Core Insights - The KPMG report highlights the resilience of Hong Kong's asset management and private equity industry amidst global uncertainties, projecting growth opportunities and challenges ahead [1][11][12]. Industry Overview - By the end of 2024, the total assets under management in Hong Kong's asset and wealth management sector is expected to reach HKD 35.1 trillion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 13% and a significant net inflow increase of 81% [1][16]. - The IPO market in Hong Kong is performing strongly, with HKD 107.1 billion raised in the first half of 2025, driven by a surge in "A+H" listings and a robust pipeline from sectors like TMT and healthcare [1][19]. Industry Consolidation - The report notes an acceleration in industry consolidation, with global and Hong Kong asset management firms pursuing mergers and acquisitions to achieve scale and efficiency, leading to the emergence of a "multi-strategy super market" model [1][25][26]. Regulatory Developments - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is enhancing scrutiny on asset management firms, focusing on private fund management deficiencies and liquidity risk management, while also introducing guidelines for AI governance and virtual assets [1][32][60]. Tax Environment - Reforms to the Unified Fund Exemption (UFE) are expected to broaden the exemption scope and enhance the attractiveness of the tax environment, potentially drawing more funds and investors to Hong Kong [1][41][42]. Private Equity and Alternative Investments - The mainland China market remains a significant area for private equity, with Hong Kong asset managers positioned to capitalize on the growing interest in alternative assets from investors [1][46][47]. - Emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia present new investment opportunities, while mature markets such as Japan and Australia offer stable investment paths [1][48]. Cross-Border Opportunities - The opening of the mainland market provides Hong Kong asset managers with a unique position to serve the global allocation needs of mainland investors, supported by ongoing improvements in cross-border financial mechanisms [2][55]. Artificial Intelligence - The application of AI in asset management is moving towards systematic implementation, driven by the need for operational efficiency and cost reduction, although challenges related to data privacy and regulatory compliance remain [2][59][60]. Virtual Assets - Hong Kong is advancing in the virtual asset space, having granted licenses to ten virtual asset trading platforms, with expectations for growth in related products and services [2][64][66]. Tokenization - The rise of tokenization technology is set to transform wealth management, with regulatory support paving the way for new investment opportunities, although challenges in market liquidity and infrastructure need to be addressed [2][71][72].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that the implementation of the Hong Kong Stablecoin Regulation on August 1 marks the beginning of a trillion-dollar market, prompting major public fund institutions to cautiously explore this new financial ecosystem while actively advancing their business layouts [2][4][9] - Major public fund institutions are adopting a dual approach, focusing on both business development and maintaining a prudent attitude towards the emerging investment landscape [2][11] - Compliance is emphasized as a critical factor in navigating the new investment environment, with institutions acknowledging the need to find their positioning and establish differentiated competitive advantages [2][4][11] Group 2 - The heat surrounding stablecoins is increasing as the regulation's effective date approaches, with significant stock price movements observed in related companies, such as Guotai Junan International, which saw a 198% increase [3] - The rise of stablecoins is expected to lead to a transformation in trading methods and financial infrastructure, with predictions of a 24/7 trading environment enabled by blockchain technology [6][9] - The potential for tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) is highlighted, with ongoing explorations into how stablecoins can facilitate transactions and improve efficiency in both virtual and traditional asset markets [4][6][9] Group 3 - The regulatory framework established by Hong Kong is seen as a significant step towards providing the necessary regulatory certainty for the stablecoin industry, which is crucial for fostering innovation in the financial sector [4][10] - Institutions are actively participating in sandbox initiatives to test new digital currency models and tokenized asset transactions, indicating a collaborative effort to explore the future of finance [9][10] - The introduction of virtual asset ETFs by major public funds in Hong Kong represents an initial attempt to engage with virtual currency assets, showcasing the growing interest and involvement of Chinese asset management firms in this space [10]