Stock Connect Explained: How Foreigners Can Legally Trade A-Shares from Abroad

Your clear, no-jargon guide to investing in China’s onshore stock market—without a Chinese bank account, residency, or complicated paperwork.

If you’ve ever wanted to buy shares in Kweichow Moutai (600519.SS), Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL, 300750.SZ), or China Merchants Bank (600036.SS)—but assumed it was impossible as a foreigner—you’re not alone. For years, China’s A-share market felt like a “members-only” club.

But since 2014, a quiet revolution has been underway: Stock Connect.

And today, any foreign individual with an internet connection and the right broker can legally trade real A-shares from New York, London, Sydney, or Singapore—no visa, no local ID, no middleman required.

Let’s break down exactly how it works—and how you can use it.

🔑 What Is Stock Connect?

Stock Connect is a cross-border trading link between:

• The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX)
• And mainland China’s Shanghai & Shenzhen Stock Exchanges

It has two directions:

• Northbound: Foreign investors → Buy A-shares (this is what you care about)
• Southbound: Mainland Chinese investors → Buy Hong Kong stocks

For foreigners, Northbound Trading is the golden ticket. It lets you buy eligible A-shares in real time, at real prices, and with full ownership—all while staying fully compliant with China’s capital controls.

✅ No QFII/RQFII quotas
✅ No need for a Chinese bank account
✅ No nominee or proxy accounts (which are illegal)

Everything flows through your international brokerage account.

🌍 How Can a Foreigner Use Stock Connect? (Step by Step)

You don’t apply to Stock Connect directly. Instead, you use a broker that’s connected to the system and offers Northbound access to retail clients.

Step 1: Choose a Supported Broker

Only a handful of global brokers offer this to ordinary foreigners. The most reliable include:

• Interactive Brokers (IBKR) – www.interactivebrokers.com
• Moomoo (International) – moomoo.com
• Tiger Brokers (International) – www.tigerbrokers.com
• Saxo Bank – www.home.saxo

❌ Traditional U.S. brokers (Fidelity, Schwab, Robinhood) do not support this.
❌ Most Hong Kong retail brokers (e.g., Phillip, Bright Smart) don’t offer it to regular foreign clients.

Step 2: Open an Account & Verify Your Identity

As a foreigner, you’ll need:

• A valid passport (non-Chinese)
• Proof of overseas address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement)
• No ties to mainland China (IP, phone number, or ID may trigger restrictions)

This usually takes 1–3 business days online.

Step 3: Enable “Northbound Trading”

In your broker’s platform:

• Go to Account Settings → Trading Permissions
• Request access to “China A Shares (Northbound)”
• Approval is often automatic for eligible accounts

Step 4: Trade A-Shares Like Any Other Stock

Once enabled:

• Search for tickers like 600519.SS (Moutai) or 300750.SZ (CATL)
• Place orders in USD, HKD, or EUR—your broker auto-converts to offshore RMB (CNH)
• Settlement happens in T+0 for cash, T+1 for shares (standard in China)

You own the actual shares. You receive dividends (minus 10% withholding tax). You can hold them long-term or trade actively.

⚠️ Important Things to Know

❓ “Why Can’t I Just Use My U.S. Broker?”

Great question. Brokers like Fidelity or Charles Schwab only give you access to U.S.-listed Chinese ADRs (like BABA or JD)—which are:

• Different legal entities
• Subject to U.S. delisting risks
• Not the same as owning real A-shares

With Stock Connect, you buy the exact same shares traded by Chinese domestic investors—giving you direct exposure to China’s consumer, tech, and green energy boom.

💡 Final Thought: This Is Real Access—Not a Workaround

Stock Connect isn’t a loophole. It’s a government-approved, regulated, and scalable channel built by the People’s Bank of China, CSRC, and HKEX precisely to open China’s equity market to the world.

And thanks to forward-thinking brokers, you don’t need to be an institution or billionaire to use it.

Whether you’re bullish on electric vehicles, premium liquor, or AI infrastructure—China’s best companies are now within reach.

All you need is the right key. And now, you have it.

Ready to get started?
👉 Compare the top brokers that support Stock Connect for foreigners: [here]
👉 Download our free checklist: “5 Things to Verify Before Buying A-Shares as a Foreigner”

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.