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Our Heritage

2020s
2010s
2000s
1990s
1980s
1920s - 1970s

2020s: New Logo, New Century, New Journey

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.

2022

Celebrated its 100th anniversary with a large-scale “Grow Together Trust Forever” celebratory campaign, and on 21 December 2022 announced a new logo alongside a new vision of “Agile. Professional. Simple.” in a move to further align its brand image with parent bank China CITIC Bank (“CNCB”) and integrate fully into the CITIC Group ecosystem.

2010s: Continuing transformation and innovation

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.

2012

On 19 November 2012, the Bank adopted a new logo that embraces the emblem of its parent bank China CITIC Bank ("CNCB"), and changed its name into China CITIC Bank International Limited and in Chinese as 中信銀行（國際）有限公司 in a move to underscore its important position as a member of Mainland China's largest conglomerate CITIC Group and as CNCB's offshore platform for international expansion.

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.

2000s: Era of transformational growth

2002

Acquisition of The Hongkong Chinese Bank, Limited ("HKCB") for HK$4.2 billion in January 2002.

Completion of legal and operational merger with HKCB:

Original CKWB renamed to CITIC International Financial Limited and assuming listing status on HK Stock Exchange;
HKCB renamed to CITIC Ka Wah Bank Limited to continue operations of integrated banking businesses.

2003

Acquisition of China International Finance Company Limited (Shenzhen) ("CIFC") for approx. HK$7 million to take advantage of opportunities to expand in China under the Closer Economic Cooperation Agreement between Hong Kong and China.

2004

Opening of first Shanghai Branch to offer foreign currency banking services targeting corporate and retail customers in the Yangtze River Delta region.

2005

Through CIFC, the Bank became first among banks in Hong Kong to obtain licence to offer RMB services to corporate and non-PRC resident customers in the PRC.

CIFC granted property insurance agency licence.

Opening of Macau Branch to service corporate customers in Pan Pearl River Delta Region.

2006

Opening of Beijing Branch to offer diversified range of cross-border solutions and services to customers in Pan-Bohai and northern China regions.

CIFH acquired 15% strategic stake in China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited ("CNCB"), priority given to drive strategic and business collaboration between CNCB and CKWB.

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.

2008

CIFC formally upgraded to PRC incorporate bank status and commenced operations in April 2008 as CITIC Ka Wah Bank (China) Limited ("CKWB China")

Headquartered in Shenzhen
The Bank's Shanghai and Beijing businesses restructured to become branches of CKWB China
The Bank retains original Shanghai branch to deliver foreign currency wholesale banking services.

CIFH was successfully privatised and delisted from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on 5 November 2008. This strategic move was part of CITIC Group's plans to restructure and better align its commercial banking businesses operated through CNCB and CKWB in Mainland China and Hong Kong respectively.

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.

1990s: Introducing a new and modernised brand

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.

1980s: Period of rapid growth under new management

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.

1920s: From "Ngan Ho" in Guangzhou to Savings Bank in Hong Kong

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.

1930s: Bank growth stymied by economic instability

1931

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

1935

Shanghai and Guangzhou branches closed with economic instability in China.

1940s: Bank reopened after World War II

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.

1960s: Self-owned head office in Hong Kong

1964

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

1970s: Period of rapid growth under new management

1975

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

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