Despite the launching of a Hong Kong branch, Christina Hui, regional general manager said initially only U.S. securities are available for trading. Hui expected trading of Hong Kong securities would begin before 2001. She said that only one percent of the local investment population are trading U.S. securities. She explained the lack of information is the major reason. She said customers not only can open new accounts, deposit funds and share certificates, but also access information like the latest market news, both in print and online.
Customers can also discuss their portfolios with investment specialists at the branch.
Yu said the company targets the top 20 percent of the investment public in Hong Kong. Yu added that Schwab is looking to expand its business into Taiwan.