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If you're planning a trip to Hong Kong or just need to manage your finances while living there, it's essential to know the banks available in the city. There are numerous banks in Hong Kong, each with its unique services and features.
Some of the major banks in Hong Kong include Bank of China (Hong Kong), HSBC, and Standard Chartered. These banks offer a wide range of services, from personal banking to corporate banking.
Bank of China (Hong Kong) has a wide network of branches across the city, with over 100 locations. This makes it easily accessible for customers to conduct their banking transactions.
Check this out: Swift Code for Bank of China Hong Kong
List of Banks in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has a diverse range of banks, with some of the oldest being the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, established in 1865, and the Bank of East Asia, which was founded in 1918.
There are over 30 banks incorporated in Hong Kong, with some of the largest being the Bank of China (Hong Kong), established in 1917, and the Hang Seng Bank, which was founded in 1933.
Some of the newer banks in Hong Kong include the virtual banks, such as Airstar Bank Limited, which was established in 2018 and began operating publicly in 2020, and Ant Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, which was also established in 2018 and began operating publicly in 2020.
Here is a list of some of the largest banks in Hong Kong:
These banks offer a range of financial services, from personal banking to corporate banking, and are regulated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.
Deposit-Taking Companies
Deposit-taking companies in Hong Kong are mostly owned by or associated with banks. They engage in specialized activities like consumer finance and securities business.
These companies take deposits of HK$100,000 or above with an original term of maturity of at least three months. As of 30 September 2023, all deposit-taking companies are incorporated in Hong Kong.
BCOM Finance (Hong Kong) is a deposit-taking company incorporated in Hong Kong, established in 1979 and owned by the People's Republic of China. BCOM Finance offers consumer finance services.
Explore further: Mobile Banking Deposit
Fubon Credit (Hong Kong) is another deposit-taking company, established in 1977 and owned by Taiwan. It offers financial services to individuals and businesses.
Public Finance is a Hong Kong-based deposit-taking company, established in 1977. It offers a range of financial services, including consumer finance and securities business.
Here is a list of deposit-taking companies in Hong Kong, as of 30 September 2023:
East Asia
In Hong Kong, the Bank of East Asia (BEA) stands out as the third-largest bank, with a significant presence in the region. The bank's total consolidated assets are an impressive HK$697.4 billion (US$89.9 billion).
The Bank of East Asia has a substantial presence in Hong Kong, with a notable reputation.
Other Banks and Financial Institutions
In addition to the major banks, there are several other notable financial institutions in Hong Kong. Hang Seng Bank is one of the largest banks in Hong Kong, with a history dating back to 1933.
Other notable banks include DBS Bank, which has a significant presence in Hong Kong, and Standard Chartered Bank, which has been operating in the territory since 1859.
Virtual in
Virtual banks have been making waves in Hong Kong, and it's interesting to note that some of them have a significant international presence. Xiaomi, a Chinese tech giant, owns 90% of Airstar Bank Limited, which was incorporated in Hong Kong in 2018.
Some virtual banks have a strong presence in the region, with Bank Mandiri from Indonesia and Kasikornbank from Thailand having a presence in Hong Kong. I've personally seen some of these banks offer innovative services, such as mobile-only banking.
ZA Bank Limited, a virtual bank in Hong Kong, was established by ZhongAn Online and Sinolink Worldwide in 2019. It's worth noting that this bank has a unique ownership structure.
Here's a list of some virtual banks in Hong Kong, along with their clearing codes and owners:
I've found that some of these banks have been operating publicly since 2020, offering a range of services to customers.
Status Changes
Some banks in Hong Kong have undergone significant changes over the years. Asia Commercial Bank and Bank of America (Asia) are two examples of banks that have been renamed.
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A total of 35 banks have been defunct, renamed, or acquired in Hong Kong. This includes banks like Bank of Canton and Bank of China Group, which have undergone significant changes.
Here is a list of some of the banks that have been defunct, renamed, or acquired in Hong Kong:
- Asia Commercial Bank
- Bank of America (Asia)
- Bank of Canton
- Bank of China Group
- Bank of Credit and Commerce International (Hong Kong) Limited
- Belgian Bank
- Canton Trust Bank
- Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China
- Chase Manhattan Bank, Hong Kong branch
- China & South Sea Bank Limited
- China State Bank Limited
- Chekiang First Bank
- Commerzbank AG, Hong Kong branch
- D.A.H. Private Bank Limited
- Daiwa Bank, Hong Kong branch
- Dao Heng Bank Limited
- DBS Kwong On Bank
- Far East Bank
- First Pacific Bank
- Flemings Investment Banking, Hong Kong branch
- Fortis Bank Asia HK
- Hang Lung Bank
- Hongkong Chinese Bank
- Hongkong Industrial and Commercial Bank Limited
- Hong Nin Savings Bank
- Hua Chiao Commercial Bank Limited
- International Bank of Asia Limited
- Jian Sing Bank Limited
- Kincheng Banking Corporation
- Kwangtung Provincial Bank
- Kwong On Bank
- Mercantile Bank of India, London and China, Hong Kong branch
- Mingde Bank
- National Bank of China
- National Commercial Bank Limited
- National Industrial Bank of China
- Overseas Trust Bank Limited
- Oriental Bank Corporation, Hong Kong branch
- Po Sang Bank
- Sin Hua Bank Limited
- Sun Hung Kai Bank Limited
- Union Bank of Hong Kong Limited
- United Chinese Bank
- Wing On Bank
- Yien Yieh Commercial Bank
Bank Codes and Information
Bank codes and information are crucial for transactions in Hong Kong.
Banks in Hong Kong use a unique 8-digit code to identify themselves, known as the Bank Identifier Code (BIC).
Some banks in Hong Kong also use the Hong Kong Interbank Network, which allows for real-time transactions between banks.
For example, Bank of China (Hong Kong) uses the BIC code BKCHHKHHHKH.
Find Codes
Finding the right bank code is crucial for smooth transactions in Hong Kong. Hong Kong bank codes are 3-digit numbers used as unique identifiers for each bank.
You can easily find your bank's code by checking their website or contacting their customer service. For example, HSBC's bank code is 004, and Hang Seng's bank code is 024.
Make sure to double-check the code to avoid any delays or errors in payments. If you use the wrong bank code, your payment might be sent to the wrong account entirely.
In Hong Kong, bank codes are only used for local payments between accounts. If you're sending money overseas, you'll need different information, such as a SWIFT code or an IBAN.
Difference Between Codes and IBAN
Hong Kong bank codes identify each bank uniquely and are used for local payments.
In Hong Kong, bank codes are used along with the branch code and account number to guide payments.
SWIFT codes, also known as BIC codes, identify banks and financial institutions for international payments.
IBANs, or international bank account numbers, identify individual bank accounts.
Many banks in Europe issue IBANs, but banks elsewhere in the world, including Hong Kong, are starting to adopt them as well.
IBANs are used for international payments, but you'll need other codes for local payments in Hong Kong.
Bank Comparison and Selection
Choosing the right bank in Hong Kong can be overwhelming, but don't worry, I've got you covered. To make an informed decision, ask a lawyer for advice, as they can help you navigate the process and save you time and money.
When comparing banks, pay attention to their remote account opening policies. For example, HSBC offers remote account opening for some jurisdictions, while Bank of East Asia does not offer this service at all. This is a crucial factor to consider if you're looking to open an account from abroad.
The table below highlights some key differences between banks in Hong Kong:
By considering these factors and doing your research, you can find the best bank in Hong Kong for your needs.
Best in
If you're looking for the best bank in Hong Kong, you have several options to consider. Here are some key facts to keep in mind.
HSBC is one of the largest banks in the country and has a capital of over USD 3 billion. It's also present worldwide, with 220 local representative offices.
Bank of China is a traditional financial institution with total assets of about USD 3 billion. It provides a full list of financial services under license and contact between Hong Kong and Mainland China.
Hang Seng Bank serves more than half of Hong Kong's population, making it a popular choice for residents. It has a very good reputation among its clients.
Citibank Hong Kong has a large network of offices around the world, but its internet services are not as well developed as some of its competitors.
Here's a brief comparison of the top banks in Hong Kong:
Standard Chartered HK is one of the largest banks in Hong Kong, but it has not developed online banking and has higher fees. Bank of East Asia is also a major bank in Hong Kong, known for its wide range of currencies in which customers can hold an account.
Choosing the Best
Ask a lawyer for more information about choosing a bank, it will reduce your costs and save you time.
Some banks in Hong Kong offer remote account opening, such as Airwallex and Startrys, which can save you a trip to the bank.
Pay attention to news and ratings, a visible, popular, and trustworthy bank is a good sign.
Compare offers, many banks in Hong Kong encourage potential customers with different opportunities and discounts.
Consider the minimum requirements for opening an account, some banks have a minimum of 200 USD, while others have no minimum. Here's a comparison of the minimum requirements for some banks in Hong Kong:
Pay attention to your needs, some institutions may not offer certain opportunities or features, such as cryptocurrency capabilities or issuing credit cards for a specific location of residence.
Check the capabilities of the bank, if specific features are important to you, such as an account in an unpopular currency or the ability to send to countries with poor banking infrastructure, it's essential to check the bank's ability to send these payments.
See what others are reading: How Does a Bank Check Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bank is most popular in Hong Kong?
According to market presence and customer base, HSBC Hong Kong is often considered the most popular bank in Hong Kong, with a long history and widespread network of branches.
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