Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the Hong Kong stock market, particularly in sectors such as AI, new consumption, and innovative pharmaceuticals, indicating a rising risk appetite among investors [2][9]. Core Insights - The Hong Kong stock market has shown significant improvement in risk appetite, with notable performance in sectors like AI, new consumption, and innovative pharmaceuticals, leading to increased investor interest, especially in small and mid-cap stocks [2][9]. - The report suggests active participation in A+H shares due to observed discount phenomena in IPOs, with a focus on new consumption and manufacturing sectors [2][9]. - There is a sustained bullish outlook on virtual assets and the Web 3.0 market, driven by stablecoin policies and IPOs, with expectations for more regulatory developments in the future [2][9]. - The valuation of overseas Chinese assets remains influenced by US-China trade relations and the broader economic environment, highlighting the need to monitor changes in US tariff policies and domestic economic strategies [2][9]. Industry Tracking Summary 1. Education - The education index decreased by 0.98% from June 9 to June 13, underperforming compared to major indices, with 51talk rising by 12.09% and Thinking Education falling by 11.55% [10][14]. 2. Luxury Goods - The luxury goods sector faced slight pressure, with key stocks like Prada declining by 6.01% while new brands like Shiseido rose by 2.02% during the same period [18][21]. 3. Coffee and Tea - The sector showed stable growth, with individual stocks like Luckin Coffee increasing by 1.87%, while others like Bawang Tea experienced declines [23][27]. 4. E-commerce - The e-commerce sector saw a slight decline, with major players like Alibaba and JD.com facing competitive pressures, while the Hang Seng Internet Technology Index rose by 3.46% [29][34]. 5. Streaming Platforms - The streaming sector outperformed, with Tencent Music and NetEase Cloud Music showing significant gains, while Netflix experienced a decline [35][38]. 6. Virtual Assets & Internet Brokers - The global cryptocurrency market capitalization increased by 5.9%, with Bitcoin and Ethereum prices showing slight fluctuations, indicating ongoing interest in virtual assets [42][43].

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is actively working to enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong's capital markets by integrating the Renminbi counter into the Southbound Trading scheme and optimizing the listing process for companies, particularly those from mainland China [1][2] Group 1: Market Resilience and Regulatory Framework - The SFC emphasizes the need for a flexible yet robust regulatory approach to ensure market resilience amid capital market volatility [2] - The SFC has maintained a strong regulatory framework that has effectively managed systemic risks and monitored market conditions, including conducting stress tests on exchanges and intermediaries [2][3] Group 2: Growth Strategies - The SFC's strategy includes strengthening Hong Kong's position as a premier financing and asset management center, with recent successful H-share listings, such as CATL raising $5.3 billion [3] - The SFC aims to deepen the integration of mainland and Hong Kong markets, expanding the scope of mutual market access to include more products like ETFs and derivatives [3][4] Group 3: Innovation and Technology - The SFC is focusing on fostering a robust virtual asset ecosystem, supporting the listing of virtual asset ETFs, and exploring blockchain technology for securities tokenization [4][5] - New initiatives like the "Tech Company Fast Track" aim to facilitate the listing of tech and biotech firms in Hong Kong, aligning with national goals for technological self-reliance [5]

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong must find the best balance between regulation and innovation in the virtual asset sector to ensure policies keep pace with developments while maintaining market order and transparency, avoiding stifling market vitality and participant enthusiasm [2][8]. Regulatory Developments - The Hong Kong government is considering introducing virtual asset derivatives trading for professional investors, along with robust risk management measures to enhance product options while ensuring orderly and transparent trading [3][4]. - A second policy declaration on the development of virtual assets will be published, outlining the government's vision and direction, including the integration of traditional financial services with virtual asset technology [3][5]. Market Growth and Diversification - Hong Kong's financial ecosystem is diversifying, with over 1,100 fintech companies, including eight licensed digital banks, four virtual insurance companies, and ten virtual asset trading platforms [3][4]. - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has approved the first virtual asset futures ETFs for retail investors in December 2022 and plans to recognize the first virtual asset spot ETFs in April 2024 [3][4]. Future Outlook - The upcoming policy declaration is expected to complement the SFC's roadmap, establishing a stable foundation for the orderly development of virtual assets in Hong Kong [5]. - The legal community anticipates that the new policy will address the evolving landscape of virtual assets and digital currencies, potentially incorporating topics like tokenization and artificial intelligence [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong government is considering introducing virtual asset derivatives trading for professional investors, aiming to enhance product offerings in the market while ensuring robust risk management measures [1] Group 1: Regulatory Framework - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has set clear standards for professional investor qualifications, requiring individual investors to have an investment portfolio of at least HKD 8 million or equivalent foreign currency, and institutional investors to possess total assets of at least HKD 40 million or equivalent foreign currency [3] - The regulatory framework for virtual assets has been progressively improved since the introduction of the regulatory framework in 2018, with a new virtual asset regulatory framework launched in 2023 and the VASP licensing system set to officially start on June 1, 2024 [3] - As of February 2025, 10 virtual asset trading platforms, including OSL, HashKey, HKVAX, and HKbitEX, have obtained licenses, ensuring that operators conduct due diligence on virtual assets before offering them for trading [3] Group 2: Market Development and Impact - The introduction of virtual asset derivatives will fill a product gap in the Hong Kong market, aligning it with international mature markets and attracting global professional investors and financial institutions [4] - Virtual asset derivatives will provide professional investors with risk management tools such as hedging and arbitrage, catering to the allocation needs of institutional investors [4] - The government plans to optimize tax incentives for funds, single-family offices, and associated rights, allowing virtual assets to be included in qualified transactions eligible for tax relief, thereby reducing investor costs and attracting long-term capital to Hong Kong [4] - The policy encourages local and international enterprises to explore innovations and applications of virtual asset technology, enhancing efficiency and security in areas like supply chain finance and green bonds, thus promoting the digital transformation of the real economy [4]

Market News - The three major US stock indices closed mixed, with the Dow Jones down 0.22%, the Nasdaq up 0.32%, and the S&P 500 up 0.01% [1] - Popular tech stocks showed varied performance, with Meta rising over 3%, Broadcom and AMD up over 1%, while Tesla fell over 3% [1] - The Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index rose by 2.04%, with most popular Chinese concept stocks increasing, including NIO up over 6% and Alibaba, Xpeng, and Kingsoft up over 3% [1] - COMEX gold futures rose by 0.6% to $3397.4 per ounce, while WTI crude oil futures fell by 0.88% to $62.85 per barrel [1] - Major European stock indices closed higher, with Germany's DAX up 0.7%, France's CAC40 up 0.58%, and the UK's FTSE 100 up 0.16% [1] Industry Insights - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission is considering introducing virtual asset derivatives trading for professional investors, aiming to enhance risk management and optimize tax incentives for virtual assets [2] - This initiative may lead to more virtual asset ETFs and structured products, promoting the integration of traditional finance with virtual asset technology [2] - The National Energy Administration has announced pilot projects for new power systems, focusing on virtual power plants to enhance flexibility and renewable energy consumption [3] - By 2027 and 2030, the goal is to achieve 20 million kW and 50 million kW of regulation capacity for virtual power plants, respectively [3] - The development of exoskeleton robots is advancing towards consumer markets, with applications expanding from medical rehabilitation to home care and outdoor activities, indicating a market potential exceeding hundreds of billions [5]

Group 1 - Hong Kong's Financial Secretary is considering introducing virtual asset derivatives trading for professional investors, along with robust risk management measures [1] - The second policy declaration on virtual assets will outline the next steps, including integrating traditional financial services with technological innovations in the virtual asset space [1] - The introduction of virtual asset derivatives is expected to enhance institutional trading demand and market liquidity, thereby increasing the attractiveness of Hong Kong's capital markets [1][2] Group 2 - The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) aims to develop Hong Kong as a global virtual asset hub, targeting professional investors with assets above HKD 8 million for hedging and arbitrage needs [2] - The market for tokenized real-world assets (RWA) is projected to grow significantly, with a 120% year-on-year increase expected by Q1 2025 [2] - Boston Consulting Group forecasts that the global market for tokenized assets will exceed USD 16 trillion by 2030 [2] Group 3 - RWA is diversifying into various asset types, including carbon credits and lithium resources, with notable projects like the forestry carbon credit tokenization in Xiong'an [3] - The integration of AI and blockchain is enhancing asset pricing, risk assessment, and cash flow forecasting, improving RWA management efficiency [3] - There is a push for a collaborative global regulatory framework to facilitate cross-border RWA flows, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area [3] Group 4 - Hongye Futures holds licenses for securities and futures trading, and its asset management arm is authorized to manage investment funds, including virtual assets [4] - Boya Interactive has increased its Bitcoin holdings, purchasing approximately 100 BTC for about USD 7.95 million, bringing its total to around 3,350 BTC [4] - New Fire Technology Holdings, formerly known as Huobi Technology, is a leading global cryptocurrency platform providing virtual asset trading and technology solutions [4] Group 5 - OSL Group reported that three Bitcoin spot ETFs in Hong Kong achieved a total trading volume of approximately HKD 1.2 billion in November 2024, marking a historical monthly high [5] - The collaboration between OSL Group and other funds resulted in a significant portion of the trading volume, indicating strong market interest in Bitcoin ETFs [5]

Core Viewpoint - The stablecoin sector is experiencing significant regulatory developments, with Hong Kong establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework, and Circle planning to list USDC on the NYSE, marking a potential IPO in the stablecoin space [1][3][4]. Summary by Sections What is Stablecoin? - Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that use distributed ledger technology to peg their value to various fiat currencies, ensuring relative stability [3]. - The Hong Kong government has officially recognized stablecoins as a medium of exchange for goods and services, as well as for debt settlement and investment [3]. Regulatory Developments - The Hong Kong government published the "Stablecoin Ordinance," which marks the establishment of a regulatory framework for fiat-backed stablecoins [1][4]. - The ordinance requires stablecoin issuers to obtain a license and maintain a robust reserve mechanism, ensuring that the value of the reserves equals or exceeds the circulating stablecoins [7][12]. Market Reactions - The market has seen significant volatility in "stablecoin concept stocks," with some companies experiencing daily price fluctuations exceeding 80% [5][6]. - Analysts suggest that the recent price movements are largely driven by speculative trading rather than fundamental company performance [6]. Risks and Challenges - Stablecoins have historically operated in a regulatory gray area, but recent events have highlighted the need for robust oversight to mitigate risks such as liquidity crises and value decoupling [4][8]. - The design and regulation of stablecoins should focus on transparency, traceability, and separation from speculative assets to avoid becoming conduits for illegal activities [7][12]. Potential Applications - Stablecoins are expected to play a significant role in cross-border payments, investment transactions, and retail payments, offering advantages in speed and cost [10][11]. - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority's "sandbox" mechanism allows institutions to test stablecoin operations, with several companies already participating [9][10]. Participation of Mainland Users - Despite the regulatory advancements in Hong Kong, mainland Chinese users are unlikely to participate in stablecoin trading due to strict regulations against virtual currencies [13][14]. - The legal framework in mainland China remains stringent, and participation in stablecoin transactions would still be subject to existing regulatory constraints [14].

Group 1: Stablecoin Regulation in Hong Kong - The Hong Kong government has officially enacted the "Stablecoin Regulation," establishing a licensing system for issuers of fiat-backed stablecoins, enhancing the regulatory framework for virtual asset activities in Hong Kong [3][4] - The regulation aims to address the volatility of cryptocurrencies and is seen as a bridge between traditional finance and the crypto world, with stablecoins currently representing over 8% of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization, valued at over $240 billion as of May 20, 2025 [3][4] - The regulation is expected to accelerate the compliant development of stablecoins, leading to growth in the RWA ecosystem, including issuers, custodial banks, investors, and blockchain technology [4] Group 2: Domestic Innovative Drugs Approval - On May 29, 2025, China’s National Medical Products Administration approved 11 innovative drugs, marking a significant milestone in the domestic innovative drug sector, with many being the first of their kind in the country [8] - From the beginning of 2025 to the end of May, a total of 53 new drugs were approved in China, with 30 being domestic innovations, covering various therapeutic areas including oncology and rare diseases [8] - The innovative drug sector is expected to undergo a valuation reshaping, with upcoming national medical insurance negotiations being a critical event for newly approved drugs to gain market access and accelerate sales [8]

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau plans to release a second policy declaration on virtual assets, focusing on integrating traditional financial services with technological innovations in the virtual asset sector, while enhancing the safety and flexibility of real economic activities [1] Group 1: Regulatory Developments - Licensed virtual asset trading platform operators must conduct due diligence on any virtual assets before offering them for trading, ensuring they meet all criteria and have high liquidity [1] - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) will continuously assess risks related to virtual assets, including volatility and market manipulation, and will monitor international regulatory developments [1][2] - The SFC has recognized the first virtual asset futures exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for retail investors in December 2022 and the first spot ETFs in April 2024, enhancing the variety of products available in Hong Kong's market [2] Group 2: Market Expansion and Innovation - The SFC's "ASPIRe" roadmap aims to enhance the security, innovation, and growth of Hong Kong's virtual asset market, focusing on expanding the types of virtual asset products and services while ensuring investor protection [3] - The SFC is considering introducing virtual asset derivatives trading for professional investors, along with robust risk management measures to ensure orderly and transparent trading [3] Group 3: Attracting Financial Technology Enterprises - The Hong Kong government has established a one-stop service through the Hong Kong Financial Technology Office to attract international fintech companies, providing assistance with licensing and regulatory frameworks [4] - Tax incentives and funding information will be shared with enterprises, and efforts will be made to connect them with educational institutions and research organizations [4] - Hong Kong's financial institutions have the highest usage rate of generative AI among global markets at 38%, significantly above the global average of 26% [4]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Increase" rating for the Southeast Asian fintech sector [8] Core Insights - Southeast Asia's fintech industry has significant growth potential, driven by a robust macroeconomic environment, improving infrastructure, and a friendly policy landscape [13][16] - The four main areas of fintech development are digital payments, internet lending, insurtech, and virtual assets [17][20] - The region's GDP growth is approximately 5%, with a population of 630 million, predominantly under 40 years old, providing a strong consumer base [22][23] Digital Payments - Digital payment penetration is expected to increase, with 44% of transactions still conducted in cash as of 2024, compared to 5.8% in China [39][40] - The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted consumer habits towards online payments, with 33% of consumers using e-wallets for the first time during the pandemic [40] - The main digital payment methods are card payments and e-wallets, with a competitive landscape lacking a dominant player like Alipay or WeChat Pay in China [38][50] Internet Lending - The internet lending market in Southeast Asia is projected to grow from $48 billion in 2022 to $71 billion in 2024, with a penetration rate of only 1.8% [4][14] - The lending market is characterized by high pricing limits (18-180%), small loan amounts (average $18), and short durations, providing substantial profit margins [4][14] - The risk profile is relatively stable, with SeaMoney's 90-day overdue rate at 1.1%, lower than domestic platforms in China [14][16] Insurtech - The insurtech market in Southeast Asia is in its early stages, with a market size of approximately $2.4 billion in 2024, expected to reach $7.5 billion by 2030 [5][14] - The penetration rate of insurtech is low, at about 1.5-3.1%, compared to 8.8% in China [5][14] - Three main business models exist: insurtech platforms, full-stack insurtechs, and insurtech enablers, with the latter focusing on B2B solutions [5][14] Virtual Assets - Southeast Asia shows high interest in virtual assets, with six countries ranking in the top 20 for global cryptocurrency adoption, and Indonesia ranked third [6][14] - The regulatory environment is generally supportive, with governments encouraging the development of the virtual asset market while managing risks [6][14] - Indonesia's cryptocurrency transaction volume reached $157.1 billion from July 2023 to June 2024, the highest in the region [6][14]