Understanding the Market | China Merchants International has been approved for a virtual asset license, CMS opened nearly 15% higher, and China Merchants Bank opened nearly 2% higher
China Merchants International has been approved for a virtual asset license, becoming the first Chinese-funded bank-affiliated brokerage in Hong Kong to obtain such a license. CMS opened nearly 15% higher, rising 14.98% to HKD 17.5; China Merchants Bank opened nearly 2% higher, rising 1.96% to HKD 52.15. This move marks the expansion of China Merchants International's business into the digital financial market, allowing investors to participate in virtual asset trading on its platform and gain more diversified investment options
According to the Zhitong Finance APP, China Merchants International has been approved for a virtual asset license. As of the time of publication, China Merchants Securities (06099) opened nearly 15% higher, up 14.98%, at HKD 17.5; China Merchants Bank (03968) opened nearly 2% higher, up 1.96%, at HKD 52.15.
On the news front, according to the official website of China Merchants International, it officially received approval from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission on July 14, 2025, becoming the first Chinese bank-affiliated brokerage in Hong Kong to obtain licenses related to virtual asset trading services. The successful acquisition of the virtual asset-related license by China Merchants International marks the formal expansion of its business into the digital financial market, opening up imaginative space for cross-domain integration. It explores incorporating virtual assets into diversified investment portfolios, developing innovative strategies through research on the correlation between virtual assets and the stock market. In the future, investors can participate in compliant virtual asset trading, including cryptocurrencies, on the China Merchants International platform, gaining more diversified investment options beyond traditional financial products, diversifying risks, and enhancing returns.
China Merchants International stated that Hong Kong is currently accelerating the construction of an international virtual asset center. In February of this year, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission launched the "A-S-P-I-Re" five-pillar strategy (Access - Safeguards - Products - Infrastructure - Relationships), along with the "Stablecoin Regulation" set to take effect on August 1, providing a clear compliance framework for the industry. The approval of China Merchants International is not only a positive response to policy direction but will also contribute to building a safe and compliant virtual asset ecosystem in Hong Kong through the collaborative innovation of stock business and virtual assets
