Core Viewpoint - The decision by Ping An Fund to suspend its APP operations by August 31, 2025, signals a significant shift in the public fund industry, highlighting challenges faced by mid-sized and small fund companies in maintaining direct sales APPs due to high operational costs and low returns [1][5][6] Group 1: Industry Trends - Several public fund companies, including Guoshou Anbao Fund and Morgan Stanley Fund, have also shut down their APPs this year, indicating a broader trend in the industry [1][3] - The operational costs for maintaining a fund APP are substantial, with estimates exceeding 2 million yuan annually, making it difficult for many companies to justify the investment [5][6] - The trend of shutting down APPs has expanded from small public funds to mid-sized funds with over 100 billion yuan in assets under management [4][5] Group 2: User Engagement and Competition - Leading fund companies like E Fund and Huaxia have higher user engagement on their APPs compared to third-party platforms, but still lag behind in terms of active user numbers [2] - Despite some companies exiting the APP market, others are investing in enhancing their APP services, indicating a split strategy within the industry [2][7] - Recent upgrades to APPs by major firms have resulted in increased user activity, with some reporting significant month-on-month growth in active users [7] Group 3: Future Outlook - The industry is gradually shifting towards a customer-centric approach, with a focus on enhancing investor experience and reducing fees [8][9] - The development of a buyer advisory model is still in its early stages but is expected to grow, leveraging the strong research capabilities of fund companies [11] - Regulatory support for the fund advisory business is being strengthened, with new guidelines aimed at promoting standardized and automated services for institutional investors [10][11]

Core Viewpoint - The recent announcement by Ping An Fund to suspend its APP operations by August 31, 2025, has sparked significant market attention, indicating a potential shift in the public fund distribution strategy within the industry [1][3]. Group 1: Industry Trends - Several public fund companies, including Guoshou Anbao Fund and Morgan Stanley Fund, have also shut down their APPs this year, suggesting a broader trend in the industry [3][6]. - The closure of APPs by mid-sized public funds reflects the increasing operational and maintenance costs that are difficult to justify against low user engagement and financial returns [3][7]. - As of mid-2025, Ping An Fund's management scale reached 655.4 billion yuan, with a non-monetary scale of 251.7 billion yuan, ranking 24th in the industry [3][7]. Group 2: Operational Challenges - The annual cost of maintaining a fund APP is estimated to exceed 2 million yuan, which includes expenses for technical development and content operations, making it unsustainable for many mid-sized funds [7]. - The user engagement of fund APPs from leading companies is relatively low compared to third-party platforms like Tiantian Fund and Ant Wealth, leading to a significant disparity in active user numbers [3][7]. Group 3: Strategic Responses - Despite some companies exiting the APP market, leading firms are investing in enhancing their APP services to improve user experience and engagement [3][8]. - Recent upgrades to APPs from major funds, such as Nanfang Fund and Yinhua Fund, have resulted in increased user activity, with some reporting a month-on-month growth in active users [8][9]. - The industry is gradually shifting towards a customer-centric approach, focusing on enhancing investor experience and reducing overall fees, which may lead to a restructuring of sales channels [9][11]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The development of direct sales APPs is seen as promising, provided that they focus on delivering investment research insights and comprehensive services to investors [4][10]. - Regulatory frameworks are being established to support the growth of fund advisory services, indicating a potential expansion of the direct sales model in the future [12].

Group 1 - Ping An Fund was established in 2011, headquartered in Shenzhen, with a registered capital of 1.3 billion RMB, and is controlled by Ping An Group [2] - The business scope of Ping An Fund includes public fund management, capital market special account management, and private asset management through its subsidiary [2] - Several public funds, including Guoshou Anbao Fund and Caitong Fund, have recently terminated their mobile app operations, indicating a trend in the industry [2] Group 2 - Smaller fund companies have also suspended or terminated their app operations, highlighting the challenges faced by these firms in maintaining cost-effective direct sales channels [2] - The operational and maintenance costs for fund apps can range from over 1 million to nearly 10 million RMB, with low direct sales customer numbers leading to poor economic viability [2]

Core Viewpoint - The closure of the "Guoshou Anbao Fund" app by Guoshou Anbao Fund Management Co., Ltd. reflects a broader trend of shrinking online direct sales channels among small and medium-sized public funds in the industry [3][6][9] Group 1: Company Actions - Guoshou Anbao Fund announced the termination of its app's operation and maintenance services starting March 31, marking its exit from the independent mobile client sector [3][5] - Investors can still manage their accounts through the company's official website and WeChat account, with processes remaining consistent with the app [5] - The decision to close the app is part of the company's strategic adjustment, emphasizing risk management and compliance [5][9] Group 2: Industry Trends - Guoshou Anbao Fund is the fourth public fund to shut down its online direct sales platform in 2023, indicating a trend among small and medium-sized public funds [6][8] - Other funds, such as Beixin Ruifeng Fund and Guojin Fund, have also announced similar closures, highlighting a wave of app shutdowns in the industry [6][7] - The closure trend is attributed to high operational costs, low user engagement, and the competitive landscape of the public fund industry [8][9] Group 3: Operational Challenges - The high costs associated with maintaining a direct sales app, including technology updates and marketing, are unsustainable for many small public funds [8] - Regulatory changes, such as limits on third-party payment services and strict compliance requirements, have further increased operational costs [8] - Despite the closures, many institutions are enhancing their website and WeChat services to maintain customer engagement and improve user experience [9]