Core Viewpoint - The rapid development of the private equity investment sector has led to A-share listed companies engaging in various forms of private equity investments to discover and incubate quality targets within their industry and supply chains, while also expanding their investment paths. CVC funds led by listed companies have become a crucial force in the private equity market, but they face scrutiny due to potential conflicts of interest and regulatory restrictions, particularly after the implementation of the "Private Investment Fund Registration and Filing Measures" on May 1, 2023 [1][14]. Pathways for Establishing Private Fund Managers - A total of 16 private fund managers related to A-share listed companies have been approved by the Asset Management Association of China (AMAC) from May 1, 2023, to May 1, 2025. These include 1 wholly-owned subsidiary, 4 controlled by listed companies, 10 directly or indirectly invested by listed companies, and 1 established by the actual controller of a listed company [2]. Pathway One: Wholly Owned Establishment - Listed companies can establish private fund managers wholly owned by themselves. This pathway is subject to strict regulatory scrutiny due to the potential classification as "quasi-financial" businesses [3][6]. Pathway Two: Controlling Establishment - Listed companies can also establish controlling private fund managers where they hold more than 50% of the shares. However, this pathway has seen limited success due to regulatory concerns, with only 4 such managers registered since the new regulations [3][4]. Pathway Three: Joint Establishment with Third Parties - This pathway involves listed companies partnering with third parties to establish private fund managers, where the listed company acts as a financial or strategic investor. This has proven to be a more viable option, with 10 managers established under this model since the new regulations [4][5]. Pathway Four: Establishment by Actual Controllers - Actual controllers of listed companies can establish private fund managers directly. This pathway is less restricted, provided that the listed company does not directly invest in the fund manager [6][10]. Compliance Points for Each Pathway - Pathways one and two face stricter regulatory requirements due to the direct control by listed companies, necessitating good financial health and adherence to internal decision-making and disclosure procedures [7][8]. - Pathway three requires careful attention to the legitimacy of the investment purpose and compliance with disclosure obligations, especially regarding related party transactions [10][11]. - Pathway four mandates that the actual controller disclose their relationship with the fund manager and comply with related party transaction regulations if the listed company invests in the fund [12][13]. Risk Prevention Measures - Listed companies and their affiliates must be vigilant against risks such as insider trading, conflicts of interest, and the misuse of non-public information. Establishing robust internal controls and compliance mechanisms is essential to mitigate these risks [12][13]. Conclusion - The article summarizes four pathways for listed companies to establish private fund managers, highlighting the regulatory landscape and compliance requirements. The core controversy revolves around the "quasi-financial" risks associated with these activities, emphasizing the need for a balance between industrial investment demands and financial regulatory boundaries. Future policies may exhibit flexibility, recognizing the value of supporting the real economy while preventing unchecked capital expansion [14].
基小律观点 | 从申请案例看上市公司设立私募基金管理人的路径与合规要点