Top Online Stock Brokerages in Hong Kong: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Investing in the stock market has become increasingly accessible in Hong Kong, thanks to the rise of online brokerages. These platforms offer a convenient and efficient way for investors to manage their portfolios from the comfort of their homes. The top online brokers in Hong Kong stand out by providing a seamless user experience, high-quality customer service, rapid trade execution, intuitive trading platforms, and a wealth of free investment research.

Beyond these essential features, the leading brokers in Hong Kong offer commission-free trading for stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), making investing more cost-effective. However, it's crucial to be aware of potential fees, such as those for trading options or transferring assets out of your account, which can impact your overall investment returns. Our comprehensive guide evaluates these factors to help you find the best online stock brokerage for your investment needs in 2024.

Top Online Stock Brokerages in Hong Kong

Tiger Brokers

Tiger Brokers Group, launched in 2014, is a leading NASDAQ-listed brokerage firm dedicated to empowering investors with advanced technology and comprehensive market knowledge. The company and its subsidiaries hold 78 licences across Australia, the United States, Singapore, New Zealand, and Hong Kong.

Valuable Capital

Valuable Capital, a prominent member of the Sina Group, was established in 2010 as a licensed brokerage firm. Valuable Capital primarily serves investors with US and Hong Kong stock transactions and provides a range of securities-related account management services. 

Futu

Futu Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited (“Futu Securities”) is a prominent online brokerage firm regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. Established in 2012, Futu Securities has quickly risen to market leadership in Hong Kong, ranking among the top three in retail trading volume. 

Listed on Nasdaq since March 8, 2019, the company’s subsidiaries offer trading and clearing services for stocks in the US, Hong Kong, China Connect, Singapore, and Australia, alongside margin financing, securities lending, and wealth management.

Futu's ecosystem connects users, investors, analysts, media, companies, and institutions, facilitating a holistic investment environment. The company also provides Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) solutions, IPO distribution, investor relations, and public relations services. 

Webull

Webull, launched in 2017, operates in multiple key global markets under stringent regulatory frameworks. In the U.S., it is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Webull also holds licenses in the UK (regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority), Australia (regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission), Singapore (regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore), Japan, and South Africa. Webull Technologies Limited manages technology support, market data, and the development of products like the Webull App and Webull Website, while Webull Securities Limited focuses on providing regulated brokerage services.

Webull Hong Kong was launched in 2020. Webull Securities Limited is licensed with the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (CE No. BNG700) and participates in the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK) (Participant ID: 2175) as well as the Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited (HKSCC) (Participant ID: B02175). Client funds are securely held in segregated client trust accounts with Citibank and/or CMB Wing Lung Bank. Additionally, the Investor Compensation Fund protects securities investors up to HK$500,000 per person.

LONGBRIDGE

Launched in March 2019, Longbridge is a social-driven online brokerage platform tailored for the next generation of investors, streamlining the process from "Discovery" to "Learning" and "Trading." The core team comprises experts from major international tech companies like Alibaba and ByteDance, supported by finance professionals from Singapore and Hong Kong.

Longbridge leverages social media and advanced technology to provide a secure, efficient, and global investment experience, aiming to innovate within Hong Kong’s FinTech landscape. Licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission for Type 1, 4, and 9 activities, Longbridge operates across nine global locations, including Singapore, New Zealand, the U.S., Hong Kong, and Mainland China, offering services in securities brokerage, social community, wealth management, and corporate solutions.

uSMART Securities

The uSMART Securities mobile app is a sophisticated trading platform for global investors, offering access to HK, US, and A Stocks, as well as US Stock Options. It provides a comprehensive suite of services, including real-time stock quotes, 24-hour account opening, smart trading features, and free AI-driven and short- to mid-term trading strategies.

Since its launch, the group has grown rapidly, securing multiple rounds of funding from prominent Hong Kong consortiums and strategic investments from Chow Tai Fook Nominee Limited.

Interactive Brokers

With 44 years of experience, Interactive Brokers has established itself as a leading securities firm, boasting $15.2 billion in equity capital. The firm operates on over 150 market destinations globally, offering a wide range of financial products.

Interactive Brokers provides direct online trade execution and clearing services to institutional and professional traders. They handle an extensive array of electronically traded assets, including stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, gold, crypto, and funds. On average, Interactive Brokers Group and its affiliates execute around 2.35 million trades per day.

Charles Schwab

Schwab is dedicated to helping investors maximise their investments in the U.S., the world’s largest financial market. Our Financial Consultants, along with a range of tools and resources, are here to offer insights into American market trends. Schwab will guide investors to deepen their understanding of the U.S. market and support you in reaching your financial objectives.

Saxo

The opportunities in the global capital markets are available to all investors, empowering them to turn their dreams for the future into reality. That’s why the focus is on helping investors invest and trade effectively.

Investors can access over 71,000 financial products, along with the resources needed to make informed decisions and put their plans into action.

Sofi Hong Kong

Based in San Francisco, California, SoFi is a leading fintech company that has rapidly expanded in the U.S. and is now licensed to operate in Hong Kong. Join over 4 million global members who trust SoFi for their financial needs.

SoFi is dedicated to empowering everyone to manage their money effectively. Our goal is to offer the simplest and most transparent investing app in Hong Kong, using advanced technology to give investors greater control over their finances and help them realise their investment potential.

Do You Know You Can Also Invest Intelligently with StashAway? 

While exploring the best online brokerages in Hong Kong, it's worth considering StashAway, a leading wealth management platform that offers an intelligent and hassle-free way to invest. Whether you're a novice or an experienced investor, StashAway provides a simple, low-cost option to diversify your portfolio effectively.

StashAway stands out with its competitive management fees, ranging from just 0.2% to 0.8% annually—significantly lower than traditional investment channels. There are no hidden costs, ensuring transparency and trust in your investment journey.

One of StashAway's key offerings is General Investing, designed to maintain a consistent risk level while optimising for long-term returns. Unlike traditional methods that might focus on short-term market trends, StashAway strategically selects 7 to 13 underlying funds to ensure balanced performance and risk management. This approach helps investors achieve steady growth over time, making StashAway a valuable addition to your investment toolkit.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Online Brokerage

Selecting the right online brokerage is crucial for your investment success. With numerous options available, it's important to evaluate various factors to ensure you choose a platform that aligns with your needs and goals. Here are key considerations to keep in mind:

Fees and Commissions

The cost of trading can significantly impact your returns, so understanding the fee structure of an online brokerage is essential. Common fees include:

• Commission: Charged by the brokerage for executing buy and sell orders. While many brokerages offer commission-free trades for stocks and ETFs, options and mutual fund trades often involve additional costs.

• Platform Fees: Charged by the brokerage for using their trading platform on a per-trade basis. These fees cover access to advanced trading features, research tools, and real-time data. 

Other fees (HK Stocks, ETF & Warrants):

Other fees (US Stocks, ETF & Warrants):

Market Access and Range of Products

The variety of investment options a brokerage offers can significantly impact your portfolio's diversification and growth potential. Here’s what to consider:

Markets

• Domestic and International Markets: Access to both local and international markets allows for a broader range of investment opportunities. This can include major exchanges such as the NYSE, NASDAQ, and HKEX, as well as lesser-known markets in emerging economies. For example, brokerages like Interactive Brokers offer extensive access to global markets, providing opportunities to trade foreign stocks, bonds, and currencies​.
• Market Hours: Some brokerages provide extended trading hours, which can be particularly useful for international markets. This allows investors to react to global news and events outside of regular trading hours.

Product Range

• Stocks, Bonds, ETFs, Options, and Futures: A comprehensive range of products ensures that you can implement various investment strategies. For instance, options and futures can be used for hedging and speculation, while bonds can provide steady income.
• Mutual Funds and Index Funds: These are crucial for investors looking for diversified, professionally managed portfolios. Fidelity, for example, offers a vast selection of mutual funds and ETFs​.
• Cryptocurrencies and Commodities: As alternative investments gain popularity, access to cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and commodities (e.g., gold, oil) can enhance portfolio diversification. eToro is known for its robust cryptocurrency trading platform​.

IPO Access 

• Initial Public Offerings (IPOs): Some brokerages offer access to IPOs, allowing investors to buy shares of a company before it begins trading on public exchanges. This can be a lucrative opportunity, but it also comes with higher risk. Brokerages like Robinhood and TD Ameritrade provide IPO access to their clients, often with lower minimum investment requirements​.

Account Types and Minimum Requirements

Account Types

Different brokerages offer various account types tailored to different needs. Here are the common types available in Hong Kong:

• Individual Accounts: These are the most common types of accounts where the investments are owned and managed by a single person.
• Joint Accounts: These accounts are shared between two or more individuals, typically family members or business partners, allowing joint ownership and management of investments.
• Retirement Accounts (e.g., IRA): While less common in Hong Kong compared to the US, some brokerages offer retirement accounts designed to help individuals save for retirement with certain tax advantages.
• Custodial Accounts: These accounts are managed by an adult on behalf of a minor. They are ideal for parents or guardians looking to invest for their children's future.

Minimum Deposit

The initial deposit requirement can vary significantly between brokerages:

• No Minimum Deposit: Some brokerages, such as Saxo and Webull, do not require a minimum deposit, making them accessible to all investors regardless of their starting capital​.
• Low Minimum Deposit: Brokerages like Tiger Brokers and Valuable Capital require a minimum deposit of around HKD 10,000, which is relatively modest and suitable for most individual investors​
• High Minimum Deposit: Charles Schwab, known for its extensive range of products and low fees, requires a minimum deposit of USD 25,000 for account opening. This is geared towards more serious investors who plan to trade actively​.

Margin Accounts

Margin accounts allow investors to borrow funds from the brokerage to trade, potentially amplifying returns but also increasing risk. Here’s what to consider:

• Availability: Most major brokerages in Hong Kong, including Interactive Brokers and Saxo, offer margin accounts.
• Requirements: These accounts typically require a higher minimum deposit and maintenance of a certain equity balance in the account to cover potential losses.
• Interest Rates: The interest rates charged on borrowed funds vary between brokerages and can significantly impact the cost of trading on margin. It’s essential to compare these rates before opening a margin account.