Core Viewpoint - The issuance of the "Action Plan for Promoting the High-Quality Development of Public Funds" serves as a timely initiative to lay the foundation for the long-term development of the public fund industry, particularly emphasizing the enhancement of core investment research capabilities [1] Group 1: Existing Research and Investment System Issues - The investment research capability is deemed the "lifeline" of public fund companies, crucial for standing out in a competitive market and creating value for investors [2] - Some fund companies overly rely on star fund managers, leading to performance volatility and challenges in managing numerous listed companies and a complex market [2] - There is a lack of systematic and refined management, with talent assessment and incentive mechanisms not aligning with platform-based concepts, necessitating a digital transformation of the investment research platform [2] Group 2: Key Measures for Digital Transformation of Research and Investment System - Establishment of a "Quantitative Finance Laboratory" by Yimin Fund Management, which collaborates with the Ministry of Science and Technology to create a mechanism for rational allocation of personnel across departments [3] - Application of intelligent investment research tools, utilizing Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology to automate the classification, summarization, and sentiment analysis of vast amounts of reports and news, significantly enhancing efficiency [4] - Development of digital talent through internal training in big data, artificial intelligence, and quantitative investment, alongside the introduction of external digital talent and the establishment of incentive mechanisms to encourage innovation [5] Group 3: Challenges and Responses in Transformation - Fund companies face challenges such as technical difficulties, data security risks, and organizational restructuring during the transformation process [6] - Significant investment in funds and human resources is required for system development and maintenance, alongside the need to keep pace with new technological advancements [6] - A comprehensive data security management system must be established to address data security risks, including data encryption, access control, and security audits [6] - To adapt to digital transformation, it is essential to break down departmental barriers, promote cross-departmental collaboration, and establish management mechanisms suited for digitalization [6]

Core Viewpoint - The recent public consultation by the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants aims to establish a clear regulatory framework for sustainable information assurance, marking a new phase of standardization and professionalism in ESG assurance activities in China [1][2]. Group 1: Challenges in Sustainable Information Assurance - The current sustainable information assurance practices in China face challenges such as fragmented standards, significant differences in methods and indicators among assurance institutions, and inadequate risk assessment capabilities [2][3]. - The consultation draft aims to address these shortcomings by proposing key measures to standardize the assurance process and improve quality control [2][3]. Group 2: Standardization and Quality Control - The consultation draft is expected to resolve the long-standing issue of fragmentation in the industry by establishing a unified standard for the assurance process, which includes clear procedures and documentation requirements [2][4]. - Assurance institutions are required to meet specific competency thresholds, ensuring that project partners possess sufficient expertise in sustainable information [4][5]. Group 3: Incorporating International Experience and Local Adaptation - The draft incorporates international frameworks while considering local regulatory contexts, emphasizing the dual materiality principle in sustainable information disclosure [3][6]. - It encourages companies to establish ESG management committees and hire multidisciplinary talent to enhance internal ESG management [3][5]. Group 4: Enhancing Assurance Quality - Assurance quality is prioritized, with institutions needing to strengthen their quality management and independence systems [5][6]. - The draft suggests a transitional period where assurance institutions may provide both consulting and assurance services, with strict independence requirements to follow [6][9]. Group 5: Anti-Fraud Measures - The importance of anti-fraud measures in sustainable information assurance is highlighted, with a focus on using technology and cross-department collaboration to strengthen fraud detection [7][8]. - The draft proposes establishing a robust mechanism for verifying non-financial data and ensuring compliance with disclosure standards [8][9]. Group 6: Accountability and Penalty Mechanisms - The need for a comprehensive accountability system for ESG information fraud is emphasized, suggesting a dual accountability approach for both fraudulent companies and assurance institutions [9][10]. - A two-way data reporting platform between third-party institutions and regulatory bodies is recommended to facilitate the identification of high-risk entities [9].