Reason for this visit

The international forex market in Hong Kong has been developing since the 1970s. Due to the removal of forex control in Hong Kong since 1973, there has been a large inflow of international capital, and an increasing number of financial institutions operating forex business have mushroomed. The forex market has become more and more active, developing into an international forex market. Hong Kong forex market is an invisible market without a fixed trading venue. Traders conduct forex transactions through various modern communication facilities and computer networks. Hong Kongs geographical location and time zone conditions are similar to those of Singapore, making it very convenient to trade with other international forex markets. Participants in Hong Kong forex market are mainly commercial banks and financial companies. There are three types of forex brokers in this market: local brokers, whose business is limited to Hong Kong; international brokers who have expanded their business to the Hong Kong forex market since the 1970s; international brokers that grow locally and has expanded their business to forex markets abroad. In an attempt to help investors or practitioners gain a more comprehensive understanding of current status of forex brokers in Hong Kong, WikiFX survey team determines to pay on-site visits to local companies.

On-site visit

In this issue, the survey team went to Hong Kong, China to visit broker UTRADE as planned according to its regulatory address that 6/F, Harcourt House, 39 Gloucester Road, Hong Kong.

A seasoned and professional inspection team, committed to safeguarding investor interests, conducted a meticulously planned on-site verification of the prominent forex broker UTRADE in Hong Kong. The target address for this inspection was 6/F, Harcourt House, 39 Gloucester Road.

The target location is situated in Wan Chai's core financial and commercial district, characterized by heavy pedestrian traffic and vibrant business activity. Hutchison House, adjacent to numerous financial institutions, dining establishments and educational facilities with convenient transportation access, represents a prime commercial location. The building maintains a clean, modern exterior with complete supporting infrastructure, further validating its suitability as a financial firm's office location.

Upon arrival at Hutchison House, the investigator observed this high-rise commercial office tower features clear exterior signage and professional glass curtain wall design. While no company-specific logo was visible from the exterior, the building's overall appearance aligns with financial industry standards.

The lobby directory verification confirmed listings for “UOB Kay Hian (Hong Kong) Limited” on both the 4th and 6th floors, providing initial authentication of the registered address.

Proceeding to the 4th floor via elevator, the survey team immediately identified prominent “UOB Kay Hian” signage with company logo in the elevator lobby, confirming this level as part of the company's office space. Continuing to the 6th floor, they encountered a dedicated reception area where the company's Chinese and English names along with corporate logo were clearly displayed on the feature wall, conclusively verifying the existence of actual office premises of the broker at this address.

While enjoying full access to building common areas, the inspection team respected internal management policies that restricted entry beyond reception areas. External observations confirmed the 6th floor reception area maintains professional, minimalist design with well-kept spaces consistent with financial firm standards. Furthermore, the orderly condition of corridors and common areas showed no characteristics of shared office space, effectively eliminating co-working possibilities.

Through the on-site investigation, it is confirmed that UTRADE has a physical presence at the location.

Conclusion

The survey team went to Hong Kong, China to visit broker UTRADE as scheduled, and found the company at its regulatory address. It denotes that the broker has a physical business office at the place. Meanwhile, investors are advised to make a well-considered decision following much deliberation.

Disclaimer

The content is for informational purpose only, and shall not be taken as a final order for making a choice.