HSICDATA
HSIC V2.0Subclass

661202Securities brokerage

證券經紀服務

Why 6 digits?

HSIC subclasses are 6 digits. The first four match the international ISIC class; Hong Kong adds a two-digit local suffix for finer detail, especially across its import and export trade, so a code steps from a 4-digit class straight to a 6-digit subclass. More on the HSIC structure.

This activity involves the buying and selling of securities on behalf of clients, including stocks and shares. Securities brokers facilitate transactions in financial markets, providing services such as investment advice and portfolio management.

This classification includes

  • securities brokers
  • shares brokers

Licences and approvals

What this activity needs to operate

Activities under this code trigger the following licensing regimes. Emerhub prepares and files each application on your behalf.

SFC Licence for Type 1 Regulated Activity (Dealing in Securities)

Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)

Required for corporations that trade, broker or distribute securities in Hong Kong, including stockbrokers, placing agents and securities dealers. Licensing is under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) and firms must meet the Securities and Futures (Financial Resources) Rules on an ongoing basis.

Capital requirement
HKD 5M paid-up share capital + HKD 3M liquid capital (standard); HKD 10M paid-up if providing securities margin financing or acting as custodian of a private OFC; no paid-up requirement and HKD 500K liquid capital for approved introducing agents or proprietary traders
Processing time
Approximately 15 weeks for a licensed corporation application (SFC published estimate)

Official sourceVerified 2026-07-14

Offshore profits claim feasibility

Low

Securities brokerage activities are typically conducted within Hong Kong, involving local clients and regulatory compliance. Contracts are often negotiated and executed in Hong Kong, making it difficult to qualify for offshore tax treatment.

Business registration wording

Suggested business nature for this activity

English

SECURITIES BROKERAGE SERVICES SHARES BROKERAGE SERVICES

55/60 characters

Chinese 中文

證券經紀服務

6/30 characters

Test your own wording in the checker

Companies

Licensed operators

Verified registry

1,640 on the SFC Register; a sample below.

Search all 1,640

Standard compliance

Compliance every Hong Kong company shares

Beyond anything specific to this activity, every Hong Kong company handles two-tiered profits tax, the annual return (Form NAR1) within 42 days of its incorporation anniversary, audited accounts, MPF enrolment for staff, and a company secretary. Emerhub runs all of it on your behalf.

See the full Hong Kong compliance calendar

Frequently asked questions

What licenses are required for securities brokerage?

You need to obtain a license from the Securities and Futures Commission to operate as a securities broker in Hong Kong.

Can I operate a securities brokerage remotely?

While you can manage some operations remotely, the business must comply with local regulations and often requires a physical presence in Hong Kong.

How is income from securities brokerage taxed?

Income from securities brokerage is subject to Hong Kong profits tax, as the activities are considered local.

Incorporate in Hong Kong

Starting a securities brokerage business in Hong Kong?

Emerhub incorporates your company, registers the business nature above with the IRD, files every licence application, and runs your company secretary and compliance calendar. You provide the documents; Emerhub handles every government interaction.

Start incorporation with Emerhub