CMBI Launches Crypto Trading in Hong Kong: A First for China-Backed Firm

China Merchants Bank’s investment banking arm, CMB International, has opened the door to crypto assets in Hong Kong. This marks a significant milestone for the firm, becoming the first Chinese bank-backed securities company to receive SFC authorization for regulated access to Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT). CMBI has also launched CMBMINT, the world’s first cross-border tokenized public money market fund deployed on Solana with plans for multi-chain expansion. This move positions Hong Kong as a hub for digital asset activity in Asia while aligning with established financial systems.