With the acceleration of global economic integration, more and more investors are paying attention to investment opportunities in overseas markets, especially the Hong Kong and U.S. stock markets. Choosing a suitable securities firm has become one of the key factors for successful investment. This article will delve into two leading Hong Kong and U.S. stock brokers — Webull Securities and Longbridge Securities — to help you better understand their characteristics and services.

I. Company Background Introduction

Webull Securities

Webull Securities Limited is an innovative internet securities firm based in Hong Kong, committed to providing global investors with efficient, convenient, and low-cost investment services. Since its establishment, Webull Securities has quickly grown into an industry leader, thanks to its strong technical support and professional financial service team.

1. Establishment and Development History

Webull Securities Limited was established in 2019 and quickly obtained Type 1 (Securities Trading), Type 2 (Futures Contract Trading), and Type 4 (Providing Advice on Securities) licenses issued by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, becoming a legal and compliant licensed corporation with the central number BNG700. As an emerging fintech company, Webull has not only established a firm foothold in the Hong Kong market but also actively expanded into international markets, striving to provide high-quality financial services to more investors.

2. License and Compliance Status

Webull Securities holds a number of important licenses issued by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, including qualifications for securities trading, futures contract trading, and providing securities investment advice. This means Webull can legally provide comprehensive investment services to clients, while being subject to strict supervision to ensure clients' rights and interests are fully protected. In addition, Webull is a participant of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and a direct clearing participant of the Central Clearing and Settlement System, further enhancing its position and service capabilities in the market.

3. Introduction to Core Management and Technical Strength

The core team members of Webull Securities come from top global financial institutions and technology companies, with rich experience in financial markets and profound technical backgrounds. They are not only familiar with the operating rules of the financial industry but also able to use the latest technological achievements to enhance user experience. For example, by developing intelligent investment tools and optimizing trading platforms, Webull Securities has greatly simplified the investment process, reduced operational difficulty, making it easy even for investors new to overseas markets to get started.

Longbridge Securities

Longbridge Securities is another rapidly rising new-generation internet securities firm, focusing on connecting the "discovery → cognition → trading" links of assets, aiming to create a safe, reliable, efficient, and convenient global investment platform for global investors. With its advanced technology and excellent services, Longbridge Securities has won wide recognition and support.

1. Company Establishment and Development History

Longbridge Securities was founded in March 2019, with its headquarters in Hong Kong, China, and branches in the United States, Singapore, New Zealand, and other places. In just a few years, Longbridge Securities has achieved remarkable results, obtaining more than 22 financial compliance licenses or qualifications and attracting over 150 million US dollars in strategic investment. These achievements not only prove Longbridge's strength but also demonstrate its global influence and development potential.

2. Held Financial Licenses and Covered Markets

Longbridge Securities (Hong Kong) Limited holds Type 1, 2, 4, and 9 licenses from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, with the ability to provide comprehensive services such as securities trading, futures contract trading, providing advice on securities trading, and asset management. In addition, Longbridge has corresponding operating licenses in Singapore, the United States, New Zealand, and other places, forming a service system covering major international financial markets. This extensive layout enables Longbridge to better serve clients in different regions and meet their diverse investment needs.

3. Introduction to Core Team Members

Longbridge Securities' management team consists of a group of experienced financial experts and technical elites, who have profound accumulation in their respective fields. For example, the CEO once worked at a well-known Wall Street investment bank, with years of experience in capital market operations; the CTO comes from a top Silicon Valley technology company, skilled in using big data analysis and artificial intelligence technology to improve product performance and service efficiency. It is such a high-quality professional team that drives Longbridge Securities to continuously innovate and develop, leading the industry trend.

II. Comparison of Service Features

When choosing a suitable securities firm, it is very important to understand the services and fee structure it provides. The following is a detailed comparison between Webull Securities and Longbridge Securities in terms of transaction fees, trading platforms, and customer service.

1. Transaction Fees

Transaction fees are a key concern for investors, as they directly affect investment costs. The following is a comparison table of the fee standards of the two securities firms for Hong Kong stocks, A-shares, and U.S. stocks markets:

Item	Webull Securities	Longbridge Securities
Hong Kong Stock Commission	Electronic Channel Entrustment: 0.02% (minimum HK$2); Forced Liquidation / Phone Order: 0.25% (minimum HK$100)	Regular Subscription: Use cash available in the account or margin financing against holdings; Bank Financing Subscription: Maximum financing ratio is 97%, requiring at least 3% Hong Kong dollar cash
A-share Commission	Electronic Channel Entrustment: 0.02% (minimum ¥2); Forced Liquidation / Phone Order: 0.25% (minimum ¥100)	Not applicable (specific information not provided)
U.S. Stock Commission	Electronic Channel Entrustment: US$0.004 per share (minimum US$0.89); Forced Liquidation / Phone Order: 0.25% (minimum US$15)	Regular Subscription: Similar to Webull; Bank Financing Subscription: Flexibly adjust the financing ratio according to user needs

• Notes:
  • Webull Securities also charges a platform usage fee (e.g., HK$13 per Hong Kong stock transaction), while Longbridge Securities does not charge handling fees in most cases.
  • For futures and options trading, Webull Securities has detailed fee standards, while Longbridge Securities focuses on the stock and ETF markets.

2. Trading Platform

A stable and powerful trading platform is crucial for investors. The following is a comparison of the two securities firms in terms of platform support:

Feature	Webull Securities	Longbridge Securities
Supported Devices	iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux	iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Web Version
User Experience Design	Friendly interface, easy to operate, suitable for beginners and experienced investors	Provides multiple personalized setting options, supports multilingual interface
Additional Features	Real-time market quotes, intelligent investment advisory, financial news	Financial information analysis application "PortAI" to help investors obtain professional-level research reports
Trading Tools	Provides multiple technical indicators and chart analysis tools	Supports custom indicators and advanced order types

• Notes:
  • Webull Securities emphasizes improving user experience through technological innovation, for example, its intelligent investment advisory system can help users make more informed investment decisions.
  • Longbridge Securities provides in-depth market analysis and research reports through its independently developed application "PortAI", helping investors better understand market dynamics.

3. Customer Service

High-quality customer service can significantly enhance user satisfaction and loyalty. The following is a comparison of the two securities firms in terms of customer service:

Service Channel	Webull Securities	Longbridge Securities
Phone Support	Provides 24/7 phone consultation service	Phone support during working hours on weekdays
Email Support	Quick response, usually replying within 24 hours	Similarly quick response, but may take a little longer to handle complex issues
Online Chat	Real-time online customer service to answer immediate questions	Provides real-time online chat service, supports multilingual communication
Help Center	Detailed help documents and FAQ	Contains rich educational resources and operation guides

• Notes:
  • Webull Securities focuses on quickly responding to customer needs, especially being able to solve problems promptly in emergency situations.
  • Longbridge Securities is committed to improving customers' self-service capabilities through education and training, reducing reliance on manual customer service.

4. Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

The convenience and security of deposits and withdrawals are also important criteria for measuring the service quality of a securities firm. The following is a comparison of the two securities firms in this regard:

Method	Webull Securities	Longbridge Securities
Supported Currencies	Hong Kong Dollar, Renminbi, US Dollar	Hong Kong Dollar, US Dollar
Main Deposit Methods	Bank-Securities Transfer, eDDA, FPS Fast Transfer, Online Banking Transfer, etc.	Bank-Securities Transfer, eDDA, FPS Fast Transfer, Online Banking Transfer, Check Transfer, ATM/Counter Transfer, Telegraphic Transfer
Arrival Time	Depends on the specific method, can be credited instantly at the fastest	At least 5 minutes, up to 2-5 working days
Handling Fee	Free in most cases, a small fee may be charged for some methods	Free for most methods, bank fees may apply for telegraphic transfer

• Notes:
  • Webull Securities provides a variety of deposit methods, and most of them are free.
  • Longbridge Securities particularly emphasizes support for non-Hong Kong bank cards, especially the ability to conduct cross-border transfers via telegraphic transfer.

III. Account Opening Process and Requirements

Preparation Before Account Opening

Before formally opening an account, please prepare the necessary documents, such as identification (ID card or passport), address proof (bills or residence permit issued within the last three months). For non-Hong Kong residents, corresponding address proof materials are also required.

• Basic Documents:
  • Hong Kong: Hong Kong Permanent / Non-Permanent Resident ID Card;
  • Macau: Macau ID Card;
  • Other regions: Passport or English version of ID card.

  Attachment: Examples of valid proof images

• Address Proof: Must be a valid document issued within the past 3 months, containing four elements — personal name, residential address (cannot be a commercial or industrial building address), issuing institution (such as bank, water, electricity, gas company), and issue date. Common forms include bank statements, electricity bills, gas bills, credit card bills, etc. If the current residential address is the same as the address on the ID card, the ID card can be directly used as address proof.
• Special Cases: If you are an employee of a licensed corporation or registered institution of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (such as securities firms, banks), you need to provide an additional employer's consent letter, which should include personal information, company name, account opening permission statement, company seal, and date (valid for 1 month).

Webull Securities Account Opening Process

• Step 1: Enter the main interface of Webull Securities, click the "Open Account Now" button, and select the account opening region (Hong Kong, Macau, or other regions) according to the held documents.
• Step 2: Fill in personal information, including employment status, company name, position, etc. If you are an employee of a licensed institution, select "Yes" and upload the employer's consent letter.
• Step 3: Complete the personal declaration and risk assessment. The personal declaration requires confirmation of having read and agreed to relevant policies, and the risk assessment helps the platform understand the investor's risk tolerance to ensure that investment products match the risk preference.
• Step 4: Select the account type and trading market. Webull provides two types of accounts: Cash Account (supports margin financing for new stock subscriptions) and Margin Account (with financing limit, such as HK$200,000 in the example). Trading markets can be selected from Hong Kong stocks, U.S. stocks, A-shares (China Connect), etc., among which "Hong Kong Stocks" is mandatory, and other markets can be checked according to needs.
• Step 5: Identity verification. This is the core part of account opening, which needs to be completed through one of the following two methods:
  • FPS Method: Complete identity verification through FPS, follow the guidelines.
  • Online Transfer Verification: Use a Hong Kong bank account with the same name as the account opener, transfer no less than HK$10,000 / RMB10,000 / US$1,300 to the designated account of Webull. After the transfer, upload the remittance certificate containing the amount, account number, and transaction reference number. The verification is completed after the funds arrive; if the account opening fails, the funds will be returned by the original way.
• Step 6: Submit materials and wait for review. If the materials are complete, the review will be completed within 1-3 working days, and the account opening success will be notified through in-app notification, SMS, or email.

For detailed graphic steps, please click 《Comprehensive Review and Account Opening Guide for Webull Securities》

Account Opening Notes

1. Transfer verification must use a Hong Kong bank account with the same name as the account opener; cash, third-party transfers, and non-Hong Kong local bank transfers are not accepted.
2. The address on the address proof must be a valid residential address; commercial addresses or industrial building addresses will be rejected.
3. Interbank transfers may incur bank handling fees; consult the opening bank in advance to avoid insufficient transfer amount due to fees.
4. If the account opening review is delayed or rejected, you can submit the problem through the "Help Center" in the App, or wait for customer service to contact you via phone/email to supplement information.

Longbridge Securities Account Opening Process

Method 1: Offline Verification for Overseas Users (Suitable for those living in Hong Kong/overseas)

1. Appointment for Handling

• Select "Offline Account Opening" through the exclusive link (or contact Hawk Insight official customer service Ricky Cheung) to make an appointment at Longbridge's Hong Kong outlets (Central/Tsim Sha Tsui)

 

2. Prepare Materials

• Required documents: Passport/Travel Document, overseas address proof, Hong Kong bank card

3. Identity Verification

• Sign account opening documents on-site, and staff will verify the authenticity of overseas certificates
• Bind a bank card and deposit ≥ HK$10,000 to activate the account

Method 2: Online Deposit Witness Account Opening (Fastest 1-2 days) Step Description

1. Register via Exclusive Link

• • Open an account through the benefit link: Click here to jump, enter the invitation code 5B2QX5 to ensure activation of the monthly reward eligibility.

2. Submit Identity Information, upload overseas work/living proof documents on the "Supplementary Materials" page

• • Enter "Assets" → "Open Account Now" in the App, upload the front and back of the identity document, and fill in basic personal information (name, contact information, residential address).

3. Fill in Occupation and Investment Information

• • Select occupation type (employed/student/retired), fill in annual income range, investment experience, etc. (for compliance review). The email address is used to receive important information such as statements; please click "Confirm" after verification.

4. Fill in asset investment information and confirm compliance information.

5. Read the risk disclosure statement, and in the next step, confirm the information. After carefully checking that all information is accurate, check the confirmation box and click next.

6. Perform identity verification, bind your own Hong Kong bank card, click "Next, transfer to Longbridge account", and after completion, click "Completed remittance, notify Longbridge"; submit the remittance certificate, click "Next, sign".

• • Transfer no less than HK$10,000 or US$1,500 to Longbridge Hong Kong receiving account;
  • Overseas address must be exactly the same as the proof document;

7. Sign and Complete Account Opening

• • Please be patient after submitting the account opening application. The review is expected to be completed within 1-2 working days. The review result can be checked through the App - "Assets" page, or notified via App message, email (the email submitted during account opening).

Method 3: Mail Check Account Opening (Suitable for users without Hong Kong bank cards)

1. Fill in the information according to the above steps to the "Identity Verification" page, select "Choose Other Account Opening Methods" - "Mail Check".

2. Print the account opening documents, and after signing, you can choose door-to-door pickup or mail the materials to Longbridge by yourself. After sending the account opening materials, click "Confirm Sent" - "Sent"

3. Sign, handwrite your signature in the blank space, click "Complete" to submit the account opening application

4. Wait for review. Please be patient after submitting the account opening application. It is expected that the review will be completed within 1-2 working days after we receive the check. The review result can be checked through the App - "Assets" page, or notified via App message, email (the email submitted during account opening).

Method 4: Third-Party Witness Account Opening (Applicable to overseas users)

1. Fill in the information according to the above steps to the "Identity Verification" page, select "Choose Other Account Opening Methods" - "Third-Party Witness", download and sign the account opening documents.

2. "Prepare account opening materials". Please print and sign the account opening materials, then arrange to send them together with the materials signed by the third-party witness.

3. Confirm that it has been sent, click "Sent". After submitting the account opening application, please be patient. After we receive your account opening form and verify it is correct, the review is expected to be completed within 1-2 working days. The review result can be checked through the App - "Assets" page, or notified via App message, email (the email submitted during account opening).

For detailed graphic steps, please click 《Ultimate Guide to Opening an Account with Longbridge Securities》

IV. Fund Security and Privacy Protection

When choosing a securities firm, ensuring the security of funds and the protection of personal privacy is crucial. Both Webull Securities and Longbridge Securities have taken various measures to protect customers' funds and personal information.

1. Fund Security Assurance Measures

Webull Securities

• Independent Custody

Webull Securities independently custodians customer funds in Citibank, China Merchants Bank Wing Lung, and HSBC Hong Kong, ensuring that funds are separated from the company's operating funds to minimize risks.

• Investor Compensation Protection

Customers are protected by the Hong Kong Investor Compensation Company Limited, with each account holder eligible for a maximum compensation of HK$500,000.

• Strict Supervision

Webull Securities is subject to strict supervision by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission and conducts regular internal and external audits to ensure financial transparency and compliance.

Longbridge Securities

• Independent Custody

Longbridge Securities also adopts an independent custody mechanism to ensure that customer funds are deposited in well-known financial institutions, avoiding confusion with the company's operating funds.

• Multi-Level Verification

During fund deposit and withdrawal, Longbridge Securities uses multi-level verification mechanisms (such as identity verification, SMS verification code) to prevent unauthorized fund transfers. In addition, it supports multiple deposit methods such as Bank-Securities Transfer and eDDA to enhance security.

• Strict Supervision

Longbridge Securities holds Type 1, 2, 4, and 9 licenses from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission and must comply with strict regulatory requirements to ensure the safety of customer funds.

2. Privacy Protection Policy

Webull Securities

• CRS (Common Reporting Standard)

Webull Securities follows the OECD's CRS rules, collects and reports customers' tax residency information to relevant tax authorities. It only declares necessary information to tax authorities under legal provisions and uses data encryption technology to protect customer privacy.

• FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act)

For U.S. taxpayers or customers holding U.S. assets, Webull Securities collects relevant information in accordance with FATCA requirements and may report information about specific accounts to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Non-U.S. tax status is confirmed through W-8 series forms, and U.S. tax status is confirmed through W-9 forms.

• Data Encryption

Webull Securities adopts advanced data encryption technology and multi-level security protection measures to ensure the security of customer information during network transmission and storage.

Longbridge Securities

• CRS (Common Reporting Standard)

Longbridge Securities also complies with CRS regulations, collects and reports customers' tax residence information to relevant tax authorities. All customers are required to fill in a self-certification form when opening an account, providing information such as name, address, date of birth, country of tax residence, and tax identification number.

• FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act)

Longbridge Securities complies with FATCA requirements, and all customers are required to declare whether they are U.S. tax residents when opening an account. If yes, they need to fill in Form W-9; if not, they need to fill in W-8 series forms. Only information of U.S. account holders will be reported.

• Data Privacy Protection

Longbridge Securities uses SSL/TLS protocol to encrypt network communications and formulates detailed data access control policies to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information.

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To help investors better understand Webull Securities and Longbridge Securities, we have compiled the following common questions and detailed answers. These questions cover multiple aspects such as account opening process, fund security, and privacy protection.

Q1: What about Webull Securities?

A: Webull Securities has a good reputation in the industry with its advanced technology and high-quality services, especially suitable for investors pursuing low commissions and efficient trading experience.

Q2: What about Longbridge Securities?

A: Longbridge Securities is widely praised for its comprehensive product line and strong technical support, very suitable for investors who need diversified investment tools and personalized services.

Q3: What factors should be considered when choosing a Hong Kong and U.S. stock broker?

A: The main considerations include but are not limited to fee structure, trading platform stability, customer service response speed and quality, etc.

Q4: How to ensure that my personal information will not be misused?

A: According to the regulations of CRS and FATCA, all financial institutions must legally collect and properly store customer information, and only use these data within legal scope.

Q5: How does Webull Securities ensure the safety of customers' funds?

A: Webull Securities independently custodians customers' funds in Citibank, China Merchants Bank Wing Lung, and HSBC Hong Kong, and is protected by the Hong Kong Investor Compensation Company Limited, with each account holder eligible for a maximum compensation of HK$500,000.

Q6: What is the fund custody mechanism of Longbridge Securities?

A: Longbridge Securities also adopts an independent custody mechanism to ensure that customer funds are deposited in well-known financial institutions, avoiding confusion with the company's operating funds. Multi-level verification mechanisms (such as identity verification, SMS verification code) further enhance security.

Q7: What is CRS? How does it affect me?

A: CRS stands for Common Reporting Standard, which is an automatic exchange standard for financial account information formulated by the OECD. If you are a non-tax resident, your information may be exchanged to the corresponding tax authority. All customers are required to fill in a self-certification form when opening an account, providing information such as name, address, date of birth, country of tax residence, and tax identification number.

Q8: Which customers does FATCA apply to?

A: FATCA applies to U.S. taxpayers or customers holding U.S. assets. These customers need to fill in Form W-9 (U.S. tax residents) or W-8 series forms (non-U.S. tax residents). Only information of U.S. account holders will be reported to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Q9: How to ensure that my personal information will not be misused?

A: Both Webull Securities and Longbridge Securities adopt advanced data encryption technology and strict access control policies to ensure the security of customer information during network transmission and storage. In addition, both brokers only declare necessary information to relevant tax authorities under legal provisions.

Q10: What if my funds in Webull Securities are embezzled?

A: Webull Securities' customer funds are protected by both independent custody and investor compensation fund. In case of embezzlement, you can contact customer service and apply for compensation. Meanwhile, it is recommended that you enable two-step verification to enhance account security.

Q11: How does Longbridge Securities handle customer identity verification?

A: Longbridge Securities uses multi-level verification mechanisms (such as identity verification, SMS verification code) to prevent unauthorized fund transfers. Customers can deposit funds through multiple methods such as Bank-Securities Transfer and eDDA, further improving the security of fund processing.

Q12: Can I freely switch accounts between Webull Securities and Longbridge Securities?

A: You can open accounts with both brokers respectively, but it should be noted that only one trading account can be opened with one certificate at one broker. Therefore, you need to choose a suitable broker according to your investment needs.

Q13: What are the precautions for new stock subscription?

A: New stock subscription is divided into regular subscription and bank financing subscription. Regular subscription can use available cash in the account or margin financing against holdings; bank financing subscription requires at least 3% Hong Kong dollar cash as margin. Different brokers may have different fee standards and operating procedures, please read the relevant guidelines carefully.

Q14: Which currencies does Webull Securities support for deposits?

A: Webull Securities supports deposits in Hong Kong dollars, Renminbi, and US dollars. Specific deposit methods include Bank-Securities Transfer, eDDA, FPS Fast Transfer, Online Banking Transfer, etc., with no handling fees in most cases.

Q15: What are the deposit currencies and methods of Longbridge Securities?

A: Longbridge Securities supports deposits in Hong Kong dollars and US dollars. Main deposit methods include Bank-Securities Transfer, eDDA, FPS Fast Transfer, Online Banking Transfer, Check Transfer, ATM/Counter Transfer, and Telegraphic Transfer. The arrival time and handling fees vary with different deposit methods, please refer to specific guidelines.

Q16: How to check the allotment result of new stock subscription?

A: Allotment results are usually announced before 16:00 on the trading day before listing. You can check through the broker's App message notification or via the HKEXnews website. Please note that customers opening accounts with Hong Kong identity documents can check through the HKEXnews website, while customers from other countries/regions may not be able to check the allotment results through this website.

Q17: Can the handling fee be refunded if the new stock subscription fails?

A: Whether or not you are allotted shares, the new stock subscription handling fee will not be refunded. Even if the new stock is delayed or canceled for listing, the subscription handling fee still needs to be paid.

Q18: What are the customer service channels?

A: Both Webull Securities and Longbridge Securities provide multi-channel customer services, including phone, email, online chat, etc. Webull Securities provides 24/7 phone consultation service, while Longbridge Securities focuses on phone support during working hours on weekdays. Both brokers have detailed help documents and FAQs to facilitate customers to solve problems by themselves.

Conclusion

In today's increasingly globalized world, the Hong Kong and U.S. stock markets provide investors with broad investment opportunities. However, choosing a suitable securities firm is a key step for successful investment. This article aims to help investors better understand the characteristics and services of Webull Securities and Longbridge Securities through a detailed comparison of their company backgrounds, service features, account opening processes, fund security, and privacy protection, so as to make informed choices.

Webull Securities provides a high-efficiency, low-cost trading platform for investors with its advanced technical support and rich financial products. Both novice and experienced investors can find suitable trading tools and services here. In particular, its low commission structure and diversified financing services make Webull Securities an ideal choice for many investors pursuing high cost performance.

Longbridge Securities is known for its comprehensive product line and strong customer service. Through trading platforms covering multiple devices and in-depth market analysis tools, Longbridge Securities not only meets customers' diverse needs but also provides users with professional research reports and financial information through its independently developed application "PortAI", helping investors better grasp market dynamics. In addition, Longbridge Securities' high attention to customer privacy and data security also brings more trust to users.

Whether you prefer the convenience and efficiency of Webull Securities or the comprehensiveness and professionalism of Longbridge Securities, both brokers have their unique advantages and can meet the needs of different types of investors.