Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total funded accounts reached approximately 2,900,000, representing a 41% increase year over year and an 8% rise quarter over quarter [5] - Total client assets hit a record HKD 974 billion, up 68% year over year and 17% quarter over quarter [9] - Total revenue was HKD 5.3 billion, up 70% from HKD 3.1 billion in the previous year [13] - Net income increased by 113% year over year and 20% quarter over quarter to HKD 2.6 billion, with a net income margin expanding to 48.4% [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Brokerage commission and handling charge income was HKD 2.6 billion, an increase of 87% year over year and 12% quarter over quarter [13] - Interest income was HKD 2.3 billion, up 44% year over year and 11% quarter over quarter [14] - Wealth management client assets were HKD 163.2 billion, up 104% year over year and 17% quarter over quarter [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The US business showed robust growth, with significant increases in trading volume and client engagement [6][10] - In Japan, total trading volume increased by over 50% quarter over quarter, indicating strong market engagement [39] - The Hong Kong IPO market gained momentum, with the company acting as joint book runners for multiple listings, attracting a record number of subscribers [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become an influential global financial services platform, with over 50% of funded accounts from clients outside of Hong Kong [5] - Plans to enhance brand acquisition through physical store rollouts and new product offerings in wealth management and crypto trading [26] - The company is focusing on integrating AI capabilities into its services to improve client engagement and investment efficiency [32][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted strong asset inflows due to favorable market conditions and enriched product offerings [24] - The company expects steady growth in client acquisitions and trading volume in the third quarter, driven by positive market sentiment [46] - Management expressed optimism about growth prospects in the US market, supported by strategic partnerships and product innovations [50] Other Important Information - The company launched cryptocurrency trading in most US states and plans to introduce new functionalities for crypto trading [26] - The average client assets in Singapore rose 1926% quarter over quarter, reflecting strong market performance [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the reasoning behind the strong net asset inflow and how will the company maintain momentum? - Management attributed strong asset inflow to favorable market performance and enriched product offerings, with plans for more physical stores and new products in the second half [24][26] Question: Can you provide details on the crypto trading performance and future plans? - Management reported strong momentum in crypto trading, with significant increases in asset value and trading volume, and plans for new product offerings [26][27] Question: What are the strategic views on the crypto business and potential for monetization? - Management outlined a four-part strategy (RACE) focusing on real-world assets, advanced technologies, conversions between traditional finance and crypto, and exchange licensing [31][34] Question: What is the competitive landscape in Japan and how is the company addressing it? - Management acknowledged strong competition from incumbents but emphasized the unique value proposition for self-directed investors and ongoing branding efforts [37][40] Question: Can you provide insights on the third quarter expectations for client acquisitions and trading volume? - Management expects steady growth in client acquisitions and trading volume, supported by positive market sentiment and ongoing product development [46][48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total funded accounts reached approximately 2,900,000, representing a 41% increase year over year and an 8% rise quarter over quarter [5] - Total client assets hit a record HKD 974 billion, up 68% year over year and 17% quarter over quarter [8] - Total revenue was HKD 5.3 billion, up 70% from HKD 3.1 billion in the previous year [13] - Net income increased by 113% year over year and 20% quarter over quarter to HKD 2.6 billion, with a net income margin expanding to 48.4% [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Brokerage commission and handling charge income was HKD 2.6 billion, an increase of 87% year over year and 12% quarter over quarter [13] - Interest income was HKD 2.3 billion, up 44% year over year and 11% quarter over quarter [14] - Wealth management client assets were HKD 163.2 billion at quarter end, up 104% year over year and 17% quarter over quarter [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hong Kong continued to lead in new funded accounts, with elevated market volatility driving retail participation [6] - The US business showed robust growth, with a partnership with the New York Mets enhancing brand reach [6] - In Japan, the company hosted an investment event that attracted over 12,000 investors, strengthening brand recognition [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become an influential global financial services platform, with over 50% of funded accounts from clients outside of Hong Kong [5] - Plans to enhance brand acquisition through physical store rollouts and new product offerings in wealth management and crypto [25] - The company is focusing on integrating AI capabilities into its services to improve client engagement and investment efficiency [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted strong asset inflow due to favorable market conditions and enriched product offerings [24] - The company expects steady growth in client acquisitions and trading volume in the third quarter, with positive market sentiment [46] - There is optimism regarding the growth prospects in the US market, supported by product innovations and strategic partnerships [50] Other Important Information - The company launched cryptocurrency trading in most US states and plans to introduce new functionalities for crypto trading [25] - The average client assets in Singapore rose 1926% quarter over quarter, indicating strong growth in that market [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the reasoning behind the strong net asset inflow and how will the company maintain momentum? - Management attributed strong asset inflow to favorable market performance and enriched product offerings, with plans for more physical stores and new products in the second half [24][25] Question: Can you provide details on the crypto trading performance and future plans? - Management reported strong momentum in crypto trading, with asset value increasing significantly and plans for new product offerings in the crypto space [25][26] Question: What are the strategic views on the crypto business and the competitive landscape in Japan? - Management highlighted the importance of traditional finance integration with crypto, advanced technologies, and the unique value proposition for self-directed investors in Japan [30][36] Question: Can you provide insights on the third quarter expectations for client acquisitions and trading volume? - Management expects steady growth in client acquisitions and trading volume, with positive market sentiment contributing to these trends [46] Question: What is the impact of new regulations on client acquisition? - Management indicated that new regulations have not significantly impacted client acquisition, maintaining confidence in achieving annual targets [54]

Core Insights - The demand for wealth management products among listed companies has significantly decreased, reaching a new low since 2022, with a total subscription amount of approximately 2887.69 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 24.5% [1][2][5] Investment Trends - Listed companies are shifting towards a more conservative and diversified investment approach, prioritizing capital safety and liquidity, with a surge in demand for customized services [1][5][8] - The investment in bank wealth management products has slightly increased by 1.7% to 304.8 billion yuan, while subscriptions to securities institution products rose by 7% to 225.01 billion yuan [6][7] Structural Changes - There has been a significant reduction in the allocation to structured deposits, which saw a decline of over 30% to 1712 billion yuan, reflecting a shift in investment preferences [6][7] - The overall investment style of listed companies is becoming more cautious, focusing on risk diversification and flexible asset allocation [7][8] Recommendations for Companies - Companies are advised to optimize asset allocation, diversify investment risks, and stay updated on market dynamics to enhance their financial management strategies [7][8] - It is suggested that companies should not rely on investment income as a primary profit source but rather use wealth management as a liquidity management tool to support core business growth [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q4 2024 was RMB4.4 billion, an increase of 87% from RMB2.4 billion in Q4 2023, with full year revenue growing to RMB13.6 billion, up 36% year over year [16] - Brokerage commission and handling charge income was RMB2.1 billion, up 128% year over year and 35% quarter over quarter [17] - Interest income was RMB2 billion, up 52% year over year and 19% quarter over quarter [18] - Total gross profit was RMB3.7 billion, an increase of 89% from RMB1.9 billion in Q4 2023, with a gross margin of 82.5% [21] - Net income increased by 113% year over year and 42% quarter over quarter to RMB1.9 billion, with a net income margin of 42.2% [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total client assets were HKD343 billion, up 43% year over year and 7% quarter over quarter [10] - Total trading volume jumped by 202% year over year and 52% quarter over quarter to HKD2.89 trillion [11] - In the U.S., stock trading volume grew by 36% sequentially to a historic high of HKD2.08 trillion [12] - Hong Kong stock trading volume grew by 117% sequentially to HKD75 billion [13] - Total client assets in wealth management increased 93% year over year and 14% quarter over quarter to HKD111 billion [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Client acquisitions accelerated across all markets, adding 215,000 paying clients in Q4 alone, totaling over 2.4 million paying clients, a 41% year over year increase [5] - In Singapore, total line assets grew by 19% quarter over quarter, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of sequential growth [10] - The overseas markets recorded the highest quarterly net asset inflow, almost equivalent to the full year 2023 inflow [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to guide for 800,000 new paying clients in 2025, focusing on existing markets without new market entries [5][29] - The company aims to enhance its product offerings, including rolling out crypto trading and expanding wealth management services [37][55] - The management emphasized the importance of AI integration to improve operational efficiency and client-facing capabilities [42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the trading opportunities in both Hong Kong and U.S. markets remain robust, with high engagement from retail investors [34] - The company expects continued strong net asset inflow in 2025, driven by client engagement and market conditions [85] - The management highlighted the potential for further penetration in the crypto market as regulatory frameworks become clearer [53] Other Important Information - The company underwrote 40 Hong Kong IPOs in 2024, ranking first among all brokers for the third consecutive year [14] - The new digital IPO settlement platform introduced by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is expected to enhance retail participation and market liquidity [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on new paying clients for 2025 - Management clarified that the guidance of 800,000 new paying clients does not include new markets, focusing on existing markets with robust growth potential [28] Question: Client acquisition cost (CAC) increase - Management indicated that the target CAC for 2025 is HKD2,500 to HKD3,000, with increased spending on brand equity to enhance long-term user loyalty [29] Question: Current trading volume and market conditions - Management noted that despite setbacks in U.S. stocks, trading volumes remain robust due to increased volatility and client engagement [48] Question: Breakdown of AUM and market impact - Management reported that 24% of asset inflow came from non-Great China areas, indicating strong overseas market engagement [59] Question: Operating expenses and outlook - Management explained the increase in G&A expenses was due to year-end bonuses and one-off professional expenses, with headcount growth expected to be in the low to middle single digits [65] Question: Interest income breakdown - Management stated that approximately 40% to 45% of interest income was derived from idle cash deposits, with the remainder from margin financing and securities lending [81]