GUOTAI HAITONG SECURITIES·2026-02-26 11:11Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Accumulate" rating for the industry [4]. Core Insights - The international business of securities firms has become a significant growth driver, with contributions to overall profits increasing from 0.7% in 2018 to 8.2% in the first half of 2025 [15]. - The strategic importance of international business has risen, with major Chinese securities firms increasing capital investments in their international subsidiaries [17]. - The internationalization of securities firms is essential for building a world-class investment bank and enhancing capital allocation and asset pricing power in global markets [30]. Summary by Sections 1. Recent Trends in International Business - International business has become a key focus for securities firms, primarily serving the needs of clients "going out" and "bringing in" [7]. - The revenue from international business for 18 listed securities firms reached CNY 49.57 billion in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 43% [8]. - The net profit from international subsidiaries of these firms totaled CNY 13.75 billion in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 239% [13]. 2. The Necessity of Internationalization - The internationalization of securities firms aligns with the trend of Chinese enterprises expanding globally, necessitating enhanced financial services [22]. - Historical examples from leading global investment banks like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley illustrate the importance of internationalization for growth and competitiveness [26]. 3. Current Focus Areas in International Business - The majority of international business is driven by investment income, with wealth management and investment banking also showing growth potential [3]. - There is a growing demand for cross-border wealth management services among Chinese residents, which could become a new growth engine for international business [3]. - The increasing frequency of overseas financing and cross-border mergers and acquisitions by Chinese companies highlights the need for robust investment banking services [3]. 4. Future Prospects of International Business - The international business of securities firms is expected to become a major direction for expansion, especially as domestic fixed-income self-operated businesses face challenges [44]. - The international business is characterized by higher leverage and return on equity (ROE), which could drive improvements in overall profitability for leading firms [48].