E*Trade

Not too long ago, I received a tip off that E*Trade will dilly dally in processing applications from Malaysia, if at all. And then I got news that they started to process once again, except that in its new policy, all applications and accounts from Asia will be handled by the Hong Kong branch. All new accounts will also have the Hong Kong address and not the New York address.
And as if all these limitations are not enough, E*Trade will no longer offer its free debit card to account holders. Account holders are now expected to do a telegraphic transfer of their funds to their own local bank should they wish to withdraw funds from their E*Trade account.
For people whose applications are caught in this change in policy, do they still want to open an account? What good is it now with the Hong Kong address and without the debit card, the inability to withdraw funds directly from any ATM?