Regulation
2022 preview: ESG
Keeping tabs on sustainability credentials at the portfolio and company level will become more data-driven and collaborative. Eventually, getting results will require greater sacrifices
Q&A: Legend Capital's Richard Li
Richard Li, president of Legend Capital, on evolving US-China relations, the logic behind the recent wave of regulation, investing in line with government policy, and why LPs should get used to onshore exits
China's Didi to delist in New York
China ride-hailing platform Didi, which has traded poorly ever since being targeted by regulators in the wake of its IPO in June, plans to delist from the New York Stock Exchange and relist in Hong Kong.
SPAC regime reflects HK's cautious approach to expansion - AVCJ Forum
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx) is positioning its soon-to-launch special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) regime as part of efforts to broaden its appeal in terms of capital markets tools and geographies. At the same time, executives are wary of...
China IPOs: The star still wanes
Proceeds from private equity-backed offerings on China’s Star Market are down 75% from their peak one year ago, reflecting ongoing regulatory interference and diminished investor confidence
Investors see China regulatory turbulence as short-term - AVCJ Forum
Regulatory uncertainty overshadowing China's technology sector is a temporary phenomenon, investors told the AVCJ Private Equity & Venture Forum, while noting that targeting areas favored by the government remains a safe play.
Ascendent abandons China education take-private
A consortium led by Ascendent Capital Partners has abandoned its planned $230.6 million take-private of Tarena International, a China-based provider of adult professional and K-12 education services.
China regulation: Shock and awe
A raft of rules, largely targeting the technology sector, has challenged business cases and thwarted exits in China. It is also contributing to tweaks in investment strategy
North Asia IPOs: Welcome eruptions
A steady rhythm of small and mid-sized IPOs in North Asia is now being punctuated by globally noticeable events. Valuations are up, but Korean and Japanese investors are game
Southeast Asia IPOs: Opportunity knocks
A breakthrough offering in Indonesia and regulatory progress in Singapore highlight Southeast Asia’s growing viability as a tech IPO market. It’s unclear how well this is being communicated globally
Hong Kong IPOs: Winner by default
New York’s loss is expected to be Hong Kong’s gain as regulatory and political turbulence drives Chinese start-ups to look for alternative listing destinations – unless valuations become a sticking point
China e-commerce: Chaos in the community
With investor sentiment on China’s technology sector cooling, community group buying platforms are battling to conserve cash. This has done little for the government’s anti-monopoly drive
SPACs: Longer menu
As the US recovers from a glut in SPAC fundraising, Asian jurisdictions are launching their own regimes. Not every start-up is a good fit for New York. Is Singapore or Hong Kong a good fit for them?
Fund focus: Vitalbridge plays it safe
The China-based venture capital firm declined to increase its Fund II hard cap as regulatory uncertainty mounted. It now has $275 million in dry powder earmarked for services digitalization
China in six trends
Key themes in China private equity fundraising, investment, and exits
Hong Kong outlines plans for local SPAC listings
Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing (HKEx) has proposed rules for IPOs by special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), admitting they are more stringent than the US system, but noting the need for more safeguards in a relatively retail investor-heavy market.
China's Ximalaya abandons US IPO
Ximalaya, a Chinese online audio platform backed by the likes of Tencent Holdings, General Atlantic, and Goldman Sachs, has canceled its planned IPO.
China take-privates: Holding pattern
Pressure is mounting on Chinese companies listed in New York, from domestic and US regulators. Is another wave of PE-backed take-privates imminent?
China launches Beijing Stock Exchange
China has set up its first new bourse since the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges in 1990. Beijing Stock Exchange is expected to facilitate exits for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
China promises clampdown on illegal PE fundraising
China’s securities regulator has pledged to crack down on illegal domestic private equity fundraising, specifically products that managers claim are aimed at qualified investors but they in fact distribute to the retail market.
Blockchain: Going mainstream
The most disruptive technology in financial services is also the most esoteric and misunderstood. As a long, speculative uptake phase unfolds, investors are coming to terms with the future
Vision Fund pulls back from China amid regulatory uncertainty
SoftBank Vision Fund is taking a “wait and see” approach to China, holding back on new investments in the country until the full ramifications of regulatory action in the technology sector are known.
China education: Opportunity erased?
Private equity investors have pumped billions of dollars into Chinese online education platforms, notably in the K-12 space. A regulatory crackdown has left them wondering how they can get their money back
India IPOs: A pleasant surprise
The lack of a reliable IPO channel is a longstanding exit obstacle for venture capital investors in India. Domestic listings may, unexpectedly, prove to be the answer
