BOCOM International Holdings Company Limited Forex Broker

SFC & HKSCC Regulated - High Trust
Trust Score
7.2
OUT OF 10

Pros

  • Licensed by Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for Type 1, 2, 4, and 5 regulated activities providing strong regulatory oversight
  • Strong institutional backing as 73.1% owned by Bank of Communications (BOCOM), one of China's largest state-owned banks
  • Comprehensive range of capital market services including securities brokerage, corporate finance, asset management and advisory
  • Competitive commission rates starting from 0.01% for securities trading with volume-based discounts
  • Robust proprietary trading platform with advanced features for institutional and retail clients
  • Strong credit rating of 'A' from Fitch Ratings reflecting financial stability and strong parent support
  • Extensive research coverage and market analysis resources through dedicated research team

Cons

  • Limited global presence with primary focus on Hong Kong and Chinese markets
  • Higher minimum investment requirements compared to retail-focused online brokers
  • Trading platform functionality may be less user-friendly compared to popular platforms like MT4/MT5
  • Customer service primarily focused on Asian business hours which may impact global clients
  • Limited cryptocurrency and forex trading options compared to specialized brokers
  • Account opening process can be lengthy due to institutional-grade compliance requirements

Basic Information

Company
BOCOM International Holdings Company Limited
Region
Hong Kong
Established
2007
Email
cs@bocomgroup.com
Phone
+852 3766 1899
Website
www.bocomgroup.com

User Reviews

James Wilson Hong Kong
★★★★☆
I've been trading through BOCOM International for the past 2 years, primarily focusing on Hong Kong and China A-shares. Their research coverage is excellent, particularly for Chinese markets, which has helped inform my investment decisions. The trading platform is stable and execution is reliable, though it may not have all the fancy features of some retail platforms. Customer service is professional and knowledgeable, especially when dealing with Stock Connect trading. The main drawback is their focus on Asian market hours, which can be limiting if you trade other markets. Overall, a solid choice for serious investors interested in Asian markets.
Liu Wei Chen Shanghai, China
★★★☆☆
Have been using BOCOM International for cross-border investments for 14 months. Their connection to Bank of Communications provides good credibility and their research team produces valuable insights. However, the account opening process was quite lengthy and document-heavy. The trading platform could be more user-friendly and the mobile app needs improvement. Commission rates are reasonable but not the lowest in the market. Customer service is professional but sometimes slow to respond during busy periods. Suitable for long-term investors but may not be ideal for active traders seeking the latest trading technology.
Sarah Mitchell Singapore
★★★★★
As an institutional investor managing a significant portfolio, I've found BOCOM International's services exceptional over the past 18 months. Their research coverage of Chinese markets is outstanding and has provided valuable insights for our investment decisions. The dedicated relationship manager provides excellent support and their execution capabilities for large orders are impressive. While their fees aren't the lowest, the quality of service and institutional-grade infrastructure justify the costs. Their strong regulatory standing and parent company backing provide the security we need for our clients' investments. The only minor inconvenience is the traditional documentation process which can be somewhat bureaucratic.

Overview

BOCOM International Holdings Company Limited is a leading Hong Kong-based securities firm established in 2007 as the core international investment banking platform of Bank of Communications Co., Ltd (BOCOM). The company provides comprehensive financial services including securities brokerage, margin financing, corporate finance and underwriting, investment and loans, and asset management services. As a subsidiary of one of China’s largest state-owned banks, BOCOM International benefits from strong institutional backing with BOCOM holding a 73.1% controlling stake. The firm is licensed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to conduct Type 1 (dealing in securities), Type 2 (dealing in futures contracts), Type 4 (advising on securities), and Type 5 (advising on futures contracts) regulated activities, ensuring robust regulatory oversight and client protection. BOCOM International has established itself as a significant player in Hong Kong’s capital markets, particularly in facilitating cross-border investment flows between mainland China and international markets. The company maintains strong credit ratings, including an ‘A’ rating from Fitch Ratings, reflecting its financial stability and strategic importance to its parent bank. Their business model focuses on serving both institutional and high-net-worth individual clients with a comprehensive suite of investment banking and asset management solutions. The firm is known for its strong research capabilities, extensive market coverage, and deep understanding of Chinese markets, making it a preferred partner for investors seeking exposure to China-related investment opportunities.

Is BOCOM International Holdings Company Limited Safe? Regulation Analysis

BOCOM International operates under a comprehensive regulatory framework centered in Hong Kong. The company is primarily regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), holding multiple licenses for conducting regulated activities including dealing in securities (Type 1), dealing in futures contracts (Type 2), advising on securities (Type 4), and advising on futures contracts (Type 5). As an SFC-licensed entity, BOCOM International must maintain strict compliance with Hong Kong’s securities laws and regulations, including maintaining adequate capital reserves, segregating client assets, and adhering to rigorous risk management standards. The firm’s operations are also overseen by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) as a listed company (stock code: 3329.HK), requiring adherence to additional corporate governance and disclosure requirements. Client funds are protected through segregated accounts and the firm’s participation in the Hong Kong Investor Compensation Fund, which provides protection up to HKD 500,000 per client. The company’s regulatory standing is further strengthened by its relationship with Bank of Communications, which is regulated by the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) and other international banking regulators. BOCOM International has maintained a clean regulatory record with no significant enforcement actions or penalties from regulators.

Trading Products and Services

  • Securities Trading: Comprehensive access to Hong Kong and China A-shares through Stock Connect, plus global stocks from major exchanges including NYSE, NASDAQ, and London Stock Exchange
  • Fixed Income: Wide range of bonds including government bonds, corporate bonds, and structured notes with both primary and secondary market access
  • Derivatives: Futures and options trading on major global exchanges, including equity indices, commodities, and currency futures
  • Asset Management: Various fund products including equity funds, fixed income funds, and alternative investment solutions
  • Corporate Finance: Full suite of investment banking services including IPOs, debt issuance, and M&A advisory
  • Research Coverage: Extensive research reports covering multiple sectors and markets with focus on Greater China

Trading Platforms

BOCOM International provides clients with multiple trading platform options to meet diverse trading needs. Their proprietary trading platform offers comprehensive functionality for securities trading, featuring real-time market data, advanced charting tools, and integrated research content. The platform is available in both desktop and mobile versions, supporting iOS and Android devices. For institutional clients, they provide direct market access (DMA) solutions with low-latency connectivity to major exchanges. The web-based trading interface offers convenient access to account management, trading functions, and market information without requiring software installation. Additional features include customizable watchlists, real-time price alerts, and comprehensive portfolio management tools. The platform supports multiple order types including limit orders, market orders, and conditional orders, with risk management features such as stop-loss and take-profit functionality.

Deposit and Withdrawal

BOCOM International provides multiple options for account funding and withdrawals. Deposits can be made via bank transfer (SWIFT/RTGS/CHATS), supporting major currencies including HKD, USD, and RMB. The minimum deposit requirements vary by account type, with institutional accounts typically requiring higher minimums compared to retail accounts. Bank wire transfers typically process within 1-2 business days. For withdrawals, clients must submit requests during Hong Kong business hours, with processing typically completed within 2-3 business days after approval. All transactions require proper documentation and compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. The firm maintains strict verification procedures for both deposits and withdrawals to ensure security and regulatory compliance. Clients must complete account verification including proof of identity and address before processing any withdrawals.

Customer Support

BOCOM International provides client support primarily during Hong Kong business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM HKT, Monday to Friday). Support channels include: dedicated phone lines for different services (general enquiries, trading support, technical assistance), email support with department-specific addresses, and in-person assistance at their Hong Kong headquarters. The client service team is proficient in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Corporate and institutional clients receive dedicated relationship manager support. The firm maintains a comprehensive online help center with detailed FAQs, user guides, and educational resources. Response times typically range from immediate for phone support to 24-48 hours for email inquiries. Technical support is available during market hours for trading platform assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What licenses does BOCOM International hold and how safe are client funds?
A: BOCOM International is licensed by the Hong Kong SFC for Type 1, 2, 4, and 5 regulated activities. Client funds are held in segregated accounts at major banks and protected under Hong Kong’s regulatory framework. The firm’s ‘A’ credit rating from Fitch and backing by Bank of Communications provide additional security. Clients are covered by the Hong Kong Investor Compensation Fund up to HKD 500,000.

Q: What are the minimum deposit requirements and account types available?
A: Account minimums vary by service type. Standard brokerage accounts typically require lower minimums, while institutional or private banking services may require substantial initial investments. The exact requirements are determined based on the specific products and services chosen. All accounts provide access to the firm’s trading platform and research resources.

Q: What markets can I access through BOCOM International?
A: Clients can access Hong Kong stocks, China A-shares through Stock Connect, global equities on major exchanges, bonds, futures, and other investment products. The firm specializes in Greater China markets but provides comprehensive global market access through various investment vehicles and partnerships.

Q: How does BOCOM International compare to other brokers in terms of fees and commissions?
A: BOCOM International offers competitive commission rates starting from 0.01% for securities trading, with rates varying based on trading volume and client relationship level. While not the lowest in the market, the fees reflect the institutional-grade service quality and comprehensive research support provided.