Let me summarize the recent launch of virtual currency trading functions by China Merchants International.
On the timeline, China Merchants International Securities officially launched virtual asset trading services in Hong Kong through its mobile app on August 18, 2025.
Currently, only three mainstream virtual currencies are supported: BTC, ETH, and USDT, which can be traded 24/7 through the mobile app.
However, it is important to note that this is limited to qualified professional investors (who must complete KYC/AML verification and open both a cash account and a virtual asset trading account), and this service is currently limited to Hong Kong. Virtual currency trading is still prohibited in mainland China, and providing services to mainland users from overseas platforms is illegal.
China Merchants International's partner in this endeavor is OKX Planet, which is responsible for providing technical support (trading engine, liquidity).
Regarding the launch situation, the specific trading volume needs further observation, as it is still open only to a small number of professional investors. Users can choose to purchase virtual currency directly using their own wallets on DEX, and there seems to be no need to go through an intermediary.
Nevertheless, it is the first Chinese bank-affiliated brokerage to obtain virtual asset trading-related qualifications from Hong Kong SFC, and it is still worth paying attention to, as it at least represents a signal from China regarding the openness to virtual currencies.
