GF SECURITIES·2026-01-18 09:06Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Buy" [3] Core Insights - The introduction of the first derivative trading regulations by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) is expected to enhance the leverage capacity of brokerage firms, supporting the steady development of the derivatives market and encouraging risk management activities [7][10]. - The derivatives business is projected to optimize revenue structures and enhance the anti-cyclical capabilities of brokerage firms, as it is driven by client needs and capital intermediation rather than relying on directional market returns [7][10]. - The report highlights that the derivatives market in China has significant room for growth compared to overseas markets, with the scale of over-the-counter derivatives increasing from 0.32 trillion CNY in 2015 to 2.38 trillion CNY in 2023, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29% [7][10]. Summary by Sections Regulatory Developments - On January 16, 2026, the CSRC released the "Interim Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Derivative Trading (Draft for Comments)," which aims to regulate derivative trading venues and institutions, and implement counter-cyclical management [7][10]. - The regulations encourage the use of derivatives for hedging and resource allocation while limiting excessive speculation [10]. Market Opportunities - The derivatives business is expected to create a "stronger stronger" moat for brokerage firms that can provide high-level services, including trading pricing, hedging, and risk control capabilities [7][10]. - The report suggests that leading institutions have significant room to increase leverage, especially in the context of continuous inflows of new capital and favorable industry policies [7][10]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on brokerage firms with strong balance sheets, outstanding trading capabilities, and extensive coverage of domestic and international institutional clients, such as Guotai Junan, Huatai Securities, CICC, and CITIC Securities [7][10].