Reason for this visit

The international forex market in Hong Kong has been developing since the 1970s. Due to the removal of forex control in Hong Kong since 1973, there has been a large inflow of international capital, and an increasing number of financial institutions operating forex business have mushroomed. The forex market has become more and more active, developing into an international forex market. Hong Kong forex market is an invisible market without a fixed trading venue. Traders conduct forex transactions through various modern communication facilities and computer networks. Hong Kongs geographical location and time zone conditions are similar to those of Singapore, making it very convenient to trade with other international forex markets. Participants in Hong Kong forex market are mainly commercial banks and financial companies. There are three types of forex brokers in this market: local brokers, whose business is limited to Hong Kong; international brokers who have expanded their business to the Hong Kong forex market since the 1970s; international brokers that grow locally and has expanded their business to forex markets abroad. In an attempt to help investors or practitioners gain a more comprehensive understanding of current status of forex brokers in Hong Kong, WikiFX survey team determines to pay on-site visits to local companies.

On-site visit

In this issue, the survey team went to Hong Kong, China to visit forex broker CICC as planned according to its regulatory address that 29/F, One International Finance Centre, 1 Harbour View Street, Central, Hong Kong.

A seasoned and professional inspection team, committed to safeguarding investor interests, conducted a meticulously planned on-site verification of the broker CICC at 1 Harbour View Street in Central.

On July 9, 2025, the investigators arrived in Hong Kongs Central district based on the provided address information to conduct an on-site verification of the broker CICC, which claimed to be located at One International Finance Centre on Harbour View Street.

They successfully reached One International Finance Centre (IFC), situated in the heart of Central, Hong Kong. The building stands prominently along Victoria Harbour, boasting a prime location as one of Hong Kongs premier office towers. The surrounding streets and area were clean and well-organized, with a strong commercial atmosphere, contributing to an overall favorable environment. However, no visible signage or information related to CICC was found outside the building. To ensure a thorough inspection, the investigators proceeded inside for further verification.

Upon entering the lobby on the first floor, the survey team was met with a spacious and luxuriously decorated space, reflecting the high-end status of the International Finance Centre. They explained their purpose to the security personnel stationed in the lobby. After a brief communication and registration process, the security granted them permission to take the elevator to the target floor—Level 29. This step proceeded relatively smoothly, indicating that while the building maintains strict visitor protocols, the procedures are clear and efficient.

However, the real challenge arose upon reaching Level 29. When the elevator doors opened, the investigators noticed that CICC had its own dedicated security checkpoint at the entrance, demonstrating heightened access control. The security personnel were vigilant and strictly monitored visitors. When the investigators attempted to enter CICCs office area, they were immediately stopped. The security staff strictly enforced company policies, denying entry to anyone without prior appointments or relevant business purposes.

Despite attempts to negotiate, the security personnel remained firm in their refusal to grant internal access. Nevertheless, the investigators could clearly see CICC‘s reception area, including the company’s logo displayed at the front desk, as well as photo and video evidence of the office. Through the glass doors, the interior appeared to feature high-quality, sophisticated decor, aligning with the standards of a top-tier international financial institution.

Through the on-site investigation, it is confirmed that the broker maintains a physical presence at the above address.

Conclusion

The survey team went to Hong Kong, China to visit broker CICC as scheduled and found the company at its regulatory address. It signifies that the broker has a physical office at the place. Meanwhile, investors are advised to make a well-considered decision following much deliberation.

Disclaimer

The content is for informational purposes only and shall not be taken as a final order for making a choice.