Overview of Realink
Realink, based in Hong Kong since 1991, is a regulated financial firm overseen by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). It offers a wide array of trading services, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, futures, options, and IPO subscriptions. Clients can access their portfolios via Realink's iExpert Online Edition and iExcite Mobile App. The company provides securities and futures accounts to meet diverse investment preferences.
Customer support is available via phone, email, WhatsApp, and in-person assistance. Deposits and withdrawals are facilitated through various channels, including ATM, bank counter, online banking, and cheque deposit.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Regulation by SFC: Realink is regulated by Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and providing clients with confidence in the brokerage's integrity.
Diverse Tradable Assets: Realink offers a wide range of assets, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, futures, options, and IPO subscriptions, enabling clients to build diversified portfolios.
User-Friendly Platforms: Realink's iExpert Online Edition and iExcite Mobile App provide convenience and flexibility for clients to access real-time data and execute trades from desktop or mobile devices.
Multiple Account Types: Realink offers both securities and futures accounts, catering to different investment preferences and trading styles.
Various Deposit and Withdrawal Methods: Realink supports multiple deposit and withdrawal options, including ATM, online banking, and cheque deposit, enhancing convenience for clients.
Cons:
No Demo Account: Realink lacks a demo account for practice trading, limiting opportunities for clients to familiarize themselves with the platform and test strategies without risking real funds.
Variable Bid-Ask Spreads: Bid-ask spreads on Realink's platform fluctuate based on market conditions, potentially increasing trading costs, particularly in volatile markets.
Limited Educational Resources: Realink's educational resources, like FAQs and guides, are limited compared to competitors, hindering clients seeking to enhance their trading knowledge.
Limited Customer Support Availability: Customer support is not available 24/7, posing challenges for clients needing assistance outside regular hours or in emergencies.
Regulatory Status
Realink is regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and oversight in the financial industry. As of the current status, Realink holds a valid license issued by the SFC, specifically for dealing in futures contracts. This regulatory framework underscores the company's commitment to operating within the legal and ethical boundaries set forth by the regulatory authorities in Hong Kong. The license number AFJ685 serves as an identifier, providing transparency and accountability in the company's operations.
Market Instruments
Realink is a prominent financial services company headquartered in Hong Kong, satisfying a diverse clientele seeking various investment opportunities.
One of its primary offerings includes securities services, where clients can access a robust trading platform facilitating transactions in stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments. This comprehensive platform empowers investors with real-time market data, research tools, and efficient execution capabilities, enabling them to make informed investment decisions and manage their portfolios effectively.
In addition to securities services, Realink specializes in futures and options trading, providing clients with access to a wide array of derivative products. Whether clients are looking to hedge their existing positions, speculate on price movements, or diversify their investment strategies, the company offers a full suite of futures and options trading services supported by advanced risk management tools and expert guidance from seasoned professionals.
Furthermore, Realink distinguishes itself by offering IPO subscription services, allowing clients to participate in initial public offerings (IPOs) of companies looking to list on stock exchanges. By leveraging its extensive network and expertise in the capital markets, the company assists clients in navigating the IPO subscription process, providing timely updates on new offerings, facilitating subscription orders. This service enables investors to capitalize on exciting opportunities to invest in emerging companies at their inception stages, potentially reaping substantial returns as these companies grow and flourish in the market.
Account Types
Realink offers two account types: securities account and futures account.
A securities account with Realink provides investors access to the stock market, allowing them to buy, sell, and hold various financial instruments like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. Realink's comprehensive trading platform offers essential tools for market analysis, portfolio monitoring, and efficient trade execution.
Realink also offers futures accounts, facilitating trading in futures contracts representing agreements to buy or sell assets at predetermined prices and dates in the future. Investors can access a wide range of futures contracts spanning commodities, currencies, stock indices, and interest rates. With futures accounts, investors can engage in speculative trading, hedging strategies, or arbitrage opportunities, supported by Realink's advanced risk management tools, real-time market data, and expert support.
How to Open an Account？
To open an account with Realink, you have several options tailored to your convenience. If you are a resident of Hong Kong, you can apply online. Alternatively, you can visit our customer service center in person or opt for a postal application.
Online Account Opening
Submit Online Application: Begin by filling out the online application form on Realink's website. Upon completion, you will receive an email notification confirming your application submission.
Print and Sign Form: Once you receive the email notification, print out the filled-in application form. Sign the form as required.
Mail Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents as outlined in the application instructions. Mail the completed application form along with the required documents to the designated address provided.
Contact from Investment Services Officer: After receiving your application, an Investment Services Officer will contact you to discuss further details and address any queries you have.
Complete Account Opening Process: Upon verification of your documents and completion of necessary formalities, your account will be successfully opened, and you can start enjoying the benefits and services offered by Realink.
(Note: Online application is only applicable for residents of Hong Kong.)
In-Person Account Opening
Prepare the required documents and visit the customer service center of Realink to complete the account opening process in person.
Mail-in Account Opening
Step 1: Download the account opening documents directly from the company's website as per your requirements.
Step 2: Carefully read the terms and conditions outlined in the Customer Agreement and the Risk Disclosure Statement. Fill in the relevant record forms accordingly.
Step 3: Prepare the necessary documents and payment (if applicable) as per the instructions provided.
Step 4: Mail or submit the completed documents and payment to the designated address specified by Realink.
Spreads & Commissions
Spreads represent the difference between the bid and ask prices of assets, varying based on market conditions such as volatility. This applies to all trading products offered, including stocks, bonds, and futures.
Commissions, on the other hand, are fees charged for executing trades, with rates determined by account type and asset traded. For instance, stock trades incur a commission of 0.08%, while futures trades are subject to a 0.25% commission.
Trading Platform
The trading platform of Realink offers a variety of options to satisfy the diverse needs of its clients.
Among these, iExpert Online Edition provide comprehensive services for securities and futures clients, including real-time Hong Kong stock and futures quotes, advanced charting and analysis tools, and customizable watchlists with price alerts. The platform also features fast order execution tools such as Turbo Trading and Limit Order Entry, ensuring efficient trade execution even during volatile market conditions.
Mobile users can take advantage of the iExcite Mobile App, which offers a secure and user-friendly interface for trading stocks, futures, and options on the go. With features such as real-time streaming quotes, customizable watchlists, and interactive charts, the app empowers clients to make informed investment decisions anytime, anywhere.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Realink offers convenient payment methods for clients to fund their accounts and settle transactions.
Clients can deposit funds via ATM, bank counter, online banking, phone banking, or interbank transfer using “FPS” to designated bank accounts. After transferring funds, clients must notify the company before 4:30 pm on the same trading day via phone, WhatsApp, online trading system, or fax. Once confirmed, funds become available for trading immediately. Clients should ensure deposit information is clearly stated on the bank receipt and can send it to the company's accounting department via WhatsApp or fax.
Bank account details for both securities and futures accounts are provided, allowing deposits in Hong Kong dollars or renminbi to various banks, including HSBC, Hang Seng Bank, Citibank, and ICBC. Clients can also deliver cheques or cashier's orders in person at the company or designated banks. Cheque deposits received before 2:30 pm reflect in the client's account statement the same day but are available for use after two working days.
For withdrawals, clients must notify the company before 10 am on a working day via phone, online system, or their investment service representative. The company issues a cheque for the withdrawal amount to be deposited into the client's designated bank account on the same day. Withdrawal instructions received after the cutoff time are processed on the next trading day.
Customer Support
Clients can easily reach out to the company through various channels, including phone, fax, WhatsApp, and email.
The sales and customer service hotline, reachable at 8206 2668, serves as a primary point of contact for general inquiries and assistance during office hours from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For urgent technical support outside of regular office hours, clients can contact the night desk technical support team at 2823 2818.
Additionally, clients can communicate via email at cs@realink.com.hk or utilize WhatsApp for convenient messaging. The company's office is located at Unit 710-715, 7/F, Two Harbour Square, 378 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, providing a physical address for those who prefer in-person assistance.
Educational Resources
Realink provides educational resources to empower clients with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed investment decisions. One of the key resources offered is an extensive FAQ section, which addresses common queries and concerns related to trading, account management, and platform usage. This comprehensive FAQ serves as a valuable reference for clients seeking quick answers to their questions.
In addition to the FAQ, the company offers comprehensive guides covering various aspects of trading and investment strategies. These guides provide in-depth insights into topics such as market analysis, risk management, and trading techniques.
Conclusion
Realink offers a diverse range of tradable assets and user-friendly trading platforms. While the absence of a demo account and limited educational resources pose challenges for some clients, Realink excels in providing multiple account types, various deposit and withdrawal methods, and comprehensive customer support channels.
With a commitment to regulatory compliance and a wide array of services tailored to clients' needs, Realink empowers investors to navigate the financial markets effectively, albeit with some limitations in educational resources and leverage options.
FAQs
Q: What is Realink's regulatory status？
A: Realink operates under the supervision of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong.
Q: How can I contact Realink for customer support？
A: You can reach Realink's customer support team through various channels, including phone, email, WhatsApp, and in-person assistance at their office in Kwun Tong, Kowloon.
Q: What types of accounts does Realink offer？
A: Realink provides two main account types: securities accounts and futures accounts.
Q: What payment methods are available for depositing funds into my Realink account？
A: Realink offers various convenient payment methods for depositing funds, including ATM, bank counter, online banking, phone banking, interbank transfer, cheque deposit, and cashier's order.
Q: Can I trade stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments with Realink？
A: Yes, Realink offers a diverse range of tradable assets, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, futures contracts, options contracts, and IPO subscriptions.
