Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ongoing illegal operations of Tiger Securities in mainland China, particularly in facilitating account openings for mainland investors despite regulatory prohibitions, amid a surge in interest in Hong Kong stocks and IPOs [1][11]. Group 1: Illegal Operations and Account Openings - Tiger Securities is reportedly continuing to develop new clients in mainland China by providing account opening services through potentially fraudulent means, including the submission of falsified documents [1][2]. - A mainland investor successfully opened an account with Tiger Securities by submitting a fabricated account proof from a foreign broker, which was processed in a matter of minutes [2][3]. - The company has been actively recruiting personnel across various cities in mainland China for roles related to securities brokerage, investment banking, and asset management, indicating a significant expansion of its operations [6][8]. Group 2: Regulatory Context and Responses - The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has previously classified the cross-border operations of Tiger Securities as illegal, leading to a crackdown on such activities in 2022 [10][11]. - Despite the regulatory environment, Tiger Securities reported substantial revenue growth, with year-on-year increases of 77.3% and 55.3% for the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, respectively [11][12]. - The company has been involved in a significant number of IPO underwriting activities in Hong Kong, capturing a notable market share despite the restrictions on new client development [12][13]. Group 3: Market Demand and Competitive Landscape - The demand for Hong Kong stock trading among mainland investors has surged, particularly as traditional avenues like "Hong Kong Stock Connect" have stringent requirements that many investors cannot meet [12][13]. - Tiger Securities has positioned itself to meet the specific needs of mainland investors by offering easier access to Hong Kong stocks, which may lead to further scrutiny from regulators [13].

Group 1: Hong Kong IPO Market - The Hong Kong IPO market remains active, with 29 new stocks listed as of May 30 this year, driven by the profitability of stocks like Laopuk Gold and Pop Mart [1] - The ongoing profitability of these stocks has led to a surge in new account openings in the Hong Kong stock market [1] Group 2: Tiger Securities - Tiger Securities, identified by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) as illegally operating securities business in 2022, continues to recruit staff in multiple cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou for various roles [3] - The company, established in 2014, primarily serves individual and institutional investors in the US and Hong Kong markets, and expanded into IPO underwriting in 2017 [3] - The CSRC has taken a firm stance against cross-border securities operations by such foreign institutions, categorizing Tiger Securities' activities as illegal and mandating corrective actions [4]