China Merchants Bank (stock code: 600036) has added an English-language hotline for expatriates in China in a bid to attract foreign clients.

The Shenzhen-based bank launched the English service on its 95555 client hotline after a three-month trial. Foreigners can press eight to link to the English-language service.

The new inquiry option should help the bank compete against its overseas rivals. China fully opened its banking market to foreign banks in December. HSBC, Citibank, Standard Chartered and the Bank of East Asia have begun operations as domestically incorporated banks.