Core Insights - The "19th Shenzhen International Financial Expo and 2025 China Financial Institutions Annual Conference" highlighted opportunities and paths for high-quality development in the securities industry amidst new challenges [1] Group 1: Asset Management Industry Dynamics - The discussion emphasized the importance of public fund licenses for securities asset management, influencing business models and strategic layouts [2] - Companies like Caitong Asset Management have developed a diversified business model with a focus on active management and a dual-license approach, while still aiming to enhance client experience [2] - Huazhong Securities has focused on refining its private fund offerings despite not having a public fund license, achieving positive results through product diversification and investment capability enhancement [2][3] Group 2: Competitive and Cooperative Landscape - The relationship between securities asset management and other financial institutions is evolving from pure competition to a mix of competition and cooperation [4] - Securities asset management is positioned to serve high-net-worth clients and non-bank institutions, leveraging unique product offerings and asset allocation capabilities [4] - The challenges faced by bank wealth management present opportunities for securities asset management to collaborate and expand their client base [4] Group 3: Strategic Development and Value Creation - Securities asset management should leverage its strengths in fixed income, FOF, and derivatives to enhance risk-adjusted returns and improve client experiences [5][6] - The unique "brokerage gene" of securities asset management can be transformed into sustainable productivity, driving internal growth and enhancing service offerings [7] - Effective asset-liability management and a focus on client needs are crucial for the long-term success of securities asset management [8]

Core Viewpoint - The withdrawal of Guangfa Asset Management and Guangzheng Asset Management from the public fund management license application process indicates a shift in the industry from a focus on obtaining licenses to emphasizing operational capabilities and differentiation in product offerings [1][12][16] Group 1: License Application and Market Dynamics - Guangzheng Asset Management withdrew from the application process after waiting over two years, similar to Guangfa Asset Management, which manages over 250 billion in assets [1] - The urgency in obtaining licenses is driven by regulatory requirements mandating that certain products must complete public offering transformations by the end of 2025, or face liquidation or conversion to private funds [3][5] - The time-consuming nature of the application process has led firms to seek alternative strategies, such as transferring products to affiliated fund companies that already hold public licenses [5][6] Group 2: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Obtaining Licenses - The costs associated with obtaining a public fund license, including building research teams and compliance systems, can reach millions annually, making it less attractive for firms [8][10] - The competitive landscape for public fund management is saturated, with 164 firms vying for market share, making it difficult for new entrants to achieve significant scale [10] - In contrast, private fund strategies, such as FOF and alternative investments, offer higher profit margins and quicker returns, appealing more to leading firms [10] Group 3: Industry Evolution and Future Outlook - The industry is transitioning from a "license acquisition" mindset to one focused on "capability competition," where firms must demonstrate unique value propositions rather than simply holding licenses [12][14] - Regulatory scrutiny has increased, with a focus on differentiation among firms, as evidenced by feedback received by firms like Guozheng Asset Management [12][16] - The withdrawal from the license application process is seen as a rational decision, allowing firms to concentrate on their core competencies and deliver better products to investors [14][16]