

Core Viewpoint - The recent disclosure of a commission kickback case involving the top domestic quantitative private equity firm, Huafang Quantitative, has raised significant market attention due to the involvement of its market director, Li Cheng, and the substantial amount of 118 million yuan involved in the case [1][2]. Group 1: Case Details - The case spans six years, from June 2018 to February 2023, and involves key figures such as Meng Pengfei, who was the general manager of the Shen Nan East Road branch of China Merchants Securities during this period [1]. - Meng Pengfei facilitated the arrangement for his relatives to act as exclusive brokers for Huafang Quantitative, allowing them to receive bonuses through their bank accounts [1]. - Out of the total 118 million yuan in performance bonuses, over 20 million yuan went to Li Cheng, 10 million yuan to Liu Huan, and the remaining 80 million yuan was retained by Meng Pengfei [1]. Group 2: Company Response and Internal Structure - Huafang Quantitative has stated that Li Cheng's actions were personal and not representative of the company's practices, asserting that the company was unaware of the commission arrangements made by the brokerage [3][4]. - The company maintains that it offers uniform commission rates across all cooperation channels, which are considered to be at a relatively low level within the industry [3]. - Li Cheng is described as a significant figure within the company, having considerable influence over business decisions, including the selection of brokerage firms for trading [6]. Group 3: Industry Context - Quantitative private equity firms are seen as lucrative clients for brokerage firms due to their high-frequency trading strategies, which can yield substantial profits despite low per-trade returns [2]. - The annual turnover rate for related products can reach as high as 100 to 200 times, contributing to a stable income stream for brokerages from transaction fees [2]. - Huafang Quantitative, founded by Liang Wenfeng, is recognized as a leading institution in China's quantitative investment sector, with significant assets under management [6].