CMB International Securities, a subsidiary of China Merchants Bank, has launched a fully regulated 24/7 cryptocurrency trading service in China Hong Kong, marking a significant development in the region’s evolving digital asset landscape. The platform now allows qualified investors to trade Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT) at any time of the day via the firm’s mobile application [1]. This service is the first of its kind offered by a mainland-backed financial institution under China Hong Kong’s regulatory framework [2].
The initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to position the region as a key financial hub for digital assets. The 24/7 trading model is expected to enhance market liquidity and attract a more diverse group of investors who require flexible trading hours [3]. The service operates under the Securities and Futures Ordinance and the newly introduced Stablecoin Ordinance, which will take effect from early August 2025. All users must complete Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks before accessing the platform [4].
CMB International secured Type 1 and Type 7 licenses from the China Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in July 2024, enabling it to legally offer securities dealing and automated trading services, including for digital assets [5]. The trading operations are supported by a strategic partnership with OKX Planet, ensuring robust performance even during high-traffic periods. Security measures include cold wallet storage, multiple checks, and third-party audits to meet regulatory requirements for virtual asset providers [6].
China Merchants Bank, the world’s eighth-largest bank, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation in financial services. The 24/7 regulated crypto trading service further cements the institution’s role in bridging traditional finance with digital markets, reflecting its confidence in the long-term potential of virtual assets [7]. The service is available exclusively to qualified investors, a standard practice in regulated markets aimed at mitigating the risks associated with speculative trading [8].
The launch comes at a time of growing global interest in regulated crypto markets. As more institutional players and governments introduce clearer guidelines, the digital asset market is gradually integrating into the mainstream financial system. CMB International’s move is seen as a sign of a more mature and structured approach to digital asset trading in Asia [9]. The platform’s compliance-driven model may set a benchmark for other financial institutions in the region as they navigate the evolving regulatory environment.
The introduction of 24/7 regulated trading by CMB International reflects a strategic and well-timed expansion into the digital asset space. As demand for virtual assets continues to rise, this development supports the integration of crypto into traditional financial infrastructure while adhering to regulatory best practices [10].
Sources:
[1] CMB Subsidiary Launches Crypto Exchange in Hong Kong
https://cointelegraph.com/news/china-merchants-bank-hong-kong-crypto-exchange
[2] CMB International Launches Virtual Asset Trading Platform
CMB International Launches Virtual Asset Trading Platform for BTC and ETH
[3] CMB International Securities Reportedly Announces 24/7
https://blockchain.news/flashnews/cmb-international-securities-reportedly-announces-24-7-btc-eth-usdt-trading-china-merchants-bank-subsidiary-expands-crypto-access
[4] CMB International Launches 24/7 Regulated
https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/08/18/cmb-international-launches-24-7-regulated-crypto-trading-in-hong-kong/
[5] World’s 8th Largest Bank CMB Launches 24/7 Bitcoin and
https://cryptonews.com/news/worlds-8th-largest-bank-cmb-launches-24-7-bitcoin-and-crypto-trading-in-hong-kong/
[6] CMB International Securities Launches 24/7 Crypto
https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-cmb-international-securities-launches-24-7-crypto-trading-hong-kong-2508/
[7] CMB International Debuts 24/7 Crypto Trading in Hong Kong
https://coinpedia.org/crypto-live-news/cmb-international-debuts-24-7-crypto-trading-in-hong-kong/
