding the CE numbers specified in this review.

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