Group 1 - The core point of the news is that China Merchants International Securities has officially launched virtual asset trading services after receiving approval from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission to upgrade its existing securities trading license [1][4] - The launch of virtual asset trading marks significant progress for the company in terms of regulatory compliance, innovation, and system optimization [1][3] - The mobile application now offers 24/7 trading services for qualified investors, allowing direct participation in trading Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT) [3][4] Group 2 - China Merchants International Securities is the first Chinese bank-affiliated brokerage in Hong Kong to be granted a license for virtual asset trading [4] - The company aims to integrate traditional stock trading, virtual asset trading, and financial technology applications, focusing on product and channel innovation [4] - Future plans include expanding trading varieties and upgrading functionalities within a risk and compliance management framework [3]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights that Guotai Junan International (01788) experienced a significant stock price increase, rising over 10% at the close, with a current price of 5.42 HKD and a trading volume of 1.916 billion HKD [1] - The company has released a profit forecast indicating a projected net profit of 515 million to 595 million HKD for the first half of 2025, representing a substantial increase of 161% to 202% compared to approximately 197 million HKD in the same period of 2024 [1] - The expected growth in net profit is attributed to a significant rise in revenue from core businesses, including wealth management, corporate financing, asset management, and trading and investment [1] Group 2 - Guotai Junan International has upgraded its Hong Kong Type 1 license to offer virtual asset trading services, allowing clients to trade cryptocurrencies (such as Bitcoin and Ethereum) and stablecoins (like Tether) directly on its platform [1] - Additionally, there is potential for the upgrade of the Type 9 license, which could expand the investment scope to include virtual assets, indicating a future trend where Chinese brokerage firms may extend their virtual asset business from client trading to asset management [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is set to implement a regulatory framework for stablecoin issuers starting August 1, 2025, with the issuance of licenses expected to be limited initially to a few entities, establishing a robust compliance and trust foundation for the market [1][4][8]. Regulatory Framework - The HKMA has released several documents related to the stablecoin regulatory framework, including guidelines for licensed stablecoin issuers and anti-money laundering directives, which will be published on August 1, 2025 [4]. - Institutions interested in applying for a license are encouraged to contact the HKMA by August 31, 2025, to understand regulatory expectations and improve their application materials [4][8]. - The initial phase of license issuance will be limited, with only a few licenses expected to be granted, emphasizing the need for applicants to present concrete business rationales and application scenarios [8][9]. Market Participation - Several institutions, including Ant Group and JD.com, are predicted to be among the first to receive licenses due to their strong blockchain technology foundations and application scenarios [2]. - The HKMA has noted that while many institutions have expressed interest in obtaining licenses, many proposals remain conceptual without practical application plans [8]. Sandbox Testing - The HKMA plans to launch a "stablecoin issuer sandbox" in March 2024, allowing institutions to test their business models and technology systems in a controlled environment [8][9]. Virtual Asset Regulation - Hong Kong is actively developing a global virtual asset center and exploring the application of offshore Renminbi (CNH) stablecoins, with a regulatory roadmap aimed at balancing innovation and risk management in the virtual asset market [11]. - The regulatory framework for virtual assets in Hong Kong is taking shape, with different licenses required for various types of virtual assets, including those linked to stablecoins [11][12]. Institutional Developments - Chinese securities firms are rapidly entering the virtual asset trading service sector, with several firms obtaining licenses to provide compliant digital asset trading services [12]. - The approval of licenses for virtual asset trading services is seen as a significant step for Chinese banks to engage in the virtual asset market, indicating a growing interest and potential for development in this area [12].

Core Insights - Hong Kong is accelerating the construction of an international virtual asset center, prompting Chinese securities firms to diversify their business by entering the virtual asset trading service market [1][4] - The number of Chinese securities firms obtaining licenses for virtual asset trading services is increasing, with notable firms like Zhaoyin International and Guotai Junan International leading the way [1][2] Licensing Progress - Zhaoyin International became the first Chinese bank-affiliated securities firm to obtain a virtual asset trading service license from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission on July 14 [1][2] - Guotai Junan International announced on June 24 that it is the first Chinese securities firm in Hong Kong to provide comprehensive virtual asset trading services [2] - Other firms such as Dongfang Caifu and Tianfeng Securities have also received approval for virtual asset trading services, indicating a faster licensing process among Chinese securities firms [2] Business Diversification - The implementation of the Stablecoin Regulation in Hong Kong on August 1, 2025, is expected to enhance the development of virtual asset trading, cross-border payments, and related services [4] - Analysts believe that the approval of virtual asset trading licenses will allow Chinese securities firms to expand their business and create new revenue growth points [4][5] - Engaging in virtual asset trading is anticipated to improve the resilience of brokerage income and broaden the range of investment products offered to clients [5]

Core Viewpoint - Chinese securities firms are increasingly expanding their presence in the virtual asset business in Hong Kong, with recent approvals for virtual asset licenses from firms like Haitong Securities and China Merchants Bank's subsidiary, CM International Securities [2][3][4]. Group 1: License Acquisition - Haitong Securities and CM International have obtained licenses to provide virtual asset trading services through comprehensive account arrangements, with CM International also acting as an introducing agent for virtual asset trading platforms [2][3]. - As of July 14, 2023, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has seen a continuous increase in the number of institutions holding various types of virtual asset licenses, with 15, 43, 19, 41, and 37 institutions approved for different categories of licenses respectively [3][6]. Group 2: Market Trends and Investor Demand - The growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies and digital assets in mainstream markets has led to a significant increase in investor demand for these emerging asset classes, prompting securities firms to acquire virtual asset licenses to meet client needs [2][8]. - The recent performance of several securities firms in the virtual asset sector has been positive, reflecting market optimism and encouraging more firms to enter this space [8]. Group 3: Regulatory Framework and Industry Dynamics - Hong Kong is accelerating its development as an international virtual asset center, with a regulatory framework that categorizes virtual asset-related businesses into five types, requiring corresponding licenses [6]. - Traditional financial institutions, particularly securities firms, are playing a crucial role in the rapid expansion of virtual asset services, with many firms upgrading their licenses to offer comprehensive trading services [6][8]. Group 4: Future Opportunities - The acquisition of virtual asset licenses allows securities firms to provide a wider range of investment options, enhancing client retention and expanding business opportunities [8]. - Firms like CM International anticipate that their newly acquired virtual asset licenses will open up more development opportunities for their stock business and create more efficient financial service solutions for investors [8].

Core Viewpoint - The approval of virtual asset trading licenses for brokerage firms in Hong Kong marks a significant expansion into the digital finance market, allowing for the integration of virtual assets into diversified investment portfolios and innovative strategies [2][15]. Group 1: License Approvals and Market Impact - On July 14, 2023, China Merchants Jinling International became the first Chinese bank-affiliated brokerage to receive a virtual asset trading license from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission [2]. - Following the approval of licenses, brokerage stocks have experienced significant price increases, with China Merchants Jinling's stock rising over 4.43% on July 15, 2023, after the announcement [3]. - The approval of licenses has led to a surge in stablecoin concept stocks, with a notable 5.18% increase in this sector on the same day [3]. Group 2: Regulatory Framework and License Types - Hong Kong operates a dual-track licensing system for virtual assets, differentiating between security-type and non-security-type assets, with specific licenses required for various business models [5]. - As of July 2025, there are 11 licensed Virtual Asset Trading Platforms (VATPs) in Hong Kong, including OSL and HashKey, with a growing number of firms applying for licenses [6][8]. - By July 2025, 42 brokerages are expected to have upgraded their licenses to provide virtual asset trading services, while 37 firms will offer investment consulting for virtual assets [11]. Group 3: Market Growth and Future Prospects - The total market size for Real World Assets (RWA) has reached approximately $24.4 billion, with significant competition emerging in the stablecoin market as Hong Kong's policies continue to evolve [16][19]. - The "LEAP framework" proposed in the latest policy declaration aims to establish Hong Kong as a global digital asset innovation center, focusing on regulatory optimization, expanding tokenized product types, and fostering cross-sector collaboration [17][18]. - The ongoing trend of compliance in virtual assets is reshaping the non-bank financial industry, creating a collaborative ecosystem for asset issuance, circulation, management, and application [23].

Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in half-year performance forecasts from brokerage firms has made the brokerage industry a focal point in the market, with significant profit increases reported for the first half of 2025 [2] Group 1: Market Performance and Trends - As of July 14, 2025, at least 15 listed brokerages have announced substantial profit increases for the first half of the year, reflecting a strong correlation between brokerage performance and market activity [2] - The average daily trading volume in the A-share market reached 13,891 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 62%, while the H-share market saw a daily trading volume of 2,401 billion Hong Kong dollars, up 118% year-on-year [2] - The average daily financing balance in the A-share market was 18,347 billion yuan, an increase of 23% year-on-year, indicating active leverage in the market [2] - The scale of equity financing in the A-share market has significantly increased, with IPOs and refinancing reaching 37.4 billion yuan and 723.7 billion yuan, respectively, representing year-on-year growth of 15% and 507% [2] - The bond underwriting scale for securities companies reached 75 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 22%, while the Hong Kong IPO market saw a significant recovery with a total of 1,067 billion Hong Kong dollars in IPOs, up 689% year-on-year [2] Group 2: Investment Opportunities and Valuation - The brokerage sector is currently underweighted by actively managed public funds, with a reported allocation of only 0.42% in Q1 2025, which is 6.24% lower than the CSI 300 index [3] - The current price-to-book (PB) and price-to-earnings (PE) ratios for the brokerage sector are 1.44 and 20.75, respectively, indicating that valuations remain low despite a favorable outlook for the year [3] Group 3: Regulatory Developments and Market Dynamics - The passage of the U.S. "GENIUS Act" and Hong Kong's "Stablecoin Regulation" has created a favorable environment for brokerages to engage in virtual asset trading, with expectations for more brokerages to upgrade their licenses for virtual asset services [5] - The approval of institutions to operate virtual assets demonstrates the capability of leading Chinese brokerages to manage compliant operations, paving the way for others in the industry [6] - The focus of competition in the brokerage industry is shifting from low-value homogenized services to building core capabilities in "cross-border digital financial infrastructure," which includes efficient processing of cross-border payments and the tokenization of real assets [7]

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Core Viewpoint - CMB International has officially obtained a virtual asset trading service license from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, becoming the first Chinese bank-affiliated brokerage to do so [1] Group 1 - CMB International received approval on July 14 for the virtual asset trading service license [1] - This marks a significant milestone for CMB International as it expands its service offerings in the virtual asset sector [1] - The approval positions CMB International as a pioneer among Chinese financial institutions in the virtual asset market [1]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the brokerage sector, indicating a potential for growth driven by the integration of traditional and cryptocurrency trading services [2][3]. Core Insights - The report highlights the approval of virtual asset trading services for Guotai Junan International, marking it as the only Chinese brokerage firm authorized to provide such services, which is expected to enhance its business model [2]. - The integration of Guotai Junan and Haitong Securities is noted as a significant event, being the largest A+H share merger in China's capital market history, resulting in a nearly doubled market capitalization from 154.5 billion RMB to 318.9 billion RMB [2]. - The report emphasizes the strengthening of brokerage firms' roles as intermediaries in trading due to the evolving regulatory framework for stablecoins and RWA tokenization, which could lead to expanded business opportunities in derivatives and asset management [2]. Summary by Sections Market Development - The report discusses the collaborative development of the Hong Kong and Shanghai international financial centers, which is expected to drive innovation in brokerage business models [2]. - The regulatory framework for stablecoins in Hong Kong is gradually taking shape, which is anticipated to benefit brokerage firms [2]. Company Performance - Guotai Junan's market share in equity financing underwriting reached 122.6 billion RMB in the first half of 2025, holding an 18% market share, indicating strong performance in the industry [2]. - The report projects a significant increase in Guotai Junan's net profit from 130.2 billion RMB in 2024 to 212.8 billion RMB in 2025, reflecting a 63% year-on-year growth [3]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends three investment lines: 1. Strong brokerage firms benefiting from improved competitive dynamics, including Guotai Junan A+H, GF Securities A+H, and CITIC Securities A+H [2]. 2. Brokerages with significant earnings elasticity, such as Dongfang Securities A+H, East Money, and China Merchants Securities A+H [2]. 3. Firms with strong international business competitiveness, recommending China Galaxy A+H and CICC A+H [2].