Customer account balances held at Wo Fung Securities are not typically insured under a deposit protection scheme like those seen in banking institutions.
Safety Measures:
Wo Fung Securities implements robust security measures to protect client assets and information. The firm employs secure clearing and custody services to safeguard client funds and securities against operational risks. Additionally, Wo Fung Securities employs advanced encryption technologies to secure online transactions and client communications.
What are Securities to Trade with Wo Fung Securities?
Wo Fung Securities offers a range of tradable securities to its clients. These include stocks and shares listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, providing direct access to this major financial market.
As an Exchange Participant with two trading rights (Broker numbers: 3938, 3939), Wo Fung Securities facilitates the buying and selling of these securities. The firm also conducts Type 1 (dealing in securities) regulated activities under the license from the Securities and Futures Commission.
Wo Fung Securities Accounts
Wo Fung Securities offers different types of accounts designed to suit various investor needs. The two primary account types available are the Cash Securities Trading Account and the Margin Securities Trading Account.
Cash Securities Trading Account
The Cash Securities Trading Account is ideal for individuals or joint account holders who prefer to trade securities using only the available funds in their account. This type of account is straightforward and suitable for investors who wish to avoid the risks associated with borrowing funds. It's particularly well-suited for those who prefer to maintain full control over their spending limits, as trades are limited to the amount of cash deposited.
Margin Securities Trading Account
The Margin Securities Trading Account offers an option for investors who seek to leverage their investments by borrowing funds to increase their purchasing power. This account type is suitable for more experienced traders who are comfortable with the additional risks and potential rewards of margin trading. Investors using a margin account can trade beyond their cash balance, making it possible to amplify both gains and losses. This account type is often chosen by those looking to engage in more aggressive trading strategies or by those who want to take advantage of short-term market opportunities.
Wo Fung Securities Fees Review
Securities Trading
Brokerage Fee: For trading securities through Wo Fung Securities, the brokerage fee is set between 0.25% and 0.5% of the transaction amount, with a minimum charge of HK$100.
Stamp Duty: A stamp duty of 0.1% is levied on the transaction amount, rounded up to the nearest dollar.
CCASS Fee: The Central Clearing and Settlement System (CCASS) fee is 0.002% of the transaction amount, with a minimum charge of HK$2.
Transaction Levy (SFC): The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) imposes a transaction levy of 0.003% on the transaction amount.
HKEX Trading Fee: Trades executed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) incur a trading fee of 0.005% of the transaction amount.
Italian Financial Transaction Tax (IFTT): For trades involving Italian companies with a market capitalization of more than €500 million listed in Hong Kong, a tax of 0.22% on the net purchase amount applies. This tax is calculated based on the weighted average purchase price and the net purchase share quantity executed on the same day.
Account-Related Fees
Account Opening, Re-opening, or Cancellation: There are no charges for opening, re-opening, or canceling a cash or margin account with Wo Fung Securities.
Physical Stock Deposit and Withdrawal: Depositing physical stocks incurs a HKD5 stamp duty per transfer deed. Withdrawing physical stocks costs HKD5 per board lot, with a minimum charge of HKD30. For withdrawals of 100 board lots or more, the fee is HKD4 per board lot.
Registration Fee for Physical Share Certificates: The handling charge is HK$60 for different locations of registrar companies, with an additional transfer fee of HK$2.5 per physical scrip as charged by the registrars.
Scrip Handling and Settlement: Depositing securities through Standard Instructions (SI) is free, but withdrawing them costs HK$100 per transaction. Using Investor Self-Instructions (ISI), both deposit and withdrawal are free.
Cash Dividend Collection Fee: A fee of 0.12% of the dividend amount is charged by CCASS, with an additional handling charge of 0.5% of the dividend amount (minimum HK$20, maximum HK$300), plus HK$2 per board lot.
Cash + Scrip Dividend Collection Fee: This service incurs a handling charge of HK$30 per transaction, plus any applicable CCASS fees.
Exercise of Warrants / Rights: The handling charge for exercising warrants or rights is HK$40, plus applicable CCASS fees.
Rights Issue Entitlement and Related Services: This includes handling fees of HK$40 per transaction plus CCASS fees for rights issues, excess rights applications, preferential offers, and open offers.
Cash or Scrip Offer / Compulsory Acquisition / Takeover / Shares Privatization: A handling charge of HK$40 per transaction, in addition to CCASS fees, applies to these corporate actions.
Callable Bull / Bear Contracts: Exercising or mandatory calling of callable bull or bear contracts incurs a handling charge of HK$60, plus CCASS fees.
Shares Consolidation / Splitting / Exchange: There are no charges for these services.
EIPO Nominee Services Application: A handling charge of HK$30 per application is required, regardless of the success of the application.
Stock Storage Fee: An annual fee of HK$160 is charged, which is waived if at least one trade is conducted within the year.
Dividend Claims: A handling charge of HK$300 per claim, plus any applicable CCASS fees, is required for dividend claims.
Investment Order Confirmation or Monthly Statement Re-issue: Statements or confirmations issued within the last three months are free of charge. For those older than three months, a fee of HK$20 per month is charged.
Late Value Day Interest Rate: Interest on late payments is charged at the prime rate set by Wing Hang Bank plus 3.75%.
Compared to popular brokers, Wo Fung Securities' brokerage fee of 0.25% to 0.5% is on the higher side. In general, brokers that charge less than 0.1% are considered to have low commissions. Therefore, Wo Fung Securities' fees are above average and could be classified as high, especially for lower-value trades where the percentage significantly impacts the total cost.
Wo Fung Securities' margin interest rate is calculated as the prime rate, based on Wing Hang Bank's rate, plus an additional 3.75%. This formula determines the late value day interest rate applicable to margin accounts, influencing the cost of borrowing funds for leveraging investments through the firm.
Wo Fung Securities Trading Platform Review
Wo Fung Securities provides a web-based trading platform known as I TRADER. This platform is designed for users who prefer to trade directly from their web browser without the need for additional software downloads. Key features of I TRADER include real-time market data and interactive charts, which allow users to monitor and analyze stock performance effectively. The platform supports order placement and management, enabling clients to execute trades quickly and efficiently. Additionally, I TRADER offers access to comprehensive financial news and research tools, providing users with relevant information to make informed trading decisions.
The absence of a mobile app means that users must rely on a web browser to access their accounts, which is less convenient for those who prefer trading on the go.
Customer Service
Wo Fung Securities provides customer support via phone, fax, and email. You can reach them at +852 2542-1128 for phone inquiries or send a fax to +852 2541-3535. For email support, contact wofungco@netvigator.com.
Their office is located at 2/F Siu Ying Commercial Building, 153 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong. Customer service is available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon (by appointment).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wo Fung Securities presents itself as a regulated and secure option for investors in Hong Kong seeking reliable brokerage services. While it did not offer the lowest trading fees or a mobile trading app, its adherence to SFC regulations ensures a robust framework for managing investments.
The platform, with its web-based trading interface, suits investors who prioritize regulatory compliance and value comprehensive customer support over advanced technological features. It is particularly suitable for individuals and institutions familiar with traditional web-based trading platforms and who prioritize stability and security in their investment dealings within Hong Kong's financial markets.
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