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国泰君安国际获准提供虚拟资产交易服务，开启中资券商全链条布局新篇章

The financial world is witnessing a pivotal shift as traditional institutions embrace the digital asset revolution. A landmark development has emerged from Hong Kong, where CITIC Securities International — a leading Chinese financial services provider — has officially secured regulatory approval to expand its virtual asset offerings. This strategic move not only marks a major milestone for the firm but also signals a broader transformation in how institutional finance integrates blockchain-based assets.

On June 2025, CITIC Securities International (01788.HK) announced it had successfully upgraded its Type 1 (Securities Dealing) license under the oversight of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). The enhanced license now permits the company to offer virtual asset trading services, including direct transactions in Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT), alongside advisory services related to these digital assets. This positions CITIC Securities International as the first and only mainland-backed securities firm in Hong Kong with full-chain virtual asset service capabilities.

This regulatory green light allows clients to seamlessly trade major cryptocurrencies and stablecoins within a regulated brokerage environment — a first for Chinese-affiliated financial institutions.

👉 Discover how institutional adoption is reshaping the future of digital finance.

The Rise of Stablecoins: A $2.5 Trillion Opportunity by 2026?

One of the most compelling drivers behind this strategic pivot is the explosive growth of the stablecoin market. From just $5 billion in 2020, the total value of circulating stablecoins surged to **$247.4 billion by May 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 100%**. Analysts project that this momentum will continue, with some forecasts suggesting the market could surpass $2.5 trillion by 2026.

Stablecoins are emerging as the backbone of decentralized finance (DeFi), offering three core advantages:

This “fiat-on-chain” model bridges traditional monetary systems with next-generation financial infrastructure, making stablecoins a preferred choice for risk-averse investors and institutional players alike.

Regulatory clarity has further accelerated adoption. In early 2025, Hong Kong launched its ASPIRe roadmap, a comprehensive strategy to build a robust virtual asset ecosystem. Shortly after, on May 21, the city passed the Stablecoin Ordinance Draft, establishing the world’s first holistic regulatory framework for fiat-referenced stablecoins. This was swiftly mirrored by legislative movements in the U.S. Senate and the full implementation timeline of MiCA in the EU and licensing regimes in Singapore set for 2026.

Why Hong Kong Matters: A Gateway for RMB Digitalization

Amid global discussions around de-dollarization, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to become a launchpad for offshore RMB-backed stablecoins. By enabling seamless cross-border transactions for Chinese enterprises and expanding digital trade use cases, Hong Kong can transform stablecoins into a powerful vehicle for RMB internationalization.

CITIC Securities International’s new licensing status plays a crucial role in this vision. As a licensed traditional financial institution now offering direct crypto trading, it lends strong credibility to digital assets — enhancing market confidence and accelerating their integration into mainstream finance.

“This isn’t just about adding another product line — it’s about redefining what a modern investment platform should be,” said a financial analyst tracking Hong Kong’s fintech evolution. “CITIC Securities International has effectively moved stablecoins from the fringes into the core of institutional trading.”

Full-Chain Advantage: Why Being First Matters

What sets CITIC Securities International apart is not just timing — it’s comprehensive coverage across the virtual asset value chain.

Unlike competitors who may hold partial licenses, CITIC Securities International has achieved end-to-end service integration through two key SFC authorizations:

Together, these licenses enable the firm to offer:

👉 See how full-service digital asset platforms are changing investor access forever.

This makes CITIC Securities International the only Chinese-funded broker in Hong Kong with integrated transaction, advisory, issuance, and distribution capabilities — a true one-stop solution for digital wealth management.

For context:

Such gaps highlight the firm’s first-mover advantage and create a significant moat in an increasingly competitive landscape.

From Innovation to Integration: A New Era for Finance

The implications extend beyond corporate strategy. This development symbolizes a broader shift — from experimental blockchain projects to regulated, institutionally-backed financial infrastructure.

By embedding virtual asset services within a trusted brokerage framework, CITIC Securities International reduces friction for retail and institutional investors alike. Clients no longer need to rely on third-party exchanges with uncertain compliance standards. Instead, they can access digital assets through a familiar, audited, and regulated channel.

Moreover, the firm’s early participation in Hong Kong’s tokenized securities pilot program and its launch of crypto-based structured notes underscore its commitment to innovation within guardrails.

As the ASPIRe roadmap unfolds, Hong Kong aims to attract global capital and talent into its digital finance ecosystem. With its full-suite virtual asset platform already operational, CITIC Securities International is poised to become a critical bridge between traditional finance and Web3 economies.

👉 Explore how seamless integration of crypto and traditional finance is unlocking new opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What virtual assets can I trade with CITIC Securities International?
A: Eligible clients can now trade major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT) directly through their brokerage accounts.

Q: Is this service available to all investors?
A: While details are subject to individual eligibility checks, the service targets both retail and institutional clients meeting regulatory requirements under Hong Kong’s SFC guidelines.

Q: How does this differ from using a crypto exchange?
A: Unlike standalone exchanges, CITIC offers regulated, integrated trading within a traditional securities account — combining compliance, security, and convenience in one place.

Q: What is the significance of the Type 3 and Type 5 licenses?
A: The Type 3 license allows advising on and facilitating virtual asset trades, while Type 5 permits acting as an introducing agent to licensed platforms — together enabling full-chain service delivery.

Q: Are stablecoins safe investments?
A: Pegged to reserve assets like USD or HKD, stablecoins offer low volatility. However, risks include reserve transparency and regulatory changes — always conduct due diligence.

Q: Will more Chinese brokers follow suit?
A: Given the success and market response, it’s highly likely other mainland-affiliated firms will pursue similar licensing paths in Hong Kong.

Core Keywords:

With regulatory support strengthening and demand rising, CITIC Securities International’s pioneering role exemplifies how forward-thinking finance can thrive at the intersection of innovation and compliance.