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]