Just last week, the bustling world of digital finance in Hong Kong hit a roadblock that no one in the crypto community could ignore. The epicenter of this turbulence is none other than the crypto exchange JPEX. According to its website, JPEX was established in 2020 and brands itself as a “digital asset encryption trading […]
Growing Influence of Fintech-Focused Private Equity in China: Economic Impacts and Challenges for Foreign Investment
In today’s financial landscape, private equity (PE) firms are key players, guiding promising firms towards success. The technology sector’s rapid expansion in recent years, along with its critical role in adapting the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has placed high-growth tech companies a prime target for eager PE investors. Fintech, in particular, has been […]
Can Hong Kong’s New Initiative Boost Stock Market Liquidity Without the Catalyst of Market Making?
In the pulsating world of global finance, one key player is conspicuously absent in Hong Kong’s stock market landscape: the equity Market Maker. These behind-the-scenes heroes are integral to exchanges from Wall Street to London, ensuring that transactions flow smoothly and swiftly. They’re the architects of liquidity, bridging the gap between buyers and sellers, and […]
Grid-Scale Energy Storage: Powering the Future of Renewable Energy
The energy storage industry operates through an interconnected chain, much like a well-oiled machine. Upstream, you find suppliers of battery raw materials and production equipment. Midstream lies the heart: suppliers of batteries, battery management systems, energy management systems, and energy storage converters. Downstream, we meet the end-users: energy storage system integrators, installers, and terminal users. […]
Will Quantum Computing Give China an Edge in Recapturing Lost Ground in Advanced Semiconductor Development due to the US Export Bans?
In the highly competitive global technology race, advanced semiconductors have emerged as a crucial battleground. The recent export bans imposed by the US have significantly impacted China’s semiconductor industry, and the country is scouting for detours to make up for lost momentum. One potential shortcut? The extraordinary world of quantum computing. Let’s explore how this […]
Charting the Course for Sustainability Reporting: Hong Kong’s Response to Global Standards
In an unprecedented move, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), an association of organizations that regulate the world’s securities and futures markets whose members include the Securities and Exchange Commission, has officially endorsed the inaugural Standards (IFRS S1 on general sustainability and IFRS S2 on climate-related disclosures) from the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). […]
The Changing Audit Landscape: Implications for Listed Companies, CFOs, and Directors
The findings of the 2022 Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC) inspection report have shed light on the pressing need for improvements in audit quality, particularly within smaller audit firms. This call for higher standards and the AFRC’s plans for the 2023-2025 inspection cycle have significant implications for listed companies, CFOs, and Directors. In the […]
Navigating the Audit Landscape: Lessons and Insights from 2022 AFRC Inspection Report
In a world where financial transparency is paramount, the role of auditors is more important than ever. Yet, the 2022 inspection report from the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC) provides mixed signs, highlighting the need for concerted efforts in improving audit quality, particularly within smaller audit firms. According to the 2022 inspection report, the […]
Capitalizing on Financial Opportunities as Solar, Battery and Related Storage Manufacturing Soars
Pelican has witnessed a significant increase in clean technology projects spanning waste recycling, clean energy storage, and solar sectors. Notably, clean energy storage has emerged as a trending area, particularly in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This surge is attributed to the growing demand for redistributing clean and conventional energy from regions with surplus […]
Hong Kong’s Ambitious Plan to Become a Leading Family Office Hub
On March 24, 2023, the Hong Kong government issued the “Policy Statement on the Development of Family Offices” to attract global family offices to bring their wealth to Hong Kong. With assets under management reaching USD 2.3 trillion in 2021, Hong Kong has established itself as one of the largest cross-border wealth management centers in […]