Core Viewpoint - The development of the investment banking business in the first half of 2025 highlights the differentiated competitive strategies of securities firms in the Beijing Stock Exchange (BSE), extending beyond investment banking to market making, research, and alternative investments, forming a multi-dimensional layout [1] Group 1: Industry Trends - The differentiation among securities firms is becoming clearer, with large firms leveraging strong capital, comprehensive business structures, and risk management to excel, while smaller firms focus on niche markets like the BSE and the "specialized, refined, unique" direction [1][2] - The integration of multiple mergers and acquisitions is accelerating, potentially leading to a diverse development pattern among large, boutique, and regional securities firms to serve various participants in the multi-tiered capital market [1] Group 2: Business Layout and Performance - In the first half of 2025, the New Third Board market saw a significant increase in new listings, with 158 new companies, enhancing the synergy with the BSE and attracting specialized enterprises [2] - Leading firms such as CITIC Securities and Huatai Securities dominate key metrics in BSE equity underwriting, project quality, and new third board listings, confirming their market leadership [2] - Mid-sized firms like Guosen Securities and Dongwu Securities are actively expanding their project reserves and business scale in the BSE and New Third Board [2][3] Group 3: Small and Medium-sized Firms - Several small and medium-sized firms have distinguished themselves in the BSE investment banking sector through unique strategies, including creating a comprehensive project reserve system and extending financial advisory services to the New Third Board [3] - Companies like Kaiyuan Securities and Northeast Securities have made significant strides in BSE project recommendations and ongoing supervision, with Kaiyuan leading in the number of recommended listings [4][5] Group 4: Market Making and Alternative Investments - The market-making business has become a key focus for both large and mid-sized firms, with companies like Galaxy Securities and GF Securities leading in this area [5][6] - The alternative investment business has seen revenue and profit growth, with firms like Everbright Securities and First Capital actively pursuing strategic placements in innovative growth companies [9] Group 5: Research Capabilities - The research capabilities of securities firms regarding BSE companies are improving, with leading firms like Shenwan Hongyuan achieving high rankings in various industry sectors [8] - Smaller firms are also enhancing their research capabilities, with Kaiyuan Securities establishing a dedicated research center for the BSE and New Third Board [8]