Futu Holdings Limited (Chinese: 富途) ("Futu") (Nasdaq: FUTU) is a financial technology company offering digital financial services across global markets.[3] Futu and its subsidiaries operate in seven key regions, including Hong Kong, the United States, Singapore, Australia, Japan, Canada, Malaysia. It provides a range of investment services and holds over 100 licenses and qualifications across various jurisdictions. Futu also owns Futu Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited (Chinese: 富途證券) ("Futu HK"), which is a licensed corporation recognized by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission.
Founded by Leaf Hua Li in 2012, Futu HK attracted significant backing from Tencent, Matrix, and Sequoia Capital,[4][5] which have supported the company since 2014 through Series A, B, and C venture capital rounds. Futu's mission is to make investing easier and not alone.[6] As of September 30, 2024, Futu had 24.12 million users, with over 4.28 million registered clients and 2.2 million paying clients.[7] Futu's total client assets amounted to US$89.2 billion,[7] while total client trading volume reached US$245 billion by the end of the third quarter of 2024 and retention rate stayed high at above 98%.
The company's platforms, Futubull (富途牛牛) and Moomoo, have earned significant recognition across key markets, ranking as the No. 1 stock trading app by downloads and daily active users (DAUs) in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.[8] It also ranks among the top 3 most downloaded or highest-rated stock trading apps in Japan, Canada, and Australia.[8] Each platform operates as an independent brand under Futu, with Futubull serving Hong Kong users and Moomoo catering to overseas markets such as the United States, Singapore, Australia, Japan, Canada, Malaysia.
Futu made its Nasdaq debut on March 8, 2019, raising US$90 million in its initial public offering (IPO).[9] Since then, the company has demonstrated remarkable financial growth. In Q3 2024, Futu reported total revenues of US$442.3 million, representing a 29.6% year-over-year (YoY) increase.[7] Non-GAAP net income reached US$180 million, reflecting a 20.8% YoY rise. In recognition of financial strength, in 2021, S&P Global Ratings has assigned Futu a long-term issuer credit rating at “BBB-”. Futu has a stand-alone credit profile of "bbb".[10] Futu's credit rating remained unchanged from 2021 to 2024, underscoring Futu's stability and commitment to long-term growth.
Futu offers a comprehensive range of financial products, including stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, and funds supported by a robust online forum, learning center, and real-time market information.[11] Through its proprietary platforms, Futu offers over 3,000 educational investment courses in various languages, aiming to boost users' financial literacy and investment knowledge.[12] Meanwhile, their online community connects investors from over 200 countries and regions, allowing users to share ideas and support each other.[12]
Futu's wealth management business, branded as Futu Money Plus, has flourished. By September 30, 2024, Futu Money Plus had global assets under management (AUM) surpassing US$12.5 billion[7] and had formed partnerships with 91 leading global financial institutions like Blackrock and Franklin Templeton.[7][13][14] Futu has expanded its offerings by launching trust and private wealth management businesses in 2018 and 2021, respectively, catering to the growing needs of high-net-worth individuals, corporate clients, and families.
In addition to wealth management services, Futu offers IPO distribution, investor relations (IR), public relations (PR) services, and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) solutions through its institutional and corporate services brand.[15][16][17]
History & milestones
Futu's Business Foundations and Initial Growth (2012-2015)
Futu began operations in October 2012 after obtaining a Type 1 License from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), officially launching its online brokerage business.[18] By September 2014, Futu expanded to offer real-time stock quotes for major U.S. exchanges. In October 2014, Futu secured Series A venture capital financing with support from Tencent, Matrix, and Sequoia Capital.[4][5] The company followed up with a Series B funding round from the same investors in May 2015, further strengthening its financial position.
Futu's Development and Technological Innovation (2016-2018)
In October 2016, Futu extended its services by offering free real-time Level II Hong Kong stock quotes to its China-based clients. By May 2017, the company had completed a Series C round of financing, again with support from Tencent, Matrix, and Sequoia Capital.[4] Futu's international expansion continued in 2018 when it became a FINRA member[19] and launched its independent international brand, Moomoo, in January, solidifying its commitment to serving overseas markets.[4] By July of the same year, Futu became the first licensed brokerage in Hong Kong to provide online client onboarding procedures, cementing its role as a leader in the online brokerage space.
Strategic Expansion and Global Success: Futu's Journey (2019-2024)
2019
Mar: Futu listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange (Nasdaq: Futu), rising 27% on its first day to reach a market cap of US$1.709 billion.[20]
Aug: a representative from General Atlantic joined Futu's Board of Directors, and Futu HK obtained a Type 7 License from the SFC for providing automated trading services.[18]
Nov: FUTU was included in the MSCI Hong Kong Small Cap Index.[23]
Dec: Futu HK obtained a Type 3 License for Leveraged Foreign Exchange Trading and extended the grey market services to intermediaries under the Type 7 License. During the same month, total client assets in Futu Money Plus exceeded HKD 10 billion.[24]
2021
Feb: Futubull's daily active users (DAUs) reached 1 million.
Mar: Futu SG officially provides US stocks, options, Hong Kong stocks, Singapore stocks, ETFs, and REITs trading services to Singapore clients.[25]
May: Futu was added to the MSCI Hong Kong Index.[26]
Jun: Futu's paying clients in Singapore surpassed 100,000, with over 15 million users globally and 2 million registered clients.
Jun: S&P Global Ratings assigned Futu a long-term issuer credit rating at “BBB-.” Futu received a stand-alone credit profile of "bbb."[27]
Jul: Futu SG launched non-money market funds (bond and equity funds) for Singapore clients.
Dec: Futu Australia obtained an Australian Financial Services License, marking a new phase in its globalization.[28]
2022
Feb: Futu SG received approval-in-principle for all SGX memberships.[29]
Mar: Futu Australia was officially launched, and total client assets in Futu Money Plus exceeded HKD 20 billion.[30]
Apr: Futu Trustee (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. received a Trust Business Licence from MAS.[31]
Jun: Futu SG became the first digital brokerage to receive full SGX memberships, and Futu's number of registered clients surpassed 3 million.[32]
Jul: Futu SG officially became Moomoo Singapore.
Jul: S&P Global Ratings assigned Futu a long-term issuer credit rating at “BBB-.” Futu's securities firm in Hong Kong received a stand-alone credit profile of "bbb."[33]
May: Futu MY received in-principle approval for a Capital Markets Services License from the Securities Commission Malaysia.[39]
Jul: Futu HK opened its first physical FUTU Store in Hong Kong.[40]
Aug: S&P Global Ratings assigned Futu a long-term issuer credit rating at “BBB-.” Futu received a stand-alone credit profile of "bbb."[41]
Dec: Futu HK became the first brokerage to offer free Level 1 quotations to global investors.[17]
2024
Mar: Futu hosted its first large-scale exhibition for retail investors in Hong Kong, with over 5,000 participants attending the "Futu Expo."[42]
Apr: Futu and Nasdaq established a global strategic partnership to jointly provide the best LV2 data experience for U.S. stocks.[43]
Jun: Futu announced a HKD 440 million investment in Airstar Bank.[44]
Jul: Futu Wealth Management's AUM surpassed US$10 billion,[45] and Futu HK received an upgraded license to provide virtual asset dealing services in Hong Kong.[46]
Aug: Futu HK began offering crypto services in Hong Kong.[46][47]
Aug: S&P Global Ratings assigned Futu a long-term issuer credit rating at “BBB-.” Futu received a stand-alone credit profile of "bbb."[48]
Sep: Futu HK announced the opening of two new FUTU Stores located in Tsuen Wan and Mong Kok.[49]
Oct: Futu Securities (Hong Kong) opened the fourth Futu Store in Causeway Bay.[50]
Nasdaq - Global strategic partnership
Futu has established partnerships with leading global organizations to offer its users enhanced market data and insights for more informed investment decisions. One example is its strategic partnership with Nasdaq.
From May 1 to August 1, 2024, Futu Holdings provided users with three months of free access to Nasdaq Level 2 TotalView streaming quotes through this partnership. This allowed users to gain deeper liquidity insights and real-time U.S. market data, with visibility into 60 levels of order book quotes and tools designed to assist in their investment decision-making.[51][52]
Futu's global community commitments
CSR developments
Make-A-Wish Foundation
To celebrate Futu's 10th anniversary in 2022, the company made a generous donation of US$200,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation as part of its commitment to giving back to the community.[35][36][53] This contribution will help fulfill the wishes of children in Singapore, Hong Kong, the U.S., and Australia who have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.[53][36]
Volunteering with the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB)
In October and November 2022, volunteers from Moomoo and Futu Clearing, Inc. teamed up with the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB). During nearly 20 hours of combined volunteering, they helped distribute over 600 boxes of food and produce to senior citizens in need.[54]
Futu Hero Financial Education Board Game
In 2023, Futu, with support from CSOP and InvestHK under the HKSAR government, launched its first financial education board game, Futu Hero, with the aim of boosting financial literacy among children in Hong Kong SAR.[55] The game introduces financial concepts in an engaging and accessible manner, receiving positive feedback from both children and parents. To further expand its reach, Futu collaborated with the TechEd Center of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers (HKFEW), introducing Futu Hero to more than 100 primary schools across Hong Kong within six months.
In March 2024, Futu held the first inter-school Futu Hero board game competition in Hong Kong SAR.[56] This event was designed to enhance children's financial literacy while promoting learning through fun and interactive methods. The competition highlighted Futu's ongoing commitment to financial education and the use of innovative tools to teach young students essential financial skills.
Oxfam Trailwalker Sponsorship
Futu has been actively participating in Hong Kong's largest fundraising hiking event, Oxfam Trailwalker, since 2014 under the "Futu Trailwalker Team."[57] In 2023, Futu donated one million Hong Kong dollars and publicly recruited teammates in Hong Kong SAR, covering participants' expenses and supporting Oxfam's poverty alleviation and emergency relief projects in Africa and Asia. Futu became the top fundraising company in the event, earning first place in the financial category.
In 2024, Futu was announced as the Principal Sponsor of Oxfam Trailwalker, continuing its support for six consecutive years.[58] This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the event, themed “40 Years, Stronger Together,” which will take place from November 15 to 17.[59] Futu HK's Managing Director, Daniel Tse, emphasized the company's commitment to poverty alleviation and team spirit, aligning with Futu's corporate culture of resilience and effort. Founder Leaf Hua Li has actively led Futu's participation since 2014, and as Principal Sponsor, Futu HK is supporting Oxfam's efforts to combat poverty and climate change, with funds raised benefiting grassroots communities and disaster victims globally.[57] The event, recognized as a mega event by the Hong Kong government, highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration to showcase Hong Kong's strengths and attract international participants.
Awards
2024
February: The company secured four awards from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME):[60]
Broker Program Key Partner
Innovative Broker
Option Mover
Influential Broker
March: Futu HK earned four additional accolades at the HKEX Awards 2023:[61][62]
Top Broker for Currency Futures
Top Breakthrough Broker for Exchange Traded Products
Top Retail Broker for Equity Derivatives
Top Breakthrough Derivatives Data Vendor in Market Data
March: Futu HK was honored with the Best Digital Financial Service Award at the HKCAMA-Bloomberg Offshore China Fund Awards 2023.[63]
2023
March: Futu HK continued its award-winning streak, securing five more awards at the HKEX Awards 2022:[64][65]
Top Broker for Stock Futures & Options in Equity Derivatives
Top Broker for Weekly Index Options in Equity Derivatives
Top Broker for Currency Futures in Fixed Income and Currencies
Top Breakthrough Broker for ETP Turnover in Exchange Traded Products
Top Retail Broker for Futures & Options in Equity Derivatives
2022
March: Futu HK secured five key awards at the HKEX Awards 2021:[66]
Top Breakthrough Broker for L&I Product Turnover in Exchange Traded Products
Top Breakthrough Broker for Stock Connect (Northbound)
Top Broker for the Listed Bond Market in Fixed Income and Currencies
Top Breakthrough Broker for MSCI Taiwan Index Futures & Options in Equity Derivatives
Top Broker for Stock Futures & Options in Equity Derivatives
March: Futu HK was honored with the Best Digital Financial Service Award at the HKCAMA-Bloomberg Offshore China Fund Awards 2021.[67]
November: Futu Holdings ranked #2 on Fortune's 100 Fastest-Growing Companies List for the year.[37][38]
Controversies
CSRC Orders Futu and Tiger Brokers to Cease New Mainland China Customer Registrations
In late 2022, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) ordered Futu and Tiger Brokers to stop accepting new customers from mainland China. This followed ongoing concerns from authorities since 2021 about the regulatory compliance of their cross-border brokerage operations. While the platforms are no longer allowed to onboard new mainland-based investors, existing customers can continue trading, but without the ability to add new capital. Additionally, both brokers were required to pull their trading apps from mainland China.[68][69]
