CMB's London branch seen as UK springboard

Bank sees significant market-driven demand to serve Chinese investment internationally

China Merchants Bank Co became the first of the country's joint-stock commercial banks to open a branch in London on Thursday, highlighting significant market-driven demand for financial services providers to expand internationally to serve increasing Chinese investment abroad.

The Shenzhen-based CMB, established in 1987, is China's sixth-biggest, and the world's 16th largest bank.