Core Insights - Recent regulatory scrutiny has revealed misconduct among certain private equity firms in Shenzhen, including selling fraudulent products and engaging in unrelated activities such as fortune-telling and course sales [1][2][4] - The Shenzhen Securities Regulatory Bureau plans to enhance compliance checks and hold violators accountable, urging private equity firms to focus on their core investment activities and improve compliance and risk management mechanisms [1][6] Group 1: Regulatory Findings - Some private equity firms have deviated from their primary responsibilities, engaging in unrelated activities like fortune-telling and selling courses, which has raised concerns [2][3] - A specific equity private equity firm was found to have mixed operations with related companies, conducting activities unrelated to fund management [2] - Misconduct includes selling fraudulent products and providing consulting services that do not align with private equity management [2][4] Group 2: Financial Misconduct - Certain private equity firms have been implicated in profit-sharing arrangements that harm investor interests, such as receiving payments for facilitating transactions involving municipal bonds [4][5] - Instances of "high buy-low sell" transactions have been reported, where private equity firms sold bonds at significantly lower prices to their executives and then repurchased them at inflated prices [4] - Some firms have charged undisclosed high consulting fees to managed funds, further compromising investor transparency [4] Group 3: Illegal Activities - Some private equity managers have exploited their credentials to engage in illegal fundraising activities, promising investors guaranteed returns [5] - There are reports of firms using their management qualifications to facilitate illegal activities, including market manipulation and unauthorized financing [5] - The regulatory body has emphasized the need for private equity firms to adhere to legal and ethical standards, avoiding any involvement in illegal fundraising or financing activities [5][6] Group 4: Industry Trends - As of June 30, 2023, over 600 private equity managers have deregistered, indicating a significant industry cleanup [7] - The deregistration includes both voluntary and association-initiated cancellations, reflecting a broader trend of regulatory tightening in the private equity sector [7]