【Internet Brokers】News: US Stock Broker Firstrade Plans to Enter Hong Kong! Has Hired RO, Applying for License - Focus on "Zero Commission"

SocialAnxietyStaker · 2026-03-23T06:02:33+00:00

The U.S. online brokerage Firstrade is planning to enter the Hong Kong market. It has already recruited personnel and applied for a license from the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. The industry generally views this move positively, believing it will boost local talent demand and diversify product services, helping enhance market competitiveness. Firstrade is known for its low commission and zero commission strategy and has been actively promoting U.S. stock trading in Chinese-speaking markets.

SocialAnxietyStaker

2026-03-23 06:02:33

Abstract generation in progress

Hong Kong’s financial market gains a new player! Reports indicate that Firstrade, a well-known American online brokerage with over 40 years of history, is planning to establish a presence in Hong Kong. It is understood that Firstrade has hired responsible officers and is applying for a license from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), targeting the large market of Hong Kong residents interested in trading U.S. stocks.

Firstrade responded to our inquiry, stating that as part of their internal assessment process, they have completed some preliminary administrative registration procedures in Hong Kong. However, they have not yet obtained authorization to provide any regulated services in Hong Kong, nor are they offering or promoting such services in the jurisdiction.

Firstrade indicated that any future business activities in Hong Kong will require approval from the relevant regulatory authorities. No decisions or specific timelines have been set at this stage.

Industry optimistic about international brokerages entering Hong Kong to boost market competitiveness

Regarding Firstrade’s plans to join, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) does not comment on individual cases. The local securities industry generally holds a positive outlook, believing this will promote industry diversification:

Boosting local talent demand

Chen Zhihua, President of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Professionals Association, pointed out that Firstrade has recruited twice through the association’s job services, reflecting ongoing demand from international institutions for Hong Kong financial talent and highlighting Hong Kong’s appeal as an international financial center.

Promoting product and service diversification

Legislative Council Financial Services Sector Member Li Weihong stated that the arrival of foreign brokerages in Hong Kong is not merely about competition but also about bringing mature overseas financial products into Hong Kong, making local market services more vibrant and internationally competitive.

Background of Firstrade

Founded in 1985, Firstrade is known for low commissions and fees. In 1997, it expanded its online trading platform, Firstrade.com, and in 2018, it followed market trends to become a “zero-commission” broker. In recent years, it has actively expanded into the Chinese-speaking market, launching 24/7 Chinese-language customer service in 2024, focusing on U.S. stock trading, and covering exchange-traded funds (ETFs), options, bonds, treasury bonds, and over 11,000 mutual funds. It is a member of the U.S. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).

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