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<Research>Jefferies: Stricter Scrutiny for Mainland Investors Opening Investment Accounts in HK; Deposit and Savings Accounts Unaffected
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The share selloff yesterday (4th) in HSBC HOLDINGS (00005.HK), STANCHART (02888.HK), PRU (02378.HK), AIA (01299.HK) and UBS reflected a market misinterpretation of reasonable regulatory measures by mainland authorities to restrict outbound investment activities conducted through grey channels, Jefferies said in its report.

In fact, these regulatory measures instead fortify the position of international financial institutions, as they are conducting business through the "Connect" mechanisms actively encouraged by Beijing and are normally attracting offshore deposits in Hong Kong. The broker viewed this as a formalization of existing procedures.

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On the banking side, the broker’s channel checks indicated that mainland investors opening deposit and savings accounts are unaffected, while those opening investment accounts face stricter scrutiny. The broker believed this is conducive to international banks with dominant positions in the Hong Kong market, such as HSBC HOLDINGS (00005.HK) and STANCHART (02888.HK), as their offshore clients are primarily deposit-based.

The broker forecast limited impact on BOC HONG KONG (02388.HK), as its cross-border business is more corporate-related, while the China business growth of BANK OF E ASIA (00023.HK) is more centered on wealth management.

For insurers, the broker noted a marked difference between investors allocating equity assets themselves and placing funds into professionally managed life insurance funds for prudent retirement planning.

Related News UBS: Mainland Tightens Oversight on Offshore Investment, Expects Slower Short-term New Client Growth for HK Banks

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