Core Viewpoint - The acceleration of small and medium-sized securities firms in expanding their international business, particularly in Hong Kong, is driven by the active trading environment and emerging opportunities in virtual asset trading and cross-border wealth management [2][10]. Group 1: Company Developments - Guolian Minsheng Securities has received a trading license from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, marking a significant milestone in its business expansion in the Hong Kong financial market [3][4]. - Several small and medium-sized securities firms, including Northeast Securities, Western Securities, and First Capital, have announced plans to establish Hong Kong subsidiaries this year [6][8]. - Guolian Minsheng Securities' Hong Kong subsidiary aims to enhance its core business areas, including investment banking underwriting, stock trading, and stock custody services [3][7]. Group 2: Industry Trends - The trend of small and medium-sized securities firms establishing Hong Kong subsidiaries is not merely a trend but a strategic move to leverage the active Hong Kong market and avoid direct competition with larger firms in IPO underwriting [2][10]. - The total assets of mainland securities firms' overseas subsidiaries reached HKD 1.64 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 20.45%, indicating a growing international presence [9]. - The number of licensed institutions in Hong Kong has increased, with 48 firms expanding their services to include virtual asset trading, reflecting a shift in the market landscape [7][10]. Group 3: Challenges and Regulatory Environment - Despite the growth opportunities, challenges remain for mainland securities firms, including declining profit margins and the risk of losses in international operations [10][11]. - Recent regulatory actions highlight compliance issues within the international operations of some firms, emphasizing the need for robust risk management frameworks [12]. - Industry experts suggest that small and medium-sized firms should focus on enhancing their capabilities rather than merely acquiring licenses to succeed in the competitive global market [13].

Core Insights - The article highlights the accelerated international business expansion of small and medium-sized securities firms in China, particularly in Hong Kong, with several firms obtaining licenses and establishing subsidiaries [1][10][11]. Group 1: Company Developments - Guolian Minsheng Securities has received a trading license from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, marking a significant milestone in its international strategy [4][5]. - Other firms, such as Northeast Securities, Western Securities, and First Capital, have also announced plans to establish Hong Kong subsidiaries, indicating a trend among smaller firms to enter the market [12][13]. - Guolian Minsheng Securities' Hong Kong subsidiary will focus on investment banking underwriting, stock trading, and stock custody services [4][5]. Group 2: Market Trends - The Hong Kong market is experiencing increased trading activity and a surge in technology IPOs, providing a differentiated development space for smaller securities firms [2][22]. - The total assets of overseas subsidiaries of Chinese securities firms reached HKD 1.64 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 20.45%, indicating robust growth in international operations [18]. - The Hong Kong stock market has seen a revival, with net profits in the securities industry increasing by 14% to HKD 28.9 billion in the first half of the year [14][19]. Group 3: Challenges and Strategic Shifts - Despite the growth, some firms have faced challenges, with reports of losses and delistings among certain subsidiaries, prompting some firms to reconsider their international strategies [2][20]. - The role of Hong Kong is evolving from a mere "outbound bridge" to a "strategic high ground" for international business, attracting more firms to increase their investments in the region [18][22]. - Regulatory scrutiny has increased, with firms needing to balance international expansion with compliance and risk management [21][22].