LEADING

　　CRIC Securities changed its name in 2016, as Leading Securities now.

Leading Securities
WikiStocks Rating	⭐⭐⭐
Fees	Commissions:0.25% per trader(Minimum:HK$100)For U.S Stocks:0.2% per trade(Minimum:$20)
Account Fees	Monthly Statement:HKD20( last 6 months),HKD100 (more than last 6 months )Stock Balance Account Confirmation:HKD300
Interests on uninvested cash	3.31%
Mutual Funds Offered	Yes
Platform/APP	Leading Trading Platform(Online Trading,Google,IOS)
Promotion	N/A

Leading Securities Information

　　Leading Securities is a brokerage firm with a three-star WikiStocks rating, known for its competitive commission rates at 0.25% per trade in bonds,and 0.2% in U.S stock.

　　It offers a user-friendly Leading Trading Platform accessible on web, Google, and iOS, enhancing trading accessibility for clients. Additionally, the firm pays an interest of 3.31% on uninvested cash and offers mutual funds.

　　However, the firm does not currently provide any promotional offers, which may be seen as a drawback in attracting new clients.

Pros & Cons

　　Pros:

　　Leading Securities offers a wide variety of tradable securities, including stocks, bonds, funds, and IPOs, supported by a robust trading platform available on both online and mobile interfaces. The firm is well-regulated by the SFC, and attracts a diverse clientele with various account types and asset management services.

　　Cons:

　　However, the firm's high commission fees, starting at HK$100, could be a barrier for small-scale investors. Additionally, their research offerings are limited to only two reports, potentially insufficient for thorough market analysis. Clients also face additional costs for routine account services like monthly statements and confirmations.

Is Leading Securities Safe？

　　Regulations:

　　Leading Securities is regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong, which is an independent statutory body responsible for overseeing the securities and futures markets in Hong Kong.

　　The firm holds a license with number BAL779, ensuring that it adheres to strict regulatory standards set by the SFC, aimed at protecting the integrity and soundness of financial markets and benefiting investors and the industry at large.

　　Funds Safety:

　　Being regulated by the SFC generally implies stringent requirements on the management and protection of client funds. This includes practices like the segregation of client funds from company funds, which protects clients investments from being used for any unauthorized purposes.

　　Safety Measures:

　　Leading Securities likely employs advanced encryption technologies to safeguard the storage and transmission of client financial data, although specific technologies were not detailed.

　　Additionally, standard security measures such as two-factor authentication and secure login processes are expected to be in place to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of client information. These measures help in minimizing the risk of data leakage and enhancing the overall security of client assets and information.

What are securities to trade with Leading Securities？

　　Leading Securities offers a diverse array of tradable securities that satisfy a variety of investor preferences, ensuring clients have access to multiple markets and investment opportunities. Here are the securities available for trading through Leading Securities:

• 　　Hong Kong Stocks: Clients can trade in a broad range of Hong Kong-listed stocks, benefiting from the market access provided by Leading Securities.

• 　　US Stocks: The platform allows for the trading of stocks listed in the United States, providing an international scope for clients' investment portfolios.

• 　　IPOs (Initial Public Offerings): Leading Securities provides the opportunity to participate in public subscriptions for newly listed companies, primarily in the Hong Kong market.

• 　　Funds and Bonds: The firm offers trading in various funds and bond instruments, allowing for diversified investment strategies that can include fixed-income assets.

• 　　Structured Products and Private Equity Investments: For professional investors, Leading Securities offers more sophisticated investment options such as structured products and private equity investments.

• 　　Equities and Fixed Income: Clients can trade a broad spectrum of Hong Kong and US stocks, with access to initial public offerings (IPOs) and bond markets, providing a solid foundation for both equity and debt investment opportunities.

• 　　Structured Products and Private Equity Investments: For sophisticated investors, Leading Securities provides structured products and options for private equity investments, tailored for those seeking higher returns at commensurate risk levels.

• 　　Real Estate Investments: Through its asset management division, the firm offers innovative real estate investment products such as land development structured financing and non-performing asset funds, focused on the Chinese market. These products are designed to meet various investor risk profiles by stratifying beneficiary rights and income distribution.

• 　　REITs: Leading Securities collaborates with top developers to invest in renovation projects of historical properties in prime locations, aiming to maximize returns through strategic redevelopment and subsequent sales or rentals.

• 　　Index Funds: The firm manages three major real estate index funds that employ a unique investment strategy based on quantitative analysis and market value adjustments to optimize returns.



Leading Securities Account Review

　　Leading Securities offers a range of account types meeting different investor needs, ensuring both general and professional investors can find suitable options. Heres a detailed breakdown of the account types available:

• 　　General Investor Accounts:

• 　　Individual/Joint Cash Accounts: Suitable for everyday investors looking to trade Hong Kong Stocks, US Stocks, IPOs, Public Offerings of Funds, and Bonds.

• 　　Corporate Accounts: Designed for companies and institutions with the same product availability as individual accounts, including additional services suited for corporate financial activities.



• 　　Professional Investor Accounts:

• 　　Individual/Joint Professional Accounts: These accounts offer the same trading options as general accounts but are tailored for investors who qualify as professional clients. They often provide enhanced trading conditions and potential regulatory reliefs.

• 　　Corporate Professional Accounts: Similar to the individual professional accounts but designed for corporate entities, these accounts offer access to high-value investment opportunities such as structured products and private equity investments.



Leading Securities Fee Review

　　The fee structure for Leading Securities includes a variety of transactional fees and service charges associated with trading and maintaining accounts:

• 　　Brokerage Fees:

• 　　HK Stocks: 0.25% per transaction, with a minimum charge of HKD 100.

• 　　US Stocks: 0.2% per transaction, with a minimum charge of USD 20. For shares priced at or below USD 5, the minimum charge is calculated per 1,000 shares.

• 　　Trading Charges and Levies:

• 　　Transaction levy (SFC): 0.0027% of the transaction amount.

• 　　Trading fee (HKEX): 0.005% of the transaction amount, adjusting to 0.00565% in 2023.

• 　　Stock settlement fee (CCASS): 0.002% of the transaction amount, with a minimum of HKD 2 and a maximum of HKD 100.

• 　　Stamp duty: 0.1% of the transaction amount.

• 　　FRC Transaction Levy: 0.00015% of the transaction amount.

• 　　Non-Recurring Charges for HK Stocks:

• 　　Physical Share Certificate Deposit Fee: HKD 50 per stock plus HKD 5 per transfer deed.

• 　　Handling charge for returned or rejected share certificates: HKD 150 per stock.

• 　　Securities physical withdrawal: 0.1% on gross value of securities, minimum HKD 100 plus stock settlement fee of HKD 3.5 per board lot.

• 　　Custodial and Nominee Services:

• 　　Custodian fee: Waived.

• 　　Nominee services like shares consolidation/splitting and exercise of warrants: Generally waived, except for specific actions like privatization or rights subscriptions which incur a fee of HKD 100 plus HKD 0.8 per actionable board lot.

• 　　Miscellaneous Fees:

• 　　Overdue interest on cash accounts: Bank prime rate plus 5% per month.

• 　　Local and overseas telegraphic transfers: HKD 300 per item, with additional correspondent bank charges.

• 　　Dividend collection fee: 3% of each dividend, with minimum and maximum limits.

• 　　IPO service fee: HKD 100 per subscription.

• 　　Fees for Funds and Bonds:

• 　　Subscription fee for bonds: 0.5% of the transaction amount.

• 　　Safe custody of bonds: 0.05% annually, charged monthly.

Service	Fee Type	Charge
HK Stocks Brokerage Fee	Per Transaction	0.25% of transaction amount (Min. HKD 100)
Transaction Levy (SFC)	Per Transaction	0.0027% of transaction amount
Trading Fee (HKEX)	Per Transaction	0.005% of transaction amount
Stock Settlement Fee (CCASS)	Per Transaction	0.002% of transaction amount (Min HKD 2, Max HKD 100)
Stamp Duty	Per Transaction	0.1% of transaction amount
FRC Transaction Levy	Per Transaction	0.00015% of transaction amount
Physical Share Certificate Deposit Fee	One-time	HKD 50 per stock, plus HKD 5 per transfer deed
Handling Charge for Rejected Share Certificates	One-time	HKD 150 per stock
Securities Physical Withdrawal	Per Transaction	0.1% on gross value of securities, Min. HKD 100
Stock Deposit (SI)	Per Transaction	HKD 50 per stock
Stock Withdrawal (SI)	Per Transaction	0.1% on gross value of securities, Min. HKD 100
Nominee Services (Warrants/Redemptions)	Per Instruction	Waived
Exercise of Privatization	Per Instruction	HKD 100, plus HKD 0.8 per actionable board lot
Scrip Fee	Per actionable board lot	HKD 2 per board lot
Dividend Collection	Per Dividend	0.5% of cash dividend (Min HKD 50, Max HKD 20,000)
US Stocks Brokerage Fee	Per Transaction	0.2% of transaction amount (Min. USD 20)
SEC Fee	Per Sell Transaction	0.00278% of transaction amount
FINRA TAF	Per Sell Transaction	USD 0.0166% per share (Max USD 8.3)
ADR Fee	Per Dividend	USD 0.01-0.05 per share
Dividend Tax (US Stocks)	Per Dividend	30% of dividend
Overdue Interest of Cash Account	Monthly	Bank prime rate + 5%
Local Bank Transfer (CHATS)	Per Transaction	HKD 300
Overseas Telegraphic Transfer	Per Transaction	HKD 300 USD 40 RMB 300 JPY 5,000
Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect Brokerage Fee	Per Transaction	0.1% of transaction amount (Min. RMB 5)
Handling Fee (Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect)	Per Transaction	0.00341% of transaction amount
Securities Management Fee	Per Transaction	0.002% of transaction amount
Transfer Fee	Per Transaction	0.003% of transaction amount
Stamp Duty (Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect)	Per Transaction	0.05% of transaction amount
Portfolio Fee	Daily, collected monthly	0.008% of daily stock portfolio value



Leading Securities Trading Platform Review

　　The trading platforms offered by Leading Securities include their proprietary “Leading Trading Platform,” which is available for online trading and supports both Google and iOS mobile systems.

　　This allows clients to access and manage their investments conveniently from various devices, meeting a range of trading preferences and styles.



Research & Education

　　The research provided by Leading Securities includes macroeconomic research focused on Japanese stocks. They express firm optimism about the resilience of these stocks and indicate a continued investment strategy into May 2024.

　　This outlook is based on the belief that traditional “collapse” logic does not apply, supported by the Bank of Japan's decision to maintain economic stability in May 2024. This indicates that Leading Securities offers insights into significant economic and market trends to inform and guide investment decisions.



Customer Service

　　Leading Securities offers customer support accessible through various communication channels. Clients can contact the firm by telephone at (852) 2510 5555 or via email at cs@leading-sec.com.hk.

　　For those preferring to use fax, the number is (852) 2510 5500. Additionally, the company can be reached through their WeChat account, LEADINGSEC. The office is located at 8/F., Prosperity Tower, 39 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, providing a physical location for in-person queries or meetings.



Conclusion

　　Leading Securities is a well-established brokerage firm that offers a range of financial services including trading across various markets, asset management, and specialized research reports.

　　With a robust trading platform and a client-centric approach, the firm provides effective support and financial solutions to its customers. Its commitment to accessibility and client education is reflected through its multiple channels of customer support and detailed research resources.

FAQs

• 　　How can I contact Leading Securities for support？

• 　　You can contact Leading Securities via phone at (852) 2510 5555, email at cs@leading-sec.com.hk, or fax at (852) 2510 5500. They are also available on WeChat under the handle LEADINGSEC.

• 　　Where is Leading Securities located？

• 　　The office is located at 8/F., Prosperity Tower, 39 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong.

• 　　What services does Leading Securities offer？

• 　　Leading Securities offers brokerage services, asset management, and research reports. They can be used in trading in Hong Kong stocks, US stocks, IPOs, funds, and bonds.

Risk Warning

　　The information provided is based on WikiStock's expert evaluation of the brokerage's website data and is subject to change. Besides, online trading entails substantial risks, potentially leading to total loss of invested funds, so comprehending associated risks before engaging is crucial.