Our Heritage

2020

The Bank’s first CITICdiamond Banking Centre opened in Admiralty, enabling customers to enjoy professional services and privileges characteristic of the retail and private banking sectors through an omni-channel approach.

2010

CITIC Ka Wah Bank changed its name to CITIC Bank International on 10 May 2010. This milestone marks the completion of CITIC Group's restructuring strategy to align its onshore and offshore commercial banking businesses. Harnessing the group synergy and competitive advantages of our parent China CITIC Bank and strategic shareholder BBVA, the Bank will work to build the CITIC commercial banking franchise to a world leading brand.

CITIC Bank International Singapore Branch was established on 29 December 2010, signifying a major milestone of the Bank in implementing the regional expansion strategy of our parent China CITIC Bank in building the CITIC commercial banking franchise into a world-leading brand.

2011

CITIC Bank International launched its borderless Private Banking service on 27 April 2011, drawing on the unique capabilities of CITIC Group and CNCB, as well as its RMB leadership to serve high net worth clients from Mainland China and Hong Kong.

On 8 April 2011, CITIC Bank International Limited opened its Singapore Branch, which marked a major milestone of CBI in implementing the international expansion strategy of its parent bank, China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited ("CNCB"), in building the CITIC commercial banking franchise into a world-leading brand.

2015

China CITIC Bank successfully acquired 29.68% stake in CITIC International Financial Holdings Limited from Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. and assumed indirect ownership of CNCBI, strengthening the ties between CNCBI and the parent bank for synergetic development on the full advantage of the CITIC brand.

2017

Introduced 5 financial investors to strengthen CNCBI’s capital base and lay a more solid foundation for development with CNCB remaining the Bank’s controlling shareholder after the transaction with a 75% stake while the 5 financial investors have a total of 25%.

2018

Launched flagship mobile banking platform inMotion with Hong Kong’s first truly remote account opening services.

2007

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. ("BBVA") acquired 15% strategic stake in CIFH in March 2007. CKWB to become primary platform to develop future combined Asian businesses and to build out CITIC Group's commercial banking footprint in the region.

CIFH injected HK$2.5 billion capital into CKWB to support business development needs in December 2007. Launch of US$2 billion Medium Term Note programme and replacement of US$250 million Lower Tier 2 Subordinated Notes, also in December 2007.

2009

CNCB entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with CITIC Group and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Gloryshare Investments Limited ("GIL") on 8 May 2009, pursuant to which CNCB agreed to acquire from GIL its entire 70.32% interest in CIFH, in return for a cash consideration of HK$13.6 billion.

CNCB announced the completion of its acquisition of CIFH stake from CITIC Group on 23 October 2009. CITIC Group believes that the simplified equity structure of CIFH will expedite and facilitate the tripartite collaboration between CKWB, CNCB and BBVA, and allow the parties to maximise synergies from this strategic alliance.

1998

Name change to CITIC Ka Wah Bank Limited.

Launch of new corporate identity emblematic of the Bank's new corporate values and culture.

1999

Received first international credit rating from Moody's at Baa2.

1980

Head office relocated to new self-owned building at 232 Des Voeux Road Central.

Listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under stock code 183.

1985

26 branches in Hong Kong, branches in New York and Los Angeles and representative offices in Toronto and Xiamen.

1986

HK$350 million capital injection by CITIC Group.

1922

Ka Wah Ngan Ho formed on 2 February 1922 by the late Dr. Lam Chi Fung.

1924

The Ka Wah Savings Bank Limited incorporated in Hong Kong in December 1924, fully paid-up capital of HK$500,000, headquartered at 208-210 Des Voeux Road Central.

Ka Wah Ngan Ho became Guangzhou branch of Ka Wah Savings Bank.

1926

Renamed to Ka Wah Bank Public Limited Company.

1931

Shanghai branch opened; share capital raised to HK$1 million.

1935

Shanghai and Guangzhou branches closed with economic instability in China.

1941

Fall of Hong Kong in World War II - the Bank suspended all businesses.

1945

The Bank re-opened at new address of 269 Des Voeux Road, Central.

1949

Renamed to The Ka Wah Bank Limited in January 1949.

1964

Moved head office to self-owned building at 259-265 Des Voeux Road Central.

1975

Business expanded rapidly after Mr. Low Chung Sung bought controlling stake and assumed management in the Bank.