As one of the leading financial centers of the world, Hong Kong is the go-to business destination for foreign entrepreneurs. 

For any business operation, banking services are critical since most require a line of credit and other facilities such as making deposits and sending remittances.

Thus, the banking sector in Hong Kong has been vital to the evolution of the region as a top jurisdiction for doing business.

In fact, seventy out of the top hundred international banks across the globe have a presence in Hong Kong. Twenty-nine of them also have regional headquarters in Hong Kong.

But how to pick the best one out of the various banks in Hong Kong?

This article rounds up the top choices you can consider and also provides you with an alternative if you don’t want to transact with traditional banks.

An overview of the banking system in Hong Kong

As an international financial hub handling a huge volume of external and domestic transactions, the banking system of Hong Kong is a highly regulated sector.

No business can accept deposits without obtaining a license from the regulator, Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

There are three types of deposit-taking companies in Hong Kong

Licensed banks

These institutions can carry out all banking transactions as per the Hong Kong Banking Ordinance, including:

• Accepting deposits, regardless of the size of the deposit and its maturity;
• Opening current and savings accounts;
• Granting loans and collecting cheques;
• Freely using the term ‘bank’ freely in their names

Restricted license banks

These institutions are only permitted to carry out certain banking activities. They are primarily engaged in providing merchant banking and capital market services.

While they may operate both within and outside Hong Kong, they can only accept deposits of HKD 500,000 and above, regardless of the maturity period.

Deposit-taking Companies

Licensed banks can own standalone deposit-taking companies that engage in commercial lending, securities business, and consumer finance.

They can accept deposits of HKD 100,000 or above with a maturity of at least 3 months.

Why choose banking services in Hong Kong?

The commercial banking system in Hong Kong is one of the best in the world. It is sophisticated and offers comprehensive one-stop banking solutions, making it immensely attractive for foreign and domestic businesses alike.

Hong Kong ranks among the top five financial centers in the world and is home to some of the most revered financial institutions.

In fact, three out of the top 10 banks in the world are Hong Kong banks.

What to keep in mind while evaluating Hong Kong banks?

Before you go ahead and open a business bank account with a Hong Kong bank, here’s what you should consider:

• Do you have relevant documents to prove your eligibility for a corporate bank account?
• Is the bank account opening process user-friendly? Can you do it online remotely?
• Does the bank provide mobile banking services?
• Can you resolve your issues through the customer service hotline?
• Do you have to maintain a minimum deposit in your account and pay a penalty if you fail to do so?
• Does the bank account support multi-currency options to manage your overseas transactions?
• What are the applicable fees for using ATMs within and outside Hong Kong?
• Do you have to pay additional fees to send money abroad or get it from overseas?
• What is the interest rate on deposits?

If you’re unsure about traditional banks and would like to opt for a more convenient option, opening a bank account online in Hong Kong could also be another option for your business.

Let’s take a look at the top 5 banks in Hong Kong that you should consider for your business.

Top 5 banks in Hong Kong to consider

1. Hang Seng Bank

The Asian Banker ranks Hang Seng Bank as the 4th best bank within the Asia Pacific region. In 2021, Asiamoney rated Hang Seng bank as the best Hong Kong bank for SME clients.

Hang Seng bank offers various services to serve its domestic and global clients. It includes:

• Commercial banking
• Private banking; and
• Personal banking

The bank also supports foreign currency business accounts and savings accounts.

Hang Seng Bank Fees

Here’s an overview of fees payable for various services:

Account opening
Biz Virtual+ Account:
HKD600 (if you apply remotely)
HKD1,200 (if you apply through Business Banking Center)

Integrated Business Solutions Account:
HKD1,200 (whether you apply remotely or through the Business Banking Center)

• Initial deposit – HKD 20,000
• Telegraphic transfer
• Receiving a transfer – HKD 65
• Sending a transfer – HKD 85 (if the beneficiary account is with Hang Seng bank in Mainland China or Macau) and HKD 125 (if the beneficiary account is in Mainland China or Macau but with another bank or if the beneficiary account is in another country or territory)

2. HSBC Bank

Hong Kong and Shanghai banking corporation Limited or HSBC is one of the oldest banks operating in the region. On the basis of its balance sheet strength, the bank occupies 2nd rank in the Asia Pacific region, as per the Asian Banker.

It is the preferred choice of many HNI individuals and investors

HSBC Bank offers the following services:

• Commercial banking
• Retail banking and wealth management advisory
• Global private banking, and
• Global banking

HSBC Fees

Account opening

HKD1,300 (if you apply through Account Application Center)
HKD2,250 (if an overseas HSBC branch facilitates the process)

• Initial deposit – HKD 10,000
• Telegraphic transfer
• Receiving a transfer – HKD 65
• Sending a transfer – HKD 100 (if the beneficiary account is in Mainland China ) and HKD 125 (if the beneficiary account is in any other country)

3. Citibank

Citibank was the first among the international banks to offer services in Hong Kong. The bank is now synonymous with a strong global brand, catering to a multitude of customers.

It is a leading investment bank that also caters to commercial and private clients. Non-residents and ex-pats choose Citibank over others when looking for private banking services, largely because of no initial deposit requirements.

It also offers Citi Private Bank services for ultra-high-net-worth entrepreneurs.

Citibank fees

Account opening

HKD 200o (if you open a local company account)

HKD 8000 (if you open a company account for an overseas company)

• Initial deposit – NIL
• Telegraphic transfer
• Receiving a transfer – NIL
• Sending a transfer – fee waived for online transfers. Otherwise, it is HKD 200 for Citibank and CitiPriority clients and HKD 100 for CitiGold clients.

4. Standard Chartered

Established in 2004 in Hong Kong and with a presence in over 60 countries, Standard Chartered has become a preferred choice in the last few decades. It has been a trailblazer in providing a suite of digital banking products and services.

To keep up with the changing landscape, the bank also offers specialized banking solutions for customers in the ESG sector through sustainability loans, green mortgages, and other ESG derivative products.

Standard Chartered Account Fees

Account opening

HKD5,000 (for an account of an overseas company)

• Initial deposit – HKD 1000
• Telegraphic transfer
• Receiving a transfer – Free for Priority Banking clients
• Sending a transfer – HKD 120 for Priority Banking clients and HKD 150 for others

5. DBS Hong Kong

With its headquarters in Hong Kong, DBS is another key player in the banking sector in Hong Kong. Over the years, DBS has been at the forefront of promoting sustainability in the Asia Pacific market through various corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Here are some key benefits that DBS Bank offers to SMEs:

• SMEs and startups in Hong Kong can opt for DBS BusinessClass
• There are various loan application schemes for SMEs
• The bank carries out swift credit checks in case of urgent financing needs

DBS Bank Account Fees

Account opening

HK$1,200 – Local company account

HKD 10,000 – Overseas company account

• Telegraphic transfer
• Sending a transfer – HK$115 per transaction done through ideal banking services and HKD 200 per transaction if the transfer is via branch
• Receiving a transfer – HKD 65

Note – all fees indicated above are as of the date of publication. Please refer to the bank’s website for the latest fees.

Is opening a virtual bank account a better option for you?

While there are several attractive Hong Kong banks to take your pick from, opening an account may not always be a straightforward process.

Instead of remaining stuck in a loop of red tape and bureaucracy, opening a virtual account with a Hong Kong-based fintech company can be a better solution, especially for foreign companies.

For instance, Statrys offers a multi-currency business bank account in Hong Kong. The application process for such an account is extremely straightforward and you can complete it remotely.

A business account as such has all the features one would typically expect from a bank account, like multiple currencies or making local and international payments at a much cheaper rate.

If you are a foreign business, exploring your options of opening a business bank account in Hong Kong, reach out to Air Corporate.

We can assist you with setting up a new company and also with establishing your bank account.

The process is completely remote and less time-consuming, making it convenient for entrepreneurs and small businesses to operate effectively.

FAQs

Can a non-resident open an account in a Hong Kong bank?

Anyone is free to open an account with a bank in Hong Kong.

However, depending on whether the account is for personal use or business use, certain restrictions may apply.

Which is the best bank in Hong Kong?

This would depend entirely on your expectations from the bank.

It is hard to pick a single bank in Hong Kong as each of them offers a unique suite of services, making them all strong contenders.

Is Hong Kong a good jurisdiction for banking?

The banking system in Hong Kong is extremely sophisticated, catering to the needs of modern-age customers.

Whether you want to open a personal account or a business account, there are plenty of options to choose from.

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