Established in March 2015, SPDB International Holdings Limited (“SPDBI”) is the offshore investment bank wholly-owned by Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co., Ltd. (abbreviated as “SPD Bank”), playing an important role in SPD Bank’s aspiration to become an international commercial bank with investment banking capabilities. SPDBI has three wholly-owned subsidiaries in Hong Kong as well as several offshore and onshore SPVs and subsidiaries, to facilitate its management and investment operations. To implement its overall business strategy and to seize valuable market opportunities, SPDBI focuses in the development of corporate finance, global capital markets, securities brokerage, asset management and direct investment businesses, aiming to deliver one-stop financial solutions to our customers.
What is SPDBI?
Established in March 2015 and headquartered in Hong Kong, SPDB International Holdings Limited (“SPDBI”) is wholly owned by Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co., Ltd. (SPD Bank). SPDBI offers a comprehensive suite of financial services, including trading in Hong Kong stocks, access to Chinese markets via the China Stock Connect program, investment in funds and bonds, IPO subscription services, private placement assistance, real-time quote services, currency conversion, and custodian and nominee services.
Regulation
SPDBI is currently licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong, with license numbers BFZ375, BKW389, and BFY108.
Pros & Cons
SPDB International Holdings Limited (SPDBI), regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong, offers clients access to a diverse range of tradable securities and services, including IPOs. This regulation ensures a high level of trust and security for investors. While SPDBI does not support forex and crypto trading, it provides a robust platform for traditional investments. However, the platform lacks a live chat feature, which could be a drawback for users needing immediate assistance. Additionally, the educational resources available are limited, which may not sufficiently support users looking to deepen their understanding of market strategies and investment products. Despite these limitations, SPDBI remains a strong choice for investors focused on traditional financial markets.
Tradable Securities and Services
SPDBI offers a diverse range of tradable securities and services tailored to meet various investment needs.
The brokerage provides access to Hong Kong Stocks, leveraging advanced technology and a professional team to deliver high-performance trading platforms capable of managing sophisticated orders efficiently on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX).
Through the China Stock Connect program, a collaboration between the Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, investors gain access to Chinese markets via HKEX's trading and clearing facilities. As a participant in HKEX, SPDBI offers clients the opportunity to trade eligible A shares through a diversified trading platform, expanding investment possibilities.
The fund distribution network enables SPDBI to offer products with different strategies and risk levels from authorized fund houses. This allows for capital distribution into global markets based on client risk tolerance, achieving full diversification of investment portfolios.
For investors seeking stability during market downturns, SPDBI provides a wide range of bonds with excellent credit ratings, variable durations, and currencies. Bonds offer the potential for performance when equity markets are stressed and help spread risk across varied geographies and industries.
With SPDBI's IPO subscription service, investors can participate in Initial Public Offerings with ease. Whether using their own funds or SPDBI's IPO margin financing facility (up to 90% financing), clients can subscribe to shares in an IPO and monitor progress through the platform.
SPDBI Capital's role as Sponsors, Book-runners, Coordinators, and Underwriters in the primary market facilitates successful refinancing for Hong Kong-listed companies. Leveraging SPD Bank's customer relationships, SPDBI Securities offers private placement services to professional investors in both primary and secondary markets.
The real-time quote service provides streaming updates on stock prices and comprehensive market information, empowering customers to closely follow market trends and seize investment opportunities instantly.
Customers can place buy orders with sufficient purchasing power, even without the relevant settlement currency, as SPDBI Securities provides automatic currency conversion services based on prevailing market rates at the time of conversion.
Finally, SPDBI's custodian and nominee services ensure proper settlement and custody for customers, delivering regular statements for easy account management and offering various nominee services, including dividend collection and exercising rights on behalf of customers.
Commissions & Fees
Hong Kong stock
For Hong Kong stock offered by SPDBI, the commission fee varies depending on the trading method. For manual trades, the commission is 0.25%, with a minimum charge of HKD 100. For internet trades, the commission is lower at 0.1%, with a minimum charge of HKD 50.
Stamp duty is applicable at a rate of 0.1%, rounded up to the nearest dollar, effective from November 17, 2023. The SFC Transaction Levy is set at 0.00%.
The AFRC Transaction Levy is charged at a rate of 0.00015%, rounded to the nearest cent, effective from January 1, 2022. Additionally, an Exchange Trading Fee of 0.01% is applied.
For clearing services, there is a CCASS Clearing Fee of 0.002%, with a minimum charge of HKD 2 and a maximum charge of HKD 100. Force Buy-in Charges amount to 0.5% of the consideration plus fees collected by HKEx and CCASS.
Stock Custody Fee is free of charge, providing customers with a cost-effective solution for holding their securities within the SPDBI platform.
Shanghai Connect, Shenzhen Connect
For Shanghai Connect, Shenzhen Connect offered by SPDBI, commission charges vary depending on the method of trade. For manual trades, the commission is 0.25%, with a minimum charge of RMB 100. For internet trades, the commission is slightly lower at 0.2%, with a minimum charge of RMB 100.
Stamp duty is applicable at a rate of 0.05% of the transaction amount, applicable to the seller only, effective from August 28, 2023. Additionally, there is a handling charge of 0.00341% of the transaction amount for each buy/sell side, also effective from August 28, 2023.
Transfer fees for withdrawals via CSDC are 0.001%, and for withdrawals via HKSCC, the fee is 0.002%.
The portfolio fee is calculated at 0.008% of the portfolio value, calculated daily and charged at month-end. For stock withdrawal and deposit via CCASS, there is a fee of 0.01% of the gross value of the previous closing, with a minimum charge of CNY 200 per stock.
Stock deposits from CCASS Investor Accounts are free of charge, offering clients a convenient and efficient means of managing their securities.
Bonds
For bonds offered by SPDBI, the commission fee is calculated as 0.3% of the Notional Amount. Additionally, there is a Settlement Fee of HKD 300, RMB 270, or USD 40 per trade.
Custody fees are applicable at a rate of 0.1% per year of the market value, charged monthly. The calculation is based on the month-end market value multiplied by 0.001, divided by 12.
There is a CB Conversion Fee of HKD 500 per case and a Bond Transfer Fee of HKD 500 per case.
For the collection of bond interest, there is a fee of 0.5% of the bond interest amount, with a minimum charge of HKD 50, RMB 45, or USD 8, and a maximum charge of HKD 10,000, RMB 9,000, or USD 1,280.
Platforms
SPDB International Securities provides a user-friendly online trading platform with core functions such as real-time market quotes, account inquiries, and Hong Kong stock trading. The platform is accessible via:
Mobile App: Available for Apple users in HK, PRC Mainland, and Overseas, as well as Android users in HK, Overseas, and the PRC Mainland.
PC Application: Offering advanced features for desktop and laptop users.
Deposit & Withdrawal
SPDBI Securities Limited (SPDBIS) offers flexible payment methods for clients to deposit and withdraw funds:
Deposits:
Clients can deposit funds to their SPDBIS account via various channels, including bank transfer, remittance, or bank cheque, provided it originates from the same beneficiary with valid proof. Valid proof includes supporting documents such as deposit receipts, bank statements, screen prints, or SMS confirmations, verifying the deposit is from the client's own account. Please note that enhanced verification processes may potentially lengthen the time required for crediting funds to the account.
SPDBIS no longer accepts cash deposits or any form of third-party deposits, including bank transfers, remittances, or cheque deposits.
Withdrawals:
SPDBIS does not transfer outgoing funds to bank accounts bearing the name of a third party, nor does it issue cheques with third-party payee names.
The cut-off time for fund withdrawal instructions is 11:30 am, Monday to Friday (excluding Hong Kong public holidays). Instructions submitted before this time will be processed on the same day.
To initiate a fund withdrawal, clients can contact their Relationship Manager or complete the Payment Instruction Form and send it to SPDBIS Customer Service via email.
Educational Resources
SPDBI provides articles on various financial products, including structured products, derivative warrants, CBBCs, inline warrants, ETFs, and leveraged/inverse products.
Customer Service
SPDBI offers comprehensive customer support across its various entities:
SPDB International Holdings Limited: Clients can reach out to SPDBI's Hong Kong headquarters at +852-2809-0300 or via fax at +852-2793-2272. For inquiries, they can also contact enquiry@spdbi.com.
SPDBI (China): For clients in China, SPDBI's China office can be contacted at +86-21-6161-6202 or through enquiry@spdbi.com.
SPDB International Equity Investment Management (Shenzhen) Limited: Clients can connect with SPDBI's Shenzhen office at +852-2809-0300 or via fax at +852-2793-2272. For inquiries, they can also contact enquiry@spdbi.com.
SPDB International Securities Limited: Clients can contact SPDBI's securities division in Hong Kong at +852-2808-6408 for local calls or use the toll-free line at 400-120-5528 for calls from China. For fax communications, the number is +852-2887-9331. Client inquiries can be directed to cs@spdbi.com.
Conclusion
Overall, SPDB International Holdings Limited (SPDBI) offers a secure and regulated platform for trading a diverse range of securities, including IPOs, under the oversight of the SFC in Hong Kong. However, it does not support forex and crypto trading and lacks a live chat feature. Additionally, educational resources are limited, which may not fully support users looking to deepen their market knowledge.
FAQs
Q: Is SPDBI a safe and reliable brokerage?
A: SPDBI is a regulated brokerage, offering investor protection in case of brokerage failure. They use security measures like two-factor authentication. However, extra vigilance should still be taken when trading with any online brokerage.
Q: Does SPDBI offer commission-free trading?
A: No, SPDBI does not offer commission-free trading. For Hong Kong stocks, manual trades have a commission of 0.25% (min. HKD 100), and internet trades have a commission of 0.1% (min. HKD 50). For Shanghai and Shenzhen Connect, manual trades have a commission of 0.25% (min. RMB 100), and internet trades have a commission of 0.2% (min. RMB 100). For bonds, the commission is 0.3% of the notional amount, with additional settlement fees.
Q: What kind of trading platform does SPDBI offer?
A: SPDB International Securities provides a secure and user-friendly online trading platform, SPDB INTERNATIONAL SECURITIES LTD, featuring real-time market quotes, account inquiries, and Hong Kong stock trading.
Q: Is SPDBI suitable for beginners?
A: SPDBI provides a mobile app and PC application, which can be helpful for beginners. However, the platform offers limited educational resources, which may restrict new investors from fully understanding market strategies and investment products.
Risk Warning
Online trading involves significant risks, which can result in the complete loss of invested funds and may not be suitable for all traders or investors. It is essential to fully understand the associated risks before participating in trading activities. Additionally, the content of this review is subject to change as the company's services and policies are updated. The review's creation date is important, as information may become outdated. Readers are advised to verify the most current information directly with the company before making any investment decisions. The responsibility for acting on the information provided in this document lies solely with the reader.