Chinese Brokers Eye Germany for Banking Base Amid US Tensions

Chinese investment banks are looking to expand their operations in Germany as a largely moribund listings market in Hong Kong and growing tensions between Washington and Beijing encourage firms to consider overseas financing offerings in Europe.

Several companies, including Citic Securities Co. and Haitong Securities Co., are considering applying for licenses in Germany, which would enable them to offer various types of investment banking services in Germany and across the European Union, people familiar with the matter said, asking not to be identified discussing private matters. The deliberations are ongoing and subject to change, the people said.