Meritz Securities is securing its first overseas base in Hong Kong, kicking off full-fledged efforts to tap global markets. By building a local network to seek attractive investment opportunities, it aims to strengthen the headquarters' investment banking (IB) and sales and trading (S&T) capabilities.
According to the financial investment industry on the 18th, Meritz Securities is preparing procedures to establish a Hong Kong subsidiary. It is targeting an early next year launch. After licensing review by the financial authorities and setting up staff and organization, it plans to quickly build a business foothold.
Once the establishment procedures for the Hong Kong subsidiary are completed, it will become Meritz Securities' first overseas subsidiary.
As of the end of last year, among Korea's top 10 comprehensive investment business operators, Meritz Securities was the only one without an overseas branch. Other major securities firms, including Mirae Asset Securities, Korea Investment & Securities Co., NH Investment & Securities, Samsung Securities, and Shinhan Investment, are already operating Hong Kong subsidiaries and generating revenue.
The new Hong Kong base will focus on bonds and alternative investment assets, performing brokerage roles such as sourcing local investment destinations, transaction intermediation, and overseas deal sourcing. Through this, it will support the headquarters' IB and S&T businesses.
As for staffing, the first head of the subsidiary has been selected. Recruitment is underway for professional personnel, including a Deputy Minister–level executive. At launch, the organization is expected to be built with a single-digit headcount, including the head of the subsidiary.