Citi has received approval from the China Securities Regulatory Commission to establish a wholly owned securities company in China, expanding the bank’s ability to provide onshore capital markets services to domestic and international clients.
The new business, Citigroup Securities (China) Company Limited, or CSCCL, will be headquartered in Shanghai. Citi said it will complete the remaining statutory and regulatory procedures required to formally establish the company and prepare it to begin operations.
The securities license will allow CSCCL to provide equities brokerage, securities underwriting, securities research, investment advisory, and principal trading services. The business will also provide clients with access to onshore-listed shares, bonds, funds, and other financial instruments.
The approval significantly expands Citi’s onshore capabilities in China by allowing the bank to combine its existing global investment banking platform with locally licensed securities services. Citi said the new entity will help clients raise capital, access investors, execute transactions in domestic markets, and connect Chinese companies with global opportunities.
Citi has operated in China for nearly 125 years and was among the first international banks to establish a local presence. Today, the bank serves approximately 70% of Fortune 500 companies operating in China and works with several hundred large Chinese corporate and public-sector clients through its Corporate & Investment Bank.
Citi also supports medium-sized companies through its Commercial Bank. The new securities company is expected to expand the services available to these corporate and institutional clients, particularly those seeking direct access to China’s domestic capital markets.
Citi has an established global investment banking business spanning debt and equity underwriting, mergers and acquisitions advisory, and cross-border capital markets transactions. The bank said it has helped Chinese clients raise more than $40 billion in global capital markets year-to-date in 2026.
The new onshore securities license will complement those offshore capabilities by allowing Citi to underwrite capital markets transactions directly in China and provide local brokerage and trading services.
Citi said it plans to build a high-caliber local team for CSCCL while leveraging its international network and existing relationships with corporate and institutional clients.
“Citi has been serving clients in China for nearly 125 years, and we appreciate the support from regulators to expand our offering in this important market. By adding onshore capabilities to our global platform, we will be able to do more for clients in China’s domestic capital markets, including helping them raise capital, access investors and trade locally, while connecting them to opportunities around the world.”
Jane Fraser, Chair And Chief Executive Officer Of Citi
“We are honored to receive this approval. The securities company will be an important part of Citi’s strategy in China. It will enrich and enhance our capabilities to serve clients. We will be focusing on building a high-caliber local team and leveraging our global network to support domestic capital market development.”
Wenjie Zhang, Citi China Country Officer And Banking Head
