CFD · CHECKED 15 AUG 2026
BOCOM review.
BOCOM provides access to MT4/MT5 with high leverage and competitive trading options, but its revoked
RUN ✗
OUT OF 10
BOCOM International is a legitimate Hong Kong securities firm established in 1998, operating as the investment banking arm of Bank of Communications. However, the company has a mixed regulatory record with one revoked SFC license, serves only institutional and qualified investors, and does not offer retail forex trading. The existence of numerous fraudulent websites falsely claiming to offer BOCOM forex trading with MT4 platforms and high leverage creates significant confusion and risk for retail traders seeking forex services.
Each criterion is scored 1 to 10 from primary sources. The overall score is their unweighted mean. How scoring works.
| Founded | 1912 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | HK |
| Account opening | 1-3 |
- Legitimate parent company Bank of Communications established 1908
- Regulated by Hong Kong SFC for securities trading
- Access to Hong Kong stock market
- China A-shares trading through Stock Connect
- Investment banking services available
- Established since 1998 in Hong Kong
- Institutional-grade services
- Direct market access for qualified clients
- Part of major Chinese banking group
- Physical presence in Hong Kong
- One SFC license revoked BGZ962 indicating past violations
- Not suitable for retail traders
- No forex or CFD trading available
- No MetaTrader platforms
- High minimum deposit requirements
- Limited to Hong Kong and China markets primarily
- Customer support only during business hours
- No e-wallet or credit card deposits
- Restricted to qualified investors only
- Many fraudulent clones using BOCOM name
Overview
BOCOM International Holdings Company Limited represents the investment banking and securities trading division of Bank of Communications, one of China’s five largest state-owned commercial banks. Established in 1998 as a subsidiary focused on capital markets, this Hong Kong-based institution operates fundamentally differently from the fraudulent forex broker descriptions circulating online.

The authentic BOCOM International specializes in institutional brokerage services, investment banking advisory, asset management, and securities trading primarily within Greater China markets. The firm maintains operations under Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission oversight, though with a complex regulatory history that warrants careful examination. Unlike fraudulent imposters claiming to offer retail forex trading with astronomical leverage ratios, the legitimate entity focuses on traditional securities and investment banking services.
For More Information, Visit BOCOM’s Official Website at bocomgroup.com
Overview Table
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | BOCOM International Holdings Company Limited |
| Parent Company | Bank of Communications Co., Ltd. (Est. 1908) |
| Founded Year | 1998 (Investment banking arm) |
| Registered Country/Area | Hong Kong SAR |
| Regulation | SFC (Mixed Status – APJ 121 active, BGZ962 revoked) |
| Primary Business | Securities, Investment Banking, Asset Management |
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary systems (No MT4/MT5) |
| Target Market | Institutional & Qualified Investors |
| Minimum Deposit | Varies by product (Not CNY 700 as falsely claimed) |
| Maximum Leverage | Subject to SFC limits (Not 1:500) |
| Tradable Assets | Stocks, Bonds, IPOs (No retail forex) |
Facts List
- Legitimate subsidiary of Bank of Communications, China’s fifth-largest bank
- Investment banking division established 1998, not 1912
- Operates under Hong Kong SFC with mixed license status
- Does NOT offer MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 platforms
- Does NOT provide retail forex or CFD trading
- Focuses on Hong Kong and mainland China securities markets
- Serves primarily institutional and high-net-worth clients
- Participates in Stock Connect program for China A-shares access
- Any site claiming “BOCOM forex trading” is likely fraudulent
- Real company uses proprietary trading platforms, not third-party forex platforms
Licenses & Regulation
The regulatory framework surrounding BOCOM International reveals a complex situation requiring careful analysis. The firm operates under the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong, maintaining an active license (APJ 121) for conducting regulated activities. However, the revocation of license BGZ962 creates legitimate concerns about historical compliance issues.
| License Type | Number | Status | Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| SFC Type 1 | APJ 121 | Active | Dealing in securities permitted |
| SFC License | BGZ962 | Revoked | Past compliance failures indicated |
| Mainland China | Various | Active | CSRC approved for certain activities |
| International | None | N/A | No forex regulatory licenses |
The SFC maintains strict oversight of financial institutions in Hong Kong, requiring segregated client accounts, regular audits, maintaining adequate capital reserves, and comprehensive risk management systems. The revocation of one license while maintaining another suggests specific violations rather than complete regulatory failure, though details remain undisclosed.
Trading Instruments
BOCOM International’s product offerings center on traditional capital markets instruments rather than speculative retail products. The firm provides access to Hong Kong-listed securities, Chinese mainland shares through Stock Connect programs, fixed income products, and participation in initial public offerings.
| Asset Class | Sub-Categories | Access Level | Minimum Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equities | HK stocks, H-shares, Red chips | Direct trading | Varies |
| China A-Shares | Shanghai, Shenzhen via Connect | Qualified investors | Higher thresholds |
| Fixed Income | Government, Corporate bonds | Institutional focus | Substantial |
| IPO Services | New listings subscription | Selective access | Case-by-case |
| Structured Products | Notes, warrants | Limited offering | Professional only |
| Mutual Funds | Selected funds | Available | Varies by fund |
Account Types
The account structure at BOCOM International reflects traditional brokerage services rather than retail forex tier systems. Each account type serves specific client segments with appropriate service levels and access rights.
Account Types Comparison Table
| Feature | Cash Account | Margin Account | Stock Connect | Institutional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | HKD 10,000+ | HKD 100,000+ | HKD 500,000+ | Negotiable |
| Leverage Available | None | Limited by SFC | None | Customized |
| Markets Access | Hong Kong | Hong Kong | HK + China A | Global |
| Interest on Margin | N/A | Variable rates | N/A | Negotiated |
| Research Access | Basic | Enhanced | Enhanced | Full suite |
| Dedicated RM | No | No | Sometimes | Yes |
| Platform Options | Standard | Standard | Specialized | Multiple |
| Settlement Period | T+2 | T+2 | T+1/T+2 | Flexible |
Deposits & Withdrawals
Fund transfers at BOCOM International follow traditional banking procedures with emphasis on security and compliance rather than instant processing common in retail forex.
Payment Methods Comparison Table
| Method | Deposit | Withdrawal | Processing Time | Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Bank Wire | ✓ | ✓ | 1-2 days | Bank charges | Primary method |
| International Wire | ✓ | ✓ | 3-5 days | Higher fees | Currency conversion |
| Check/Cheque | ✓ | ✓ | 5-7 days | Possible fees | Less common |
| Credit Card | ✗ | ✗ | N/A | N/A | Not supported |
| E-wallets | ✗ | ✗ | N/A | N/A | Not available |
| Cryptocurrency | ✗ | ✗ | N/A | N/A | Not supported |
Special Offers
Rather than deposit bonuses or spread rebates common in forex trading, BOCOM International offers value through market access and investment opportunities including priority IPO allocations for qualifying clients, margin financing at competitive rates, and access to exclusive investment products and institutional research reports.
How to Trade
Unlike fraudulent claims of MT4/MT5 availability, BOCOM International utilizes proprietary trading systems designed specifically for securities trading in Asian markets. These platforms integrate with Hong Kong Exchange systems and provide direct market access for qualified clients.
The mobile applications support iOS and Android devices, offering basic trading functionality, real-time quotes for Hong Kong markets, and account management features. Web-based platforms provide broader functionality for desktop users, though lacking the sophisticated charting and automated trading features found in forex platforms.
| Feature | BOCOM Proprietary | Claimed MT4/MT5 | Reality Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | Securities-focused | Forex/CFD | MT4/MT5 NOT offered |
| Availability | Mobile, Web, Desktop | Not available | Proprietary only |
| Markets | HK, China stocks | N/A | No forex access |
| Automated Trading | Not supported | Would support | No EA/robots |
| Charting Tools | Basic | Advanced | Limited analysis |
| Order Types | Standard equity | Multiple | Stock orders only |
| Programming API | Limited/None | MQL4/MQL5 | Not applicable |
Opening an Account
Opening an account with the legitimate BOCOM International requires meeting qualified investor criteria and completing comprehensive compliance procedures:
Step 1: Eligibility Verification – Confirm you meet minimum asset requirements and investor qualifications for Hong Kong securities trading.
Step 2: Documentation Preparation – Gather required documents including passport/ID, proof of address (within 3 months), bank statements, and income/asset verification.
Step 3: Application Submission – Complete application forms either online or at Hong Kong branch locations.
Step 4: Risk Assessment – Complete mandatory risk profiling questionnaires and investment knowledge assessments.
Step 5: Due Diligence Review – Undergo KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) screening processes.
Step 6: Account Approval – Wait for compliance department review and approval (typically 5-10 business days).
Step 7: Account Funding – Transfer funds via bank wire from verified accounts (no third-party deposits accepted).
Step 8: Platform Access – Receive login credentials for proprietary trading platforms.
Negative Balance Protection
Traditional securities accounts at BOCOM International operate under different risk parameters than forex trading. Cash accounts cannot technically go negative as purchases require full payment upfront. Margin accounts face margin calls when equity falls below maintenance requirements, with forced liquidation preventing negative balances under normal market conditions.
The concept of “negative balance protection” as marketed by forex brokers doesn’t apply to securities trading under SFC regulation. Instead, margin requirements, position limits, and forced liquidation rules protect both clients and brokers from excessive losses.
Prohibited Countries
We could not find a published restricted-country list
We checked the broker’s site — the homepage, and its legal, terms and legal-documents pages — through an Indonesian exit on 27 July 2026, and found no statement restricting particular countries.
That is not the same as saying there are none. Restrictions frequently sit in a client agreement PDF, or in the country dropdown of the account-opening form, and neither is readable from the public pages. We are telling you what we checked and what we found, rather than supplying a list we cannot source.
An earlier version of this section carried a list of countries — typically Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba and similar — presented as this broker’s policy. We could not tie it to anything the broker publishes, so it has been removed. A plausible-looking list is worse than no list: it invites you to conclude your own country is fine. If it matters to you, ask the broker in writing before you deposit.
Education & Analysis
BOCOM International provides research and analysis tools appropriate for securities trading rather than speculative forex trading. The offerings focus on fundamental analysis of listed companies and market trends rather than technical trading tools.
| Analysis Type | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Research | Company analysis reports | Institutional clients |
| Market Commentary | Daily market updates | All clients |
| IPO Research | New listing analysis | Participating clients |
| Technical Charts | Basic price charts only | Limited tools |
| Economic Data | China/HK focused | General access |
| Trading Education | Minimal offerings | Not emphasized |
Customer Support
Customer service operates during Hong Kong business hours with multilingual support reflecting the firm’s regional focus. Unlike 24/7 forex broker support, service aligns with stock market operating hours.

Customer Support Availability Table
| Channel | Operating Hours | Response Time | Languages | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phone | Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00 HKT | Immediate | Chinese, English | Professional |
| 24/7 submission | 1-2 business days | Chinese, English | Detailed | |
| Branch Visit | Business hours | Immediate | Chinese, English | Comprehensive |
| Live Chat | Not available | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Not offered | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Weekend Support | Closed | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Key Takeaways
- Real BOCOM International is a securities firm established 1998, fake BOCOM offers forex trading
- Legitimate company does NOT offer forex trading, only stocks and investment banking
- Any BOCOM claiming MT4 or MT5 platforms is fraudulent
- Mixed regulatory status with one revoked license BGZ962 raises concerns
- Claims of 1:500 leverage are impossible under Hong Kong regulations
- CNY 700 minimum deposit is false, real accounts need much higher amounts
- Real firm serves Hong Kong and China investors, not global retail traders
- Legitimate BOCOM only uses bank transfers, not e-wallets or credit cards
- Proprietary trading platforms only, no MetaTrader offerings
- Verify directly with Hong Kong SFC before engaging with any BOCOM entity
Conclusion
The investigation reveals two distinct entities: the legitimate BOCOM International securities firm and fraudulent forex brokers falsely using the BOCOM name. The real company operates as a respectable, though not without concerns, securities brokerage serving institutional and qualified investors in Greater China markets.
The mixed regulatory status, while concerning, reflects specific historical issues rather than current operational problems. However, the existence of fraudulent entities claiming the BOCOM brand while offering retail forex services presents significant risks to unsuspecting traders.
For securities investors seeking Hong Kong market access, the legitimate BOCOM International provides established services backed by a major Chinese bank. For retail forex traders, any “BOCOM” offering MT4/MT5 platforms and high leverage should be recognized as fraudulent and avoided entirely.
Have you found the right broker? Check out our broker reviews.
Looking for a broker that supports Chinese? Check out Cinda International.
Score history
Recomputed daily; every move is on the record. The current score is always the latest row.
| Date | Score | Move |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-25 | 3.5 | ▼ |
| 2026-07-18 | 3.6 | ▼ |
| 2026-07-11 | 3.7 | · |
FAQ
Does BOCOM International offer forex trading?
No, they focus on securities and investment banking.
Can I use MT4 with BOCOM International?
No, they use proprietary platforms for securities trading.
Is the 1:500 leverage claim real?
No, this is a sign of a fraudulent imposter.
What's the minimum deposit?
Varies by product; not the claimed CNY 700 for forex.
Is BOCOM International safe?
The real firm has mixed regulatory status; the forex version is likely a scam.
How this review works
Track BOCOM live: score moves and red notices, in your pocket.