Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-12-11 13:57Core Viewpoint - The Zhejiang Financial Center, once a symbol of stability and trust, has faced a severe crisis due to its inability to allow investors to withdraw funds, affecting nearly 10,000 investors and involving over 20 billion in funds, leading to a significant loss of credibility for the center and its parent company, Xiangyuan Group [1][4][14]. Group 1: Company Background - Established in 2013, Zhejiang Financial Center was initially backed by reputable state-owned entities, which contributed to its strong credibility [4]. - The center's low investment threshold and higher-than-bank annual returns attracted many ordinary investors, who were drawn by the perceived safety of its "state-owned background" [4][5]. Group 2: Changes in Ownership and Operations - Since 2019, there has been a significant shift in the ownership structure, with state-owned capital gradually withdrawing, and by 2023, the controlling shareholder became a private entity, Hangzhou Minzhi Investment [5][8]. - The center began promoting products closely tied to Xiangyuan Group, effectively using the platform to finance its own debts under the guise of legitimate investment products [5][9]. Group 3: Regulatory Issues and Investor Impact - In October of the previous year, the Zhejiang Provincial Financial Management Bureau announced the cancellation of the center's financial asset trading qualifications, which was not widely publicized [8][9]. - Despite the regulatory announcement, the platform continued to operate normally, leading investors to mistakenly believe their investments were safe, resulting in further financial entanglement [9][10]. Group 4: Financial Health of Xiangyuan Group - Xiangyuan Group reported assets of 60 billion but liabilities exceeding 40 billion, indicating severe cash flow issues [9]. - The group's aggressive expansion into the tourism sector and real estate has led to financial strain, with many subsidiaries facing overdue commercial bills and being listed as subjects of enforcement [9][10]. Group 5: Official Response and Future Outlook - As of December 8, the Zhejiang Provincial Financial Management Bureau has begun a comprehensive investigation into the financing products associated with the crisis, providing a glimmer of hope for affected investors [10]. - The situation serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with investments that rely heavily on perceived stability from government affiliations, highlighting the need for thorough due diligence by investors [14][16].