Need to open a corporate bank account in Hong Kong? Today, companies can choose from a number of international and local banks to open a corporate bank account in Hong Kong. All major banks in Hong Kong, whether local or international, have designed products and services to meet different needs. This article aims to compare the characteristics of corporate bank accounts across major banks in Hong Kong.
Small and medium-sized enterprises account for a large proportion of Hong Kong companies and are an important customer base for banks.
Excellent cash management facilities, online banking that helps in tracking the movement of funds, trade finance, short term and long term loans are the major financing needs of any business.
Opening a corporate bank account is a relatively straightforward procedure. But before you can open an account with a particular bank, it's important to understand your banking needs so you can match those needs with what each bank offers.
Hong Kong Account Opening Requirements
Most Hong Kong banks will require Hong Kong private limited companies and offshore companies to submit the following documents and information in order to open a corporate bank account.
Documents required to open a corporate bank account in Hong Kong
- A bank account opening form duly completed and signed by authorized signatories in accordance with the resolution of the board of directors.
- Extract of board resolution approving opening of company bank account.
- A certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Companies Registry.
- A certified copy of the company's business registration certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department.
- A certified copy of the Articles of Association.
- Directors' statement providing personal details of directors and major shareholders. Major shareholders are those who have the right to exercise or control the exercise of 10% or more of the company's voting rights.
- Copy of Hong Kong identity card or passport; proof of residence such as utility bill, bank statement, driving license, etc.; proof of previous name or alias of each director, authorized signatory, major shareholder and beneficial owner of the company’s shareholders (if applicable).
- List of specimen signatures of authorized signatories.
- Proof of business, such as a business plan or audited financial statements.
- For corporate shareholders of the company: A certified copy of the organization chart showing the percentage of shares held by each individual and the ultimate beneficial owner of the company.
- Details of the ultimate beneficial owners of the company's nominal shareholders.
- For the ultimate beneficiaries who are trusts: A certified copy of the trust deed or trust declaration with details of the trustees, settlers and beneficiaries.
Important Note: Copies of all documents submitted must be certified by a certified public accountant, Company Secretary, Solicitor or Banker.
Other requirements
In addition to the above documents, most banks in Hong Kong will require an initial minimum deposit to open a bank account.
Offshore companies that open a corporate bank account in Hong Kong need to submit a certificate of employment and a certificate of good standing in addition to the normal documents.
Almost all Hong Kong banks follow strict due diligence procedures and require account signatories, key directors and shareholders to be present in person when opening a company bank account. However, some banks may authorize the opening of corporate bank accounts without the need for directors, shareholders and signatories to visit Hong Kong in person. These documents can be signed at the bank's overseas branch in the presence of witnesses.
Offshore companies that open a corporate bank account in Hong Kong need to submit a certificate of incumbency and a certificate of good standing in addition to the normal documents.
Almost all Hong Kong banks follow strict due diligence procedures and require account signatories, key directors and shareholders to be present in person when opening a company bank account. However, some banks may authorize the opening of corporate bank accounts without the need for directors, shareholders and signatories to visit Hong Kong in person. These documents can be signed at the bank's overseas branch in the presence of witnesses.
Corporate Bank Account Features of Major Hong Kong Banks
Local Banks
International Banks
What do I need to pay attention to when opening a bank account?
Most of the world's major banks have branches in Hong Kong. Before finalizing which bank to open a business account with, it is important to consider the following factors:
- bank reputation
- services and facilities offered
- availability of future support services, such as loans or trade finance
- minimum deposit requirement
- availability of Internet banking facility
- monthly fee (if any)
Connect with us
Register your new Hong Kong company now.
We help you fully realize your business ambitions with company incorporation in Hong Kong and company bank account opening services that allow your company to be established quickly and straightforwardly.
Comments