Find essential information you need to know before opening your BOOM trading account in Hong Kong — from official ID and document requirements to simple verification steps. Complete your application smoothly and start trading faster.
Why do I need to make an initial transfer?
The initial transfer requirement applies only when submitting your application through the BOOM Mobile Trading App (the online, non-face-to-face flow for Individual Accounts) (details).
Having a Hong Kong bank account means your identity has already been verified by your bank in accordance with local regulations.
By registering this same bank account under your name and completing the initial transfer, you confirm that:
you are the rightful holder of the registered bank account, and
the key identity information (your legal name) in your BOOM application matches the information verified by your bank.
This transfer is part of our non-face-to-face identity verification process, and your BOOM account will be activated once it's confirmed.
Your transfer amount will also become your first deposit, allowing you to start trading immediately after your accoutn is opened.
💡 Ensure your bank account name exactly matches your legal name as shown on your official ID and your BOOM application to avoid processing delays.
What if I don't have a bank account in Hong Kong?
If you have a bank account in Hong Kong, you can verify your identity by arranging a bank transfer (details) or providing a personal cheque (details).
If you do not have a Hong Kong bank account, you can complete verification through a witness.
An acceptable witness includes:
A Notary Public
An embassy officer
A financial or legal professional, such as a bank manager, Certified Public Accountant, practicing lawyer, or Chartered Secretary
Your witness must
Verify your signature(s) by signing the "Witness' Signature" section on your account opening form after observing your signature on the "Client Declaration" section; and
Certify your proof of citizenship and identity by signing and writing "Certified True Copy" on copies of your official ID(s).
You can also visit our office and apply in person — our friendly staff will be happy to verify your identity and assist with any questions.
What are acceptable Official IDs?
An Official ID must be government-issued, bear your photo and it be valid (not expired).
Acceptable forms include:
Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID)
National ID (e.g. Chinese (PRC) Citizens ID or Macau Permanent Resident ID)
Passport
Regulatory requirements:
Applicants with a Hong Kong Identity Card must provide their HKID.
Applicants without HKID but with Chinese (PRC) Citizens ID or Macau Permanent Resident ID or Taiwan ID should provide their respective national ID.
Non-Chinese citizens (those whose citizenship is not Hong Kong, China, or Macau) must also provide a passport as proof of citizenship.
What are the requirements for the personal cheque?
If you choose to verify your identity using a personal cheque (Paper Flow), please ensure it meets all of the following requirements:
Issued from your own bank account with a licensed bank in Hong Kong under your name
Signed with one signature, matching your signature on the BOOM application
Made payable to "Boom Securities (H.K.) Limited"
Made for a minimum amount of HKD 10,000 (or equivalent)
The clearing of this cheque serves as part of the identity and signature verification required for opening your account.
Note: For Joint Account applications, each applicant must provide their own personal cheque following the same requirements.
What are the requirements for the proof of residential address?
Proof of address must be issued within the last 3 months and clearly show your full name and residential address.
Acceptable documents include:
Utility bills (e.g., water, electricity, gas, internet, etc.)
Bank or credit card statements
Why am I asked to fill and sign Form W-9?
You’ll be asked to complete Form W-9 if you are classified as a U.S. Person.
This form certifies your U.S. tax status as required under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).
Who is a "U.S. Person"?
Who is a "U.S. Person"?
A “U.S. Person” refers to:
a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident,
a U.S. green card holder,
a person who meets the substantial presence test, or
any other person who is not considered a foreign person.
Note: BOOM’s policy does not offer U.S. stock trading services to any U.S. Person.
Under FATCA, foreign financial institutions like BOOM must report the financial assets of U.S. Persons to the U.S. tax authority.
Why am I asked to provide employer’s consent?
If you indicate that you are employed by an SFC-licensed or registered company, you must submit a written consent letter from your employer.
This letter confirms that your employer is aware of, and agrees to, your opening a trading account with BOOM.
What should the consent letter include?
What should the consent letter include?
Your personal details (name, ID number, etc.)
Your employer’s company name
A statement of consent allowing you to open and maintain a trading account with BOOM
Date and company stamp / authorized signature
Usually issued within the last 30 days
Sample Employer Consent Letter 
( PDF )
Note: This requirement complies with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) regulations in Hong Kong, ensuring your trading activities are properly disclosed and do not conflict with your professional duties.
How do I know my account application is successfully?
Once your application is approved, your BOOM account will be activated.
You’ll receive a confirmation email containing:
Your Login ID and Login Password — for signing in to your account
Your BOOM Account Number — for identification in notices and communications
When should I open a Margin Account?
If you plan to do "day-trading" on U.S. stocks, you should open a Margin Account.
A Cash Account holder can only use U.S. stock sale proceeds to buy new U.S. stocks on the next trading day (T+1), due to the U.S. “Day Trading Rule.”
A Margin Account gives you greater flexibility for trading and settlement timing.
Can I open a Corporate Account?
Yes. To open a Corporate Account, please visit our office or mail-in your application.
Download and print the Corporate Account Opening Form.
Follow the section "Applicant(s)' Checklist" section to prepare all required documents.
Return the signed application and supporting documents (with applicable company chops) to our office in person or by mail.