Hong Kong’s Crypto Leap: CMB International Debuts Digital Assets Trading Amid Regulatory Green Light

Hong Kong's financial landscape just got a crypto adrenaline shot. CMB International—the investment arm of China Merchants Bank—has flipped the switch on its digital assets trading desk, betting big on institutional demand.

Why it matters: The city's pro-innovation stance under the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) framework makes this more than another exchange launch—it's a strategic beachhead for mainland capital eyeing crypto exposure.

The fine print: No retail investors allowed (yet). CMB's playing the long game with whales and corporates while rivals scramble for retail liquidity. Smart move or late to the party? The order books will tell.

Bottom line: When traditional finance heavyweights start building crypto rails, it's either the smart money arriving—or the suits realizing their bonus pools need Web3 glitter. Place your bets.

CMB International Securities, a unit of China Merchants Bank, has officially launched its virtual asset trading services, becoming the first Chinese-affiliated firm licensed in Hong Kong to offer such services. The firm’s mobile app now enables qualified investors to trade Bitcoin (BTC), ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT) 24/7, setting a new milestone for digital asset adoption.

24/7 Access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether

Through the newly launched platform, investors can directly trade via smartphone, making digital asset participation faster and more accessible. To use the service, investors must complete Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) verification, and open both a cash account with CMB International Securities and a dedicated VIRTUAL asset trading account.

The initiative incorporates strict compliance measures and a strong risk management framework, highlighting the growing trend of financial institutions embracing blockchain and digital assets. While crypto trading remains banned in mainland China, Hong Kong is positioning itself as the gateway for Chinese crypto investors. 

Hong Kong’s Push to Become a Global Crypto Hub

Hong Kong has repeatedly emphasized its ambition to lead in digital finance. The, which came into effect on, already strengthened its regulatory landscape. With CMB’s new launch, the city has further cemented its place in the Asian financial ecosystem.

Paul Chan, Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, said during the Wealth Management Expo 2025: “We expect Hong Kong to become the world’s number one cross-border asset management center within two to three years.”

He added, “We have also just completed the legislation of stablecoins, which will come into effect on August 1, making Hong Kong one of the first jurisdictions in the world to establish a statutory regulatory framework for stablecoins.”

Echoing this, Liu, Chief Executive of RD Technologies, remarked:
“There’s a wave of legitimising the digital asset industry… Hong Kong is trying to be at the forefront of that wave.”

Investor Protection and Market Standards

Alongside innovation, Hong Kong is working to enhance investor protection. The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has introduced comprehensive rules to safeguard digital assets and ensure global standards in compliance and security. These measures aim to attract high-quality market participants while reducing risks for investors.