Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the proactive steps taken by Chinese securities firms, particularly Guotai Junan International, in entering the virtual asset trading service sector, marking a significant development in the compliance framework for virtual assets in Hong Kong [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Developments - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) released a regulatory roadmap for the virtual asset market in February 2025, indicating a clear direction for the development of the virtual asset ecosystem in Hong Kong [2]. - Guotai Junan International has upgraded its existing securities trading license to provide comprehensive virtual asset trading services, including trading cryptocurrencies and stablecoins directly on its platform [2]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The rapid development of the virtual asset industry in Hong Kong is supported by its mature financial infrastructure and international regulatory framework, positioning Hong Kong as a global hub for virtual assets [3]. - The upgrade of Guotai Junan International's license may serve as a model for other Chinese securities firms, potentially expanding their international business opportunities [3]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The focus of competition in the industry is shifting from low-value, homogeneous channel services to building core capabilities in cross-border digital financial infrastructure, which includes clearing hubs and securitization engines [3]. - The ability of leading Chinese securities firms to operate in the virtual asset space is being validated, paving the way for firms like CITIC Securities and China International Capital Corporation to follow suit [3]. Group 4: Challenges and Opportunities - The high volatility and technological innovation associated with virtual assets present both opportunities and challenges for traditional financial institutions, necessitating upgrades to their risk management systems [4]. - While the current market depth and scale of virtual assets may not yield ideal returns on investment, the potential for traditional firms to expand into related products and services remains to be seen [4].

Core Viewpoint - The "Hong Kong Digital Asset Development Policy Declaration 2.0" introduces a "LEAP" framework aimed at establishing a trustworthy, sustainable digital asset ecosystem integrated with the real economy in Hong Kong [1][4]. Group 1: Policy Framework and Objectives - The "LEAP" framework focuses on optimizing legal and regulatory frameworks, expanding tokenized product categories, promoting application scenarios and cross-industry collaboration, and developing talent and partnerships [1][4]. - The declaration signifies a shift from Hong Kong being a testing ground for digital assets to a more institutionalized, scaled, and global approach [4]. Group 2: Market Reactions and Developments - After the announcement, Guotai Junan International became the first Chinese broker in Hong Kong to offer comprehensive virtual asset trading services, with its stock price experiencing significant fluctuations, rising from HKD 1.24 to a peak of HKD 7.02 [1]. - The implementation of the "Stablecoin Regulation" on August 1 has led to increased activity in stablecoin-related stocks [1]. Group 3: Broker Participation and Services - Multiple local brokers in Hong Kong, including Shengli Securities and Ade Securities, have completed the upgrade for virtual asset trading licenses, indicating a growing interest in the sector [5][6]. - Brokers are primarily offering distribution services rather than operating their own exchanges, facilitating trading of compliant cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum [5][6]. Group 4: Regulatory Environment - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) applies a "same business, same risk, same regulation" principle, ensuring that virtual asset activities are regulated similarly to traditional financial services [8]. - Key license types include the upgraded Type 1 license for virtual asset trading (distribution), Type 4 for investment advice, and Type 7 for automated trading services [8]. Group 5: Security and Compliance - Guotai Junan International's advantage lies in its compliance and security measures, as it connects to SFC-licensed exchanges that ensure professional custody of client assets and adhere to strict anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) processes [10]. - However, the limited number of tradable assets and lower market liquidity compared to overseas platforms may pose challenges for local exchanges [10]. Group 6: Future Opportunities with Stablecoins - The upcoming issuance of stablecoin licenses is expected to create synergies with existing trading licenses, enhancing the role of licensed institutions as distribution channels for compliant stablecoins [11][12]. - The global stablecoin market is projected to exceed USD 200 billion by the end of 2024, with significant trading volumes anticipated [11]. Group 7: Digital Twin Assets and Market Evolution - The declaration aims to activate "digital twin assets," allowing real-world assets to be tokenized and traded, bridging the gap between traditional finance and Web3 [15]. - Future tokenization efforts will include various asset classes such as precious metals and green energy, indicating a broader ambition for Hong Kong's digital asset landscape [15].

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong is accelerating the establishment of a leading global regulatory framework for digital assets, providing potential opportunities for local brokers to restructure their business models [1][9]. Group 1: Regulatory Developments - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) requires firms to hold a "Type 1 license" and collaborate with licensed platforms to conduct virtual asset-related businesses [1]. - As of June 24, 2023, 41 financial institutions have been approved to upgrade to a "Type 1 license," enabling them to offer virtual asset trading services [6]. - The SFC has implemented a "same business, same risk, same regulation" principle for virtual asset regulation, adding specific conditions and technical standards to existing financial licenses [6]. Group 2: Market Reactions - Following the announcement of the new regulatory framework, Hong Kong's brokerage sector saw significant stock price increases, with Guotai Junan International rising nearly 200% on June 25, 2023 [2]. - Victory Securities experienced a surge of over 160% on June 26, 2023, marking a two-and-a-half-year high [2]. Group 3: Business Model Transformation - The upgrade of the "Type 1 license" allows brokers to connect with licensed exchanges, enabling clients to trade digital currencies through traditional securities accounts without needing separate accounts [3]. - Analysts suggest that the focus of competition in the brokerage industry is shifting from low-value services to building "cross-border digital financial infrastructure" [4][3]. Group 4: Future Outlook - More brokers with international business subsidiaries are expected to complete the "Type 1 license" upgrade, enhancing the market ecosystem [8]. - The introduction of a compliance framework is anticipated to improve asset security and expand the range of trading products available [10]. Group 5: Challenges and Restrictions - Despite the regulatory advancements in Hong Kong, the mainland China ban on cryptocurrency trading remains in place, creating challenges for cross-border operations [11]. - Licensed institutions are prohibited from providing any digital currency-related trading services to residents of mainland China, including products like ETFs [11].

Core Viewpoint - Guotai Junan International Holdings Limited has received approval from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission to upgrade its existing securities trading license, allowing it to provide virtual asset trading services, marking a significant breakthrough for Chinese financial institutions in the Hong Kong virtual asset market [1] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The global stablecoin market is experiencing explosive growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 100%, projected to rise from approximately $5 billion in 2020 to $247.4 billion by mid-2025 [3] - Stablecoins are positioned as a core component of blockchain technology, offering advantages such as strong penetration in payment scenarios, high credibility backed by technology, and stability in value [3] Group 2: Regulatory Environment - The regulatory landscape for stablecoins is rapidly evolving, with significant developments expected in 2025, including comprehensive regulatory frameworks in Hong Kong, the U.S., and the EU [3] - Hong Kong's strategic position in the "de-dollarization" trend is highlighted, with the development of offshore RMB stablecoins seen as a key driver for the internationalization of the RMB [4] Group 3: Company Positioning - Guotai Junan International is the first and only Chinese broker in Hong Kong to offer comprehensive virtual asset trading services, establishing a significant first-mover advantage and a full-service barrier [6] - The company has systematically embedded its virtual asset business within the evolving regulatory framework of Hong Kong, responding quickly to regulatory announcements and launching various virtual asset-related products [6][8] Group 4: Service Ecosystem - The company has achieved full-chain coverage of virtual asset services, including trading, consulting, issuance, and distribution, making it a unique player in the market [7] - Guotai Junan International's comprehensive account trading service allows clients to trade cryptocurrencies and stablecoins directly within the broker's platform, enhancing compliance and convenience [8] - The upgrade of the license is seen as a landmark event, indicating a shift of the Hong Kong virtual asset market from "marginal exploration" to "mainstream integration" [8]

Core Viewpoint - The significant stock price fluctuations of Guotai Junan International (1788.HK) highlight the market's intense interest in virtual asset licenses and the rapid changes in sentiment within the Hong Kong stock market [1][2]. Company Summary - Guotai Junan International's subsidiary, Guotai Junan Securities (Hong Kong) Limited, received approval from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to upgrade its existing license to provide virtual asset trading services [2][6]. - The company has been actively involved in the virtual asset sector, launching a virtual asset spot ETF-based structured product in 2024 and obtaining licenses for various virtual asset-related services [5][6]. - The recent approval for virtual asset trading services marks a significant enhancement of the company's service ecosystem in this field [6]. Industry Summary - As of June 24, 2025, 40 institutions have completed the upgrade of their licenses to provide virtual asset trading services, including 38 brokerages, 1 bank, and 1 internet company [7]. - The Hong Kong market currently has 11 licensed virtual asset trading platforms, 6 spot ETFs, and 3 futures ETFs, indicating a growing regulatory framework and market participation [8]. - The SFC has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual asset trading platforms, emphasizing the principle of "same business, same risk, same rules" [10][11].

Market Overview - The market experienced a strong performance yesterday but faced a quick decline today, with the Hang Seng Index closing down 0.61% [1] - UBS warned that the current short squeeze in the US stock market may be nearing its end, with their tracked short squeeze index rising 43% recently [1] - Apollo Global's chief economist predicts a slowdown in US GDP growth to 1.2% by 2025, with inflation remaining around 3% and unemployment potentially rising to 4.4% or higher [1] Economic Indicators - Concerns were raised by Jerome Powell regarding the reliability of economic data collected by US government agencies, suggesting potential overestimations due to budget cuts [1] - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority bought HKD 94.2 billion (approximately RMB 86.13 billion) to support the currency, indicating liquidity tightening in the market [2] Sector Performance - The securities sector failed to maintain its upward momentum, with leading firms like Guotai Junan International seeing a drop of over 4% [3] - The Hong Kong government announced a new policy to promote digital assets, aiming to position the city as a global innovation hub in this field [3] - Consumer sectors are gaining attention, with the "Hong Kong Happy Shopping Festival" set to offer over HKD 1.9 billion in discounts, attracting significant participation from brands [5] Company Developments - Rongchang Bio announced a deal with VorBio for USD 125 million in cash and warrants, but the market reacted negatively, viewing the price as too low [4] - Li Ning's major shareholder has been increasing their stake, which is expected to support the company's operational stability [8] - Li Ning's revenue from running products is projected to grow by 25% in 2024, with core categories like running, basketball, and training accounting for 64% of retail revenue [9] Stock Movements - Stocks in the aviation sector are expected to rise due to increased ticket bookings for the summer travel season, with domestic bookings up about 5% year-on-year [7] - The military sector saw gains following comments from Trump regarding potential conflicts, with companies like China Shipbuilding Defense and AVIC rising over 6% and 1.68% respectively [6] - The weakening US dollar has led to a rise in commodity stocks, with companies like Minmetals Resources and China Hongqiao seeing increases of over 4% [5]

Group 1 - The Hang Seng Index fell by 0.61% on June 26, with southbound trading totaling HKD 167.21 billion, including HKD 86.25 billion in buying and HKD 80.96 billion in selling, resulting in a net buying amount of HKD 5.29 billion [1] - The southbound trading through the Shenzhen Stock Connect amounted to HKD 52.41 billion, with net buying of HKD 2.04 billion, while the Shanghai Stock Connect saw a total of HKD 114.80 billion with net buying of HKD 3.24 billion [1] - Among the actively traded stocks, Guotai Junan International had the highest trading volume at HKD 31.72 billion, followed by Hong Kong Travel and China Everbright Holdings with HKD 8.89 billion and HKD 5.91 billion respectively [1] Group 2 - Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) recorded a net buying amount of HKD 8.96 billion, with a closing price increase of 1.02% [2] - China Construction Bank and Xinda Biopharmaceuticals also saw significant net buying amounts of HKD 5.82 billion and HKD 6.75 billion respectively, while Tencent Holdings experienced the highest net selling of HKD 5.71 billion, despite a slight price increase of 0.10% [2] - A total of 7 stocks, including SMIC and Hong Kong Travel, were active in both the Shenzhen and Shanghai Stock Connects, with SMIC's total trading amount reaching HKD 4.63 billion and a net buying of HKD 8.96 billion [2]

Core Insights - On June 26, several stocks including China Everbright Holdings, Hong Kong Travel, Ocean Park, and Rongchang Biopharmaceutical made their debut on the active trading list of Hong Kong Stock Connect, marking their first appearance in the past month [1][2] - The total trading volume of active stocks on June 26 reached 752.26 billion HKD, accounting for 44.99% of the total trading amount for the day, with a net buying amount of 37.13 billion HKD [1][2] Trading Activity Summary - China Everbright Holdings had a trading volume of 59.07 billion HKD with a net buying of 0.94 billion HKD, closing up by 6.19% [2] - Hong Kong Travel recorded a trading volume of 88.87 billion HKD and a net buying of 5.30 billion HKD, closing up by 85.98% [2] - Ocean Park had a trading volume of 16.72 billion HKD with a net buying of 0.23 billion HKD, closing up by 11.27% [2] - Rongchang Biopharmaceutical saw a trading volume of 12.64 billion HKD with a net buying of 1.13 billion HKD, but closed down by 11.71% [2] Most Active Stocks - The most active stock by trading volume was Guotai Junan International, with a trading amount of 317.23 billion HKD [1][2] - Alibaba and Tencent Holdings were the most frequently listed stocks in the past month, each appearing 22 times on the active trading list [1][2]

Core Viewpoint - Guotai Junan International has received approval from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission to upgrade its existing securities trading license to provide virtual asset trading services, making it the first Chinese broker in Hong Kong to offer comprehensive virtual asset-related trading services [1][6]. Company Summary - Following the license upgrade, clients will be able to trade cryptocurrencies (such as Bitcoin and Ethereum) and stablecoins (like Tether) directly on Guotai Junan International's platform [1]. - The stock price of Guotai Junan International surged over 80% after the announcement, closing up 198.39% on June 25, but saw a decline of 4.32% the following day [1]. - The company has been preparing for virtual asset trading since 2024, planning to launch a virtual asset spot ETF-based structured product and obtaining permission to act as an agent for virtual asset trading platforms [3]. Industry Summary - The approval of the VASP license for Guotai Junan International is expected to have significant implications for the brokerage ecosystem and the restructuring of sector value [6]. - The move is seen as a catalyst for other major Chinese brokers to accelerate their entry into virtual asset trading services, enhancing market ecology [6][7]. - The virtual asset compliance wave is anticipated to reshape the entire non-bank financial industry chain, creating a collaborative ecosystem around digital asset issuance, circulation, management, and application [8].

Core Viewpoint - The surge in Hong Kong brokerage stocks, particularly Victory Securities and Guotai Junan International, is driven by the latter's recent approval to upgrade its securities trading license to include virtual asset trading services, marking a significant shift in the market landscape [1][2]. Group 1: Company Performance - Victory Securities experienced a dramatic intraday increase of over 160%, closing up 44.89% at HKD 5.39 per share, with a market capitalization reaching HKD 1.129 billion and a trading volume of HKD 148 million [1]. - Guotai Junan International saw a substantial rise of 198.4% on June 25, adding over HKD 10 billion to its market value, and continued to attract attention with a near 90% increase in early trading the following day [1]. Group 2: Industry Impact - Guotai Junan International's approval as the first Chinese brokerage to offer virtual asset trading is expected to set a benchmark, prompting other firms to expedite similar applications, thereby enhancing Hong Kong's position as a global crypto financial hub [1][2]. - The approval allows Guotai Junan International to provide a full range of services including trading, custody, consulting, issuance, and derivatives for virtual assets, marking a strategic upgrade from traditional securities services to a comprehensive digital asset service hub [2]. - The influx of traditional brokerages into the virtual asset space is anticipated to attract high-net-worth clients and institutional funds, thereby increasing market liquidity and potentially leading to new growth areas such as structured products linked to crypto assets [2].