Group 1 - Interactive Brokers, a major US-based online brokerage, has tightened its account opening policies for mainland Chinese residents, requiring proof of overseas work or residence [1][3] - The company's app has been removed from mainland app stores, making it inaccessible for new users in China [1][3] - This tightening follows similar actions by other online brokerages like Futu Securities and Tiger Brokers, which have also restricted account openings for mainland clients [3] Group 2 - The tightening of account opening policies comes amid increased scrutiny from Chinese tax authorities, with many investors receiving tax payment notifications related to overseas income [4] - The Common Reporting Standard (CRS) framework has led to enhanced tax information exchange, impacting mainland investors seeking to avoid tax obligations [3][4] - The Hong Kong Stock Connect program offers more favorable tax conditions for mainland investors compared to opening overseas accounts, with certain tax exemptions available until 2027 [5][6]

Group 1 - Interactive Brokers, a major US-based online brokerage, has tightened its account opening policies for residents of mainland China, requiring proof of overseas work or residence [2][3] - The Interactive Brokers app has been removed from mainland Chinese app stores, making it inaccessible for new users in the region [3] - The tightening of account opening policies follows a trend among several overseas brokerages, including Futu Securities and Tiger Brokers, which have also restricted access for mainland Chinese residents [5][6] Group 2 - The tightening measures come amid reports that many mainland investors received tax notifications related to overseas income, prompting attempts to open accounts with Interactive Brokers to avoid tax information exchange under the CRS framework [2][6] - The company operates globally, allowing clients to trade across 150 markets, but has not obtained the necessary licenses to conduct brokerage business in mainland China [3][5] - The tax implications for mainland investors trading through Hong Kong's stock connect program are more favorable compared to opening overseas accounts, as certain tax exemptions apply [7]