C · News · 20260907N

China Securities Firm Expansion

CITIGROUP INC · 2026-09-07 · Importance 31 · Surprise 42

Citigroup is reportedly close to receiving approval from China’s Securities Regulatory Commission for a wholly owned mainland brokerage operation, potentially by late September 2026. The business is expected to expand to approximately 100 employees by year-end, including staff transferred from Hong Kong and other Asian locations. The planned activities include A-share brokerage, underwriting, research, and principal trading, with a focus on Chinese technology and healthcare companies, although Citi faces competition from domestic firms and other global banks and continued geopolitical risk.

Key facts

• Yahoo Finance and other outlets reported final approval for Citigroup's fully owned brokerage operation in mainland China is anticipated around late September 2026. source
• Zacks noted that Citigroup is moving closer to establishing a wholly owned brokerage business in China, with final regulatory approval potentially coming in September 2026 and that the CSRC completed its review in May 2026. source
• Citigroup's planned China mainland brokerage business will engage in A-share brokerage, underwriting, research, and principal trading. source
• Citigroup plans to transfer staff from Hong Kong and other Asian locations into its new mainland China brokerage unit. source
• Citigroup applied for the China brokerage license in 2021 and the China Securities Regulatory Commission completed its review in May 2026. source