Core Insights - The insurance capital is increasingly favoring S funds due to their alignment with long-term investment strategies and the need for stable returns in a low-interest-rate environment [1][2] - The investment scale of S funds in China reached 33.5 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, a significant increase of 95.9% compared to 17.1 billion yuan in the same period of 2024, indicating a growing market interest [1] Group 1: Reasons for Insurance Capital's Preference for S Funds - S funds match the long duration of insurance liabilities, effectively mitigating duration mismatch risks [2][3] - They provide stable, cross-cycle returns by holding non-liquid assets, which is appealing for insurance capital seeking sustainable long-term returns [2] - S funds enhance portfolio diversification and volatility resistance, serving as an alternative asset allocation path [2][3] Group 2: Characteristics of S Funds - S funds invest in funds with clear underlying assets, avoiding the "blind pool risk" associated with traditional private equity funds, thus enhancing safety [3] - The underlying project information is relatively complete, facilitating due diligence and compliance with regulatory requirements [3] - Many existing funds are in the exit phase, providing clear cash return schedules that align with insurance capital's liability needs [3] Group 3: Selection Criteria for S Funds - Insurance capital focuses on asset quality and GP (General Partner) capabilities when selecting S funds [4] - Evaluation criteria include management capabilities, exit success rates, and post-investment management efficiency [5] - Preference is given to projects with clear exit paths, such as IPOs or acquisitions, and those with established revenue and profit [4][5] Group 4: Challenges in S Fund Investment - Valuation difficulties arise due to the diverse nature of underlying assets and information asymmetry between buyers and sellers [6][7] - Conducting thorough due diligence is complicated by the opacity of some underlying projects and potential restrictions in sensitive industries [6] - The complexity of multi-layered structures and the subjective nature of valuations pose additional challenges [6][7] Group 5: Recommendations for Market Improvement - Establishing long-term assessment mechanisms is suggested to align with the nature of S funds as mid-to-long-term equity investment tools [7] - Maintaining policy continuity and developing a robust equity share trading market are recommended to enhance the S fund investment environment [7] Group 6: Future Trends for S Funds - An increase in structured transactions is anticipated, with debt-like structures seeking high certainty and equity-like structures targeting high growth potential [8] - The rise of active management strategies is expected, as buyers with pricing and project selection capabilities will take a more proactive approach [8] - M&A exits are projected to become a significant option, shifting from the traditional reliance on IPOs, necessitating GPs to have M&A experience and resources [8]

扩大长期投资改革试点范围、开展投资黄金业务试点、支持参与金融资产投资公司（AIC）股权投 资……在我国经济迈向高质量发展的新征程中，保险资金迎来一系列政策加持，正以更加积极多元的姿 态，展现出更大作为，成为推动实体经济发展与助力资本市场稳定的重要力量，充分彰显出其作为耐心 资本的独特担当。 截至2024年年末，我国保险公司资金运用余额达33.26万亿元，较2023年年末增长15.08%。这一增速不 仅超越了2023年的11.1%，更是连续两年维持在两位数的高位，彰显出保险资金强大的发展活力与巨大 的发展潜力。 越来越多的保险"长钱"积极响应资金入市号召。自2024年下半年以来，我国多部门合力推动长期资金进 一步入市，金融监管总局全力推进保险资金长期投资改革试点工作。由中国人寿和新华保险联合设立的 鸿鹄基金，首期500亿元已全部投资落地。今年年初，金融监管总局批复第二批试点，规模达520亿元， 太保寿险、泰康人寿及阳光人寿纷纷入围；2025年3月，又新增了第三批试点，规模达600亿元，人保寿 险、太平人寿、平安人寿等5家头部险企加入。截至目前，已有8家保险公司获批开展试点，累计获批总 金额达 1620亿元，为资 ...