Beijing Tightens Controls on Cross-Border Securities Trading

Chinese regulators have intensified efforts to curb unauthorised overseas investing as mainland investors increasingly seek stronger returns outside China.

A board shows the Hang Seng Index outside the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) building in Hong Kong on March 9, 2026. Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images

Chinese authorities have launched a sweeping campaign against unlicensed cross-border securities trading in a move that aims to curb capital outflows and enforce strict capital controls.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), along with seven other regime agencies, issued a joint plan on May 22. Approved by the State Council, it sets a two-year period to eliminate such activities.