US Stock Broker Accounts for Hong Kong & Mainland China Residents β IBKR, Moomoo, Tiger Eligibility
Contents
HK & US Stock Accounts: Which Brokers Accept Sign-Ups?
If you tried to open a Futu or Tiger Brokers account in the second half of 2025 with a mainland China ID, you already know: the door has essentially closed. For anyone looking to buy American stocks from Hong Kong or set up a US stock trading account as a Hong Kong resident, what used to be a straightforward online process now requires proof of overseas residency β and for most applicants, that proof simply does not exist.
This article covers what actually changed, why it changed, and β more practically β which brokers you can still realistically open an account with in 2026 depending on where you are.
TL;DR: Quick Answer
| Your situation | Broker options |
|---|---|
| Mainland China resident (no overseas residency) | Very limited. IBKR technically accepts but requires proof of overseas employment/residency. Firstrade still accepts some mainland applicants. |
| Overseas Chinese (Australia, Singapore, Canada, etc.) | moomoo, IBKR, Tiger, Futu (local entity), Firstrade |
| Hong Kong resident | Futu (HK entity), moomoo HK, Tiger HK, IBKR HK, Chief Securities, Webull HK |
| Planning to relocate overseas | IBKR or Firstrade before you leave; open the account while you still have valid overseas address proof |
Why Did Brokers Restrict Mainland China Access in 2025?
The restrictions did not arrive overnight. Chinese regulators had been signaling discomfort with cross-border brokerage platforms serving mainland residents since at least 2021. The logic from Beijing's side comes down to two things: capital outflow controls and offshore income tax enforcement.
In September 2025, the situation escalated significantly. Futu Securities announced that new mainland account applicants must hold overseas permanent residency -- Hong Kong or Macau ID cards being the only currently supported options during what Futu described as a "system upgrade."
Tiger Brokers went a step further and stopped accepting applications from mainland residents who provided only evidence of working or living overseas, requiring non-mainland identification entirely.
Interactive Brokers, which had been seen as the more stable Western alternative, followed with its own tightening. IBKR removed the Interactive Brokers app from Chinese app stores and began requiring new mainland clients to provide proof of overseas employment or residency from within the previous three months.
Longbridge, Webull's various entities, and other smaller platforms either restricted or shut their mainland pipelines around the same period. By late 2025, virtually no major broker was offering a simple mainland ID-only application path.
The underlying regulatory push is connected to China's stricter enforcement of offshore income tax declarations -- the government sent formal notices to citizens with offshore investment accounts, requiring income disclosure. Brokers operating internationally have legal incentive to reduce their exposure to this compliance gray area.
Which Brokers Still Accept Account Sign-Ups in 2026?
Conditions here change faster than any article can track. Treat the information below as a starting point, verify directly with each broker before applying, and pay close attention to what documents you can actually provide.
Interactive Brokers (IBKR / ηιθ―εΈ)
IBKR remains the most globally accessible broker for investors with any legitimate overseas connection. For Hong Kong residents seeking the cheapest way to trade US stocks from HK, IBKR offers some of the tightest FX conversion rates available.
IBKR is US-regulated (SEC/FINRA), holds client assets in segregated accounts, and has been operating since 1978 β the institutional-grade option for individual investors.
Who can open an account: Mainland China residents with verifiable proof of overseas employment or residency. Overseas Chinese (Australia, Singapore, US, Canada, UK, etc.) can apply straightforwardly.
Minimum deposit: None technically, but maintaining a small balance (around $2,000 USD equivalent) is practical for meaningful trading.
Markets: US stocks, HK stocks, A-shares via Connect, ETFs, options, futures, bonds, and more. Genuinely comprehensive.
Pros: Strongest regulatory standing, lowest margin rates, direct market access, global market coverage. If you plan to hold this account for ten or twenty years regardless of what Chinese regulations do, IBKR is the most defensible long-term choice.
Cons: IBKR's platform interface feels designed for professionals, not beginners. IBKR's customer support can be slow.
IBKR's app works in China via VPN access only (the app was removed from mainland app stores in 2025). Mainland applicants now face a tougher IBKR application process.
For a broader look at how IBKR compares against other HK brokers, see our Hong Kong stock broker comparison.
moomoo (Futu's International Brand)
moomoo is the international-facing brand operated by Futu. The key distinction: moomoo is NOT available for mainland China residents opening accounts with mainland IDs. The restrictions that hit Futu also affect moomoo for mainland-based users.
However, if you are an overseas Chinese resident -- particularly in Australia, Singapore, the US, Canada, Malaysia, or Japan -- moomoo remains a strong option with a modern platform and competitive fee structure.
Who can open an account: Australian residents, Hong Kong residents (via moomoo HK), Singapore residents, US residents, and most major non-mainland markets. Not available for mainland China address applicants.
Minimum deposit: Around A$0 minimum in Australia, though you need to fund before trading.
Markets: US stocks, HK stocks, A-shares (via Stock Connect for eligible accounts), Australian stocks (on the AU platform), ETFs.
Pros: Clean interface, strong research tools, HK IPO subscriptions available, relatively low commissions on HK and US markets.
Cons: moomoo is not an option if you are currently resident in mainland China. Data privacy questions have been raised by Australian media regarding Futu's ownership structure.
For overseas Chinese in Australia specifically, our moomoo Australia review covers the sign-up process, fees, and what to watch out for. Australian and Hong Kong users can sign up through this link.
Firstrade (第δΈθ―εΈ)
Firstrade is a US-based, FINRA-regulated broker that has historically catered to Chinese-speaking investors. It still operates a Chinese-language interface and Chinese customer service, and -- unlike Futu and Tiger -- has not implemented mainland residency proof requirements as of early 2026.
Who can open an account: Firstrade lists China among its accepted countries. Mainland residents using a China ID and a valid Chinese bank account have reported successful applications, though this may change.
Minimum deposit: $0.
Markets: US stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds. No HK stock access.
Pros: Zero commissions on US stocks, genuinely Chinese-friendly interface and support, no minimum balance, US-regulated.
Cons: Firstrade covers US equities only -- if you want HK stock access you need a second account elsewhere. Firstrade's platform is functional but not as polished as moomoo or Futu.
Chief Securities (θ΄ε―θ―εΈ)
Chief Securities is a traditional Hong Kong-based broker licensed by the SFC. As of early 2026, it continues to accept applications from mainland China residents using domestic identification documents, which makes it one of the few direct HK broker paths still available.
Who can open an account: Hong Kong residents and mainland China residents with valid mainland ID.
Minimum deposit: HK$10,000 recommended for promotional benefits, though technically you can start lower.
Markets: HK stocks, US stocks (via their platform), China A-shares via Stock Connect.
Pros: SFC-licensed Hong Kong entity, accepts mainland IDs directly, Chinese-language support.
Cons: Older platform interface compared to Futu or moomoo. Less name recognition internationally. Less research tooling.
IBKR Hong Kong Entity
Worth noting separately: if you have a Hong Kong address or valid HK residency, you can open under IBKR's Hong Kong entity, which operates under SFC licensing. This is a cleaner path than the mainland application route and avoids the overseas proof-of-employment requirement.
Which Brokers Have Restricted Mainland China Access?
For completeness:
Futu (ε―ι): Mainland ID applicants blocked. HK residents can still use the Futu HK entity. Australian and other overseas residents use the moomoo brand.
Tiger Brokers (θθθ―εΈ): Requires non-mainland identification. Mainland residents with overseas residency may still qualify but the process is more complex than it used to be.
Longbridge (ιΏζ‘₯): Followed similar restrictions as Futu and Tiger in 2025.
Webull (εΏ θ΄θ―εΈ): Among the first to exit -- closed all mainland accounts in 2024, ahead of the broader wave.
How Do These Brokers Compare for Mainland and Overseas Investors?
| Broker | Mainland China residents | Overseas Chinese | HK residents | US stocks | HK stocks | Min. deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBKR | Overseas proof required | Yes | Yes (HK entity) | Yes | Yes | $0 |
| moomoo | No | Yes | Yes (HK entity) | Yes | Yes | $0 |
| Firstrade | Yes (currently) | Yes | Limited | Yes | No | $0 |
| Chief Securities | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | HK$10,000 |
| Futu | No | Yes (moomoo brand) | Yes | Yes | Yes | $0 |
| Tiger | Non-mainland ID required | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $0 |
What Is the Cheapest Way to Trade US Stocks from HK?
For mainland China residents, the funding question is almost as complicated as the account opening question. The annual personal FX conversion quota is USD 50,000, and wire transfers abroad require bank compliance checks that have become stricter. For smaller amounts, many investors use third-party payment services where permitted.
For overseas Chinese -- particularly those in Australia -- international bank transfers and services like Wise work well for funding IBKR or moomoo accounts in USD or HKD. We will cover funding methods in a separate guide.
Useful reference: if you are trying to participate in HK IPOs without a HK bank card, see our HK IPO without HK bank card guide, and for zero-friction account options, the zero barrier HK stock account guide covers some workarounds worth knowing. For a direct fee-and-feature head-to-head between the two brokers most HK readers shortlist, see our moomoo vs Interactive Brokers comparison.
How Was This Information Verified?
We track broker policy changes across Chinese financial news sources (Yicai, TMTPost), English-language regulatory filings, and direct checks against broker help centers and country eligibility pages. The September 2025 wave of restrictions was covered by multiple independent outlets and confirmed against official broker announcements.
This article reflects information available as of February 2026. Broker policies in this space are changing faster than usual -- always verify current account eligibility on the broker's own website before applying.
We do not accept payments from brokers for positive coverage. The moomoo link in this article is an affiliate link; it does not influence the analysis.
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Try TradingView Free βFAQ
Q: Can I keep my existing Futu or Tiger account if I already have one from before the restrictions?
Generally yes. The restrictions apply to new account openings, not to accounts that were already open and in good standing.
However, there are reports of existing accounts being reviewed, and some users have received requests for updated documentation. Keeping your account funded and active appears to reduce the chance of a compliance review being triggered.
Q: Is it legal for a mainland China resident to open an overseas brokerage account?
There is no law explicitly prohibiting individual mainland residents from holding overseas brokerage accounts. However, mainland residents are required to declare offshore income and investment gains for tax purposes.
The regulatory gray area is not about legality of holding the account -- the gray area concerns brokers' compliance obligations when serving mainland customers across borders.
Q: What happens if I open an account using an overseas address but I am actually based in mainland China?
Using a false overseas address constitutes a false declaration and creates real risk: the broker could freeze or close the account, and you could face compliance consequences. The risk is not theoretical -- brokers are conducting more document verification than before.
Q: I am moving overseas next year. Should I open an account now or wait?
Open your brokerage account once you have a legitimate overseas address you can document. Most brokers require proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, rental agreement) from within the last one to three months.
If you open the account shortly after arriving, you will have the documentation needed and the account will be properly tied to your actual residency status.
Q: Does IBKR report my account to Chinese tax authorities?
IBKR complies with FATCA (for US tax reporting) and has agreements under international tax information exchange frameworks. If your IBKR account is linked to a Chinese TIN or if you are a Chinese tax resident, your account information may be shared under CRS (Common Reporting Standard) arrangements.
This is a real consideration and worth discussing with a tax professional if your situation is complex.
What's the difference between a HK-licensed broker and a mainland China broker for US stocks?
A HK-licensed broker (Futu HK, Tiger HK, IBKR HK, Longbridge) is regulated by the SFC (HK Securities and Futures Commission) and serves HK residents directly. A mainland Chinese broker (Huatai, GTJA) operates under CSRC and typically cannot offer US stocks unless they have a separately HK-licensed entity. For HK-residents wanting US stocks, always use a HK-licensed broker β mainland brokers either don't serve you or route through opaque structures.
Do I need a HK address to open a Futu, Tiger, or Longbridge account for US stocks?
Yes, all HK-licensed brokers require HK address proof (HKID + utility bill or bank statement <3 months). Foreign residents temporarily in HK may use their visa documents + landlord lease. Tier 1 brokers (Futu, Tiger, IBKR) are strict; Longbridge sometimes accepts overseas-Chinese with HK bank accounts even without HK address. Verify with broker's compliance before applying.
How long does account opening take in 2026 for HK + US stock access?
Online onboarding via Futu HK / Tiger HK / Longbridge takes 10-30 minutes for HK-residents with HKID, with full activation in 1-3 business days (W-8BEN auto-processed). IBKR is slower (3-7 business days) due to deeper KYC. Funding takes another 1-2 business days for first deposit. Plan ~1 week from start to first trade.
What FX rate do HK brokers charge when I convert HKD to USD for US stocks?
Typical FX spread vs interbank rate: Futu HK ~0.10-0.20% + USD 3-5 conversion fee; IBKR HK ~0.02% (closest to interbank); Tiger HK ~0.15-0.25% + USD 2-3 fee; Longbridge ~0.15% + USD 3 fee. For large conversions (>USD 50K), IBKR's tight spread saves hundreds vs Futu. For small amounts (<USD 5K), the absolute difference is <USD 20.
Can I buy US ETFs (SPY, QQQ, VTI) through Hong Kong brokers?
Yes. All major HK-licensed brokers support US-listed ETFs including S&P 500 (SPY, VOO, IVV), Nasdaq (QQQ, QQQM), total market (VTI), sector ETFs, and international (VXUS). US ETFs are subject to 30% dividend withholding by default (15% with W-8BEN under US-HK treaty). For long-term ETF investors, also consider Irish-domiciled ETFs (CSPX, VWRA, IUAA) via IBKR or Saxo to avoid US estate tax exposure on accumulation funds.
Is Longbridge a safe broker for HK residents in 2026?
Longbridge is regulated by the HK SFC and operates under HK law (same regulatory tier as Futu HK and Tiger HK). Client funds are segregated; Longbridge participates in the HK Investor Compensation Fund. Reputation has grown since 2023 launch β over 500K HK accounts as of 2026. The trade-off: smaller US stock universe (~5,000 stocks vs IBKR's 18,000+) and weaker options support. Safe for HK + US blue chips, less so for niche/exotic stocks.
What's the cheapest broker for under SGD 5,000 / HKD 30,000 monthly trading volume?
For HK residents trading US stocks at this volume: Longbridge wins on raw commission (zero HK commission as base; competitive US fees). Futu HK is close second with good UX. Tiger HK offers IPO bonuses worth USD 50-200 β these can offset commission costs entirely for active traders. IBKR HK has lowest per-trade USD 0.35 minimum but slower funding/UX makes it less suitable for casual/small-volume traders.
Should I open multiple HK broker accounts for risk diversification?
For most retail investors, one or two accounts is sufficient β multiple accounts add admin overhead without proportional safety. Use two accounts if you want: (a) primary for HK stocks (Longbridge zero-commission) + secondary for US stocks (Futu or Tiger), (b) primary for cash equity + secondary IBKR for options/futures access. Don't open >3 accounts unless you have specific use cases β fragmenting positions makes portfolio tracking harder.
The landscape for mainland-based investors has clearly narrowed in 2025. For those already overseas who want to open a US stock trading account as a Hong Kong resident, the options remain reasonably good β IBKR and moomoo cover most needs between them. For mainland residents still looking for a path, Chief Securities and Firstrade are worth checking, but do it with realistic expectations and accurate documentation.
Sources:
- Brokers Futu, Tiger Curb Mainland Accounts as China Tightens Offshore Investment Rules
- Futu Securities & Tiger Brokers Implement New Account Opening Procedures
- Interactive Brokers Stiffens Account Opening Rules for Chinese Mainlanders
- Open Chief Group Securities Account, Supports Mainland China Identification