Mainland investors are streaming into Hong Kong to open accounts and trade US stocks despite Beijing's new rules curbing overseas investments, reports Agence France-Presse.

Beijing introduced tighter restrictions in May and June, citing national security concerns. Authorities fined brokers Futu, Tiger and Longbridge more than US$330 million and ordered them to wind down cross��order businesses within two years.

Investors told AFP they were rushing to Hong Kong to retain access to US markets. One investor said she opened three accounts in a single day, while another spent two weeks setting up bank and broker accounts.

Analysts said the crackdown reflects Beijing's efforts to control capital outflows and maintain regulatory sovereignty. Households, institutions and companies shifted an estimated $807 billion out of China in 2025, according to the Institute of International Finance.

Deloitte's Dick Kay said officials want investors to use compliant channels that are easier to manage. Han Lin of The Asia Group added that regulatory risk now outweighs market risk in shaping access to overseas investments.

The measures signal that future overseas deals will continue but approvals will favour strategic sectors aligned with national priorities, analysts said.