How Foreign Investors Can Trade Chinese A-Shares and Hong Kong Stocks: A Practical Guide to Supported Brokers
By Arvin
January 2026
China’s equity markets—comprising the onshore A-share market (Shanghai/Shenzhen) and the offshore Hong Kong stock market—represent one of the world’s most dynamic investment frontiers. But for foreign individuals outside mainland China, accessing these markets can seem daunting due to capital controls, language barriers, and regulatory complexity.
The good news? It’s entirely possible—and increasingly straightforward—to trade both Hong Kong-listed stocks and eligible A-shares legally from abroad, provided you use the right broker.
This guide outlines the most reliable, globally accessible brokers that enable foreign retail investors to invest in Chinese equities, with clear distinctions between those offering Hong Kong stocks and those providing access to mainland A-shares via Stock Connect.
✅ Key Concepts First
- Hong Kong stocks (H-shares, red chips, etc.): Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). Open to all foreign investors.
- A-shares: Listed on Shanghai or Shenzhen exchanges. Normally restricted—but accessible to foreigners via Stock Connect’s “Northbound” channel.
- Stock Connect: A cross-border trading link between HKEX and mainland exchanges. Only certain brokers offer this to retail clients.
Now, let’s review the top brokers that support these services for international individuals.
1. Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
🌐 Website: https://www.interactivebrokers.com
What It Offers:
- Full access to Hong Kong stocks (including H-shares like CCB 0939.HK)
- Northbound Trading via Stock Connect: trade over 2,500 A-shares (e.g., Kweichow Moutai 600519.SS, CATL 300750.SZ)
- Multi-currency account (auto-converts USD/HKD to CNH for A-share purchases)
- Low commissions and institutional-grade platform
Who It’s For:
Global investors seeking a regulated, low-cost, and comprehensive solution. Available in over 200 countries.
How to Enable A-Shares:
Log in to Client Portal → Settings → Account Settings → Trading Permissions → Request “China A Shares (Northbound)”.
✅ Best for: Active traders, long-term investors, and those who value transparency and global market access.
2. Moomoo (by Futu Holdings – International Version)
🌐 Website: https://moomoo.com
What It Offers:
- Seamless trading of Hong Kong stocks
- Northbound A-share access for non-mainland users (U.S., Singapore, Australia, Canada, etc.)
- User-friendly mobile and desktop platforms (available in English & Chinese)
- Free real-time market data and research tools
Important Notes:
- Do not confuse with “Futu NiuNiu” (the China-domestic app)—only the international version at moomoo.com supports foreign clients.
- You must sign up outside mainland China (IP restrictions apply).
Who It’s For:
Retail investors who prefer an intuitive interface with strong educational content and community features.
✅ Best for: Beginners to intermediate investors in Asia-Pacific and North America.
3. Tiger Brokers (UP Fintech – International Platform)
🌐 Website: https://www.tigerbrokers.com
What It Offers:
- Trading in Hong Kong, U.S., and Singapore markets
- A-share access via Stock Connect for eligible international clients
- Competitive FX rates and extended trading hours
- Integrated portfolio analytics and IPO subscription
Availability:
Open to residents of the U.S., Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and select other countries. Not available to mainland Chinese citizens.
✅ Best for: Tech-savvy investors who want a modern, mobile-first experience with multi-market capabilities.
4. Saxo Bank
🌐 Website: https://www.home.saxo
What It Offers:
- Access to Hong Kong equities
- Northbound A-share trading through its “China A Shares via Stock Connect” product
- Premium research, portfolio management tools, and multi-asset trading (stocks, ETFs, bonds, FX)
- Regulated in Europe (Denmark) and Asia
Considerations:
- Higher minimum deposit (typically $10,000+ USD equivalent)
- Better suited for high-net-worth or experienced investors
✅ Best for: Sophisticated investors seeking a full-service, institutional-quality platform.
❌ What Doesn’t Work
| Broker Type | Why It’s Not Suitable |
|---|---|
| U.S.-only brokers (e.g., Fidelity, Schwab, Robinhood) | Only offer U.S.-listed ADRs (like BABA), not real A-shares or H-shares |
| Traditional Hong Kong retail brokers (e.g., Phillip Securities, Bright Smart, Guotai Junan HK) | Technically connected to Stock Connect but rarely offer Northbound trading to foreign retail clients—usually reserved for institutions or high-net-worth accounts |
| CFD/Forex platforms (e.g., eToro, Plus500) | Offer synthetic exposure via CFDs—not actual stock ownership, and not compliant with long-term investment goals |
📌 Practical Tips for Foreign Investors
- You don’t need to be in Hong Kong to use these services—all can be opened remotely.
- No Chinese bank account or residency required for any of the above brokers.
- Currency: A-share trades settle in offshore RMB (CNH); your broker handles conversion automatically.
- Taxes: A 10% withholding tax applies to dividends from both A- and H-shares under Chinese law.
- Eligible A-shares: Only stocks included in the Stock Connect list (~2,500+) are tradable—check the latest list on HKEX website.
Final Thoughts
Gone are the days when investing in China required complex structures or onshore presence. Today, foreign individuals can legally and efficiently build exposure to both Hong Kong’s open market and mainland China’s A-share giants—all through a handful of forward-thinking, globally licensed brokers.
Whether you’re buying Tencent (0700.HK) or Kweichow Moutai (600519.SS), the infrastructure is ready. Choose the right platform, understand the rules, and participate confidently in one of the 21st century’s defining economic stories.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Broker availability may vary by jurisdiction. Always verify eligibility and terms directly with the provider.