• CMB International launches a licensed crypto exchange offering 24/7 trading in Hong Kong.
• Hong Kong’s crypto-friendly regulations contrast with China’s ongoing crypto trading ban.
• China Merchants Bank’s CMB International plans to expand its cryptocurrency trading services and partnerships.

China Merchants Bank (CMB), a subsidiary of China Merchants Bank, has launched its cryptocurrency exchange in Hong Kong. The platform provides 24/7 trading on Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT) only to Qualified investors with the necessary Know Your Customer (KYC) standards. 

In a WeChat announcement made on August 18, CMB stated that the site would be accessed exclusively via its mobile application to provide secure and regulated services for trading digital assets.

JUST IN: lCMB International Securities, a unit of China Merchants Bank, launches 24/7 crypto trading in Hong Kong, supporting BTC, ETH, and USDT. pic.twitter.com/Ou0QbAYMwF

— Whale Insider (@WhaleInsider) August 18, 2025

China Merchants Bank Expands Into Digital Assets with Regulatory Backing

China Merchants Bank, one of the biggest banks in China, is diversifying into digital assets with its arm, CMB International. CMB is also one of the leading firms in traditional banking, with assets of more than $1.7 trillion.

In July 2025, CMB International became the first securities firm affiliated with a Chinese bank to obtain a license as a virtual asset service provider from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). The crypto exchange will operate under the Securities and Futures Ordinance and the newly enacted Stablecoin Ordinance, providing investors with a secure environment to trade digital assets.

China Merchants Bank also said that it will gradually diversify its cryptocurrency offerings while prioritizing security and regulatory compliance. According to CMB International, it is considering partnerships with legacy financial infrastructure providers to provide fully integrated asset allocation solutions, where assets will include both securities and cryptocurrencies. 

Notably, CMB International has also established a collaboration with OKX Planet, which provides liquidity and trading engine support. 

CMB’s Hong Kong-based crypto exchange also incorporates security measures, including cold storage wallets and real-time risk assessment, to ensure that users trade on a secure platform.

Also Read | China’s Tech Giants Push for Yuan Stablecoin in Hong Kong to Challenge USDT

Hong Kong Leads as Asia’s Premier Crypto Hub

In addition, the license approval enables China Merchants Bank International to provide its crypto trade services in Hong Kong, in full compliance with local regulatory requirements. The country’s crypto-friendly policies are notable compared to the continued ban on cryptocurrency trading in mainland China.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and SFC have also developed a regulatory system that promotes the adoption of crypto while prioritizing security. 

Hong Kong is guided by the policy of “one country, two systems,” which enables it to develop its regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. Additionally, the ASPIRe five-pillar framework introduced by the SFC in early 2025 is expected to establish Hong Kong as one of the world leaders in secure and regulated crypto-related operations.

With its SFC license, CMB International benefits from these clear regulations and is also able to attract institutional investors who seek to operate in a safe and compliant crypto environment. 

Also Read |  Hong Kong Kicks Off Stablecoin Licensing Regime, Effective August 1