Zhongtai Financial International Limited (Zhongtai International) is a comprehensive and international financial holding group, headquartered in Hong Kong with networks and business offices in Singapore, Japan and South Korea. Over the years, having grown and prospered from the advantage of the Hong Kong International Financial Centre status, together with the Company’s concept of sincere development, Zhongtai provides local and global Corporates, Institutions, Retail and High-Net-Worth Clients, with the full spectrum and diversified financial products and services, encompassing Corporate Finance, Structured Financing, Wealth Management & Brokerage Business, Asset Management, FICC Sales and Trading, Investment, Research and Institutional Sales Business
Overview of Zhongtai International
Zhongtai International, a brokerage firm, based in Hong Kong for 5-10 years, serves 8.3 million users, regulated by SFC and MAS.
Offering a wide array of tradable securities including global stocks and futures, it charges a commission of 0.20%. Its advantages lie in comprehensive educational resources, real-time online chat support, and multiple trading platforms.
However, it has a minimum deposit of $1,300, potentially high commission fees, and limited availability of advanced research tools.
Despite these drawbacks, its regulated status and various tradable securities make it a viable option for investors seeking access to global markets with a strong regulatory framework.
Regulatory Status
Zhongtai International, holds a comprehensive array of six securities licenses, ensuring its operations adhere to stringent regulatory standards.
These licenses include Securities Trading and Derivatives Trading licenses regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) alongside Fund Management licenses.
Additionally, Zhongtai International maintains regulatory compliance through licenses issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), encompassing Securities Trading and Fund Management activities.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Wide range of tradable securities: This includes access to global stocks, futures, and options, allowing clients to explore various asset classes and markets. The availability of a wide range of securities enhances flexibility and enables investors to capitalize on emerging opportunities across different sectors and regions.
Comprehensive educational resources: These resources cover a wide range of topics including premier financing, wealth management, and asset management. Investors can access informative articles, tutorials, and webinars to deepen their understanding of financial markets and investment strategies.
Regulated by SFC and MAS: Zhongtai International is regulated by reputable financial authorities such as the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Real-time online chat for customer support: The brokerage offers real-time online chat support, providing clients with convenient access to assistance and guidance whenever they need it.
Various trading platforms: From desktop applications to mobile apps, clients can choose the platform that best suits their needs for trading convenience and accessibility. These platforms provide intuitive interfaces, advanced charting tools, and real-time market data, enabling investors to execute trades efficiently and stay informed about market developments.
Margin account provided: The brokerage offers margin accounts, allowing clients to leverage their existing securities as collateral for trading.
Cons
Minimum deposit of $1,300: One of the drawbacks of Zhongtai International is its relatively high minimum deposit requirement of $1,300 to open an account.
Commission fees higher compared to some competitors (0.2%): Zhongtai International's commission fees are higher compared to some competitors in the industry. With a commission rate of 0.2% for online trading, investors may incur higher trading costs, especially for frequent traders or those executing large transactions.
Lack advanced research tools: Zhongtai International lacks advanced research tools compared to some competitors. Advanced research tools such as proprietary market analysis software, comprehensive research reports, and customizable screeners can provide investors with valuable insights and competitive advantages in the market.
Tradable Securities and Services
Zhongtai International offers a range of tradable securities and services to its clients.
Under its Global Stocks service, clients can access trading opportunities in various markets, including Hong Kong (HK) and the United States (US).
In addition to stock trading, Zhongtai International provides access to Global Futures products, allowing clients to participate in futures trading across global markets.
Moreover, Zhongtai International extends its services beyond securities trading to encompass Corporate Finance solutions. Through its subsidiary, Zhongtai International Capital Limited, the firm offers pre-listing planning investments, listing services, post-listing support, bond financing, and structured financing options.
Commissions and Fees
Zhongtai International imposes a range of commissions and fees for its services, including brokerage charges, stamp duty, transaction levy, trading fees, CCASS fees, and FRC transaction levy.
For online trading of stocks, the brokerage fee stands at 0.20% of the transaction amount, with a minimum charge of HKD 100 CNY 90 USD 15.
Offline trading incurs a slightly higher brokerage fee of 0.25% of the transaction amount, with the same minimum charge.
Stamp duty is set at 0.10% of the transaction amount, rounded up to the nearest dollar, while the transaction levy is 0.0027%. Trading fees amount to 0.00565% of the transaction amount, and CCASS fees are 0.01% of the transaction amount, with a minimum charge of HKD 2 and a maximum of HKD 100.
Additionally, the platform applies a FRC transaction levy of 0.00015% of the transaction amount.
Comparatively, when compared to popular brokers in the market, Zhongtai International's fees fall within the mid-range spectrum.
The suitability of Zhongtai International's platform largely depends on the preferences and trading behavior of individual users. Traders who conduct frequent and substantial transactions may find the platform's fee structure competitive, especially considering the minimum charges in place.
Account Types
Zhongtai International offers two primary types of stock accounts: Cash accounts and Margin accounts.
Cash accounts, available in personal, joint, and company forms, operate on a cash settlement basis without involving mortgage lending. New customers are required to maintain a full cash balance for the initial transaction to settle shares.
On the other hand, Margin accounts, also available in personal, joint, and company variations, allow customers to leverage their share portfolios as collateral for trading. This flexibility enables users to buy and sell stocks more freely using borrowed funds.
Platforms & Tools
Zhongtai International provides a variety of trading platforms and tools designed to meet the various needs of investors.
For trading US stocks, clients can utilize the “US Stocks Online Trading” platform, which offers real-time quotation capabilities for stocks listed on New York, NASDAQ, and the American Stock Exchange.
This platform operates during specific hours, from 7:00 pm Hong Kong time until 4 am (US summer time) or 5 am (US winter time). It supports both traditional and simplified Chinese languages, enhancing accessibility.
Additionally, clients can employ mobile trading apps such as “TYC Trading” for Android and “Futures - SPtrader” for iOS, Android, and Windows Mobile.
These apps provide intuitive interfaces and intelligent flow control technology, optimizing data usage. They also offer comprehensive market information, including news, quotations, databases, and chart analysis, empowering informed decision-making.
Furthermore, Zhongtai International offers futures trading platforms like “Zhongtai Financing (advance version)” for mobile and PC, providing lightning trading capabilities and access to market news.
Clients can download these platforms and apps from app stores or the company's website for convenient access.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Zhongtai International requires a minimum deposit of $1,300 to open an account.
The trading platform's website does not provide information or clarification regarding deposit methods and associated fees.
Customer Service
Clients can reach the support team through multiple channels, including phone support at 400-18-95538 or 3979 2890 for Hong Kong clients.
Additionally, clients have the option to engage in real-time online chat for immediate assistance.
With these communication channels in place, Zhongtai International ensures that clients receive prompt and reliable support whenever needed.
Educational Resources
Zhongtai International offers a wide range of educational resources through its Investment Academy, covering topics such as Premier Financing, Wealth Management, Asset Management, and more.
Compared to many popular brokers in the industry, Zhongtai's educational offerings are competitive.
Zhongtai's Investment Academy still provides valuable insights and knowledge for investors at various levels. The inclusion of various topics such as life insurance, medical examinations, and immigration services adds further value and distinguishes Zhongtai's educational resources as comprehensive and competitive in the brokerage landscape.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Zhongtai International presents itself as a viable option for investors seeking access to global markets with a regulated framework.
With 5-10 years in business, serving 8.3 million users, and offering a wide range of tradable securities and services, it stands out. However, its minimum deposit of $1,300 and potentially higher commission fees of 0.20% compared to some competitors may deter some investors.
Yet, its advantages including comprehensive educational resources, real-time online chat support, and margin trading availability make it appealing.
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