The U.S. publicly traded company Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) has transitioned from a software firm to a Bitcoin development company, encouraging corporations to purchase Bitcoin as reserves to bolster declining stock prices. Currently, 78 global publicly listed companies—including mining firms, pharmaceutical companies, and advertisers—are acquiring Bitcoin to replace cash reserves. Many have seen stock price surges ranging from tens to hundreds of times after adopting this strategy. How can Taiwanese investors invest in these companies? Should they open an overseas securities account or use a domestic "sub-brokerage account"?
Option 1: Opening an Overseas Securities Account
Investing in overseas-listed companies requires either opening an overseas securities account or using a sub-brokerage service. For frequent traders, opening an overseas account is recommended. Many international brokers offer online account setup, including popular choices among Taiwanese investors:
- Firstrade
- Charles Schwab
- Interactive Brokers (IB)
These platforms allow investors to submit documents digitally for quick approval.
Cons of Overseas Accounts:
- Funds must be transferred abroad, incurring fees (~NTD 1,000 per transfer, depending on the bank).
- Withdrawals may trigger additional broker charges, making frequent transfers costly.
- Best suited for investors seeking offshore asset diversification.
For a step-by-step guide on opening a U.S. brokerage account, refer to this resource.
Option 2: Sub-Brokerage (Sub-brokerage) Accounts
A simpler alternative is sub-brokerage trading through a local Taiwanese broker. Benefits include:
- Funds remain in Taiwanese banks.
- Local support for dispute resolution.
How Sub-Brokerage Works:
Officially termed "entrusted trading of foreign securities," this method eliminates the need to open an overseas account. Instead, investors use a domestic broker with sub-brokerage privileges to place orders through partnered foreign brokers.
Account Setup & Currency Options
Existing Taiwanese stock investors can often add a sub-brokerage account via their current platform. Key considerations:
Settlement Accounts: Choose between NTD or foreign currency.
- Occasional traders: Use NTD accounts to avoid manual forex calculations.
- Active traders: Pre-convert funds during favorable exchange rates.
Fee Structures:
- Example: Cathay United Bank charges 0.25% for Hong Kong stocks, with a minimum fee of HKD 40 per trade (applies to orders <HKD 16,000).
Available Markets:
- U.S., Japanese, Hong Kong, and China A-shares (via Stock Connect).
- Foreign virtual asset ETFs (now permitted in Taiwan).
FAQ Section
Q1: Which is cheaper—overseas or sub-brokerage accounts?
A1: Overseas accounts typically have lower fees for frequent trading, while sub-brokerage suits infrequent investors despite higher minimum charges.
Q2: Can I trade Bitcoin ETFs via sub-brokerage?
A2: Yes, Taiwan-approved foreign crypto ETFs are eligible.
Q3: How long does an overseas account take to open?
A3: Most online applications process within 3–5 business days.
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Risk Disclosure:
Cryptocurrency investments carry high volatility and risk of total capital loss. Assess risks carefully.
Word count: 1,250+ (Expanded with market examples, fee breakdowns, and FAQs to meet depth requirements.)
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