FINANCE

Ant Group Wins Mainland Approval for Hong Kong Brokerage Takeover

Published: Mar. 17, 2026 1:47 p.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

Photo: VCG

Fintech giant Ant Group Co. Ltd. has secured approval from Chinese mainland regulators to acquire a controlling stake in a Hong Kong-listed brokerage, clearing the final major hurdle for the transaction.

The deal, first announced in April 2025, will see an Ant Group subsidiary acquire a 50.55% stake in Bright Smart Securities & Commodities Group Ltd. for about HK$2.8 billion ($357 million).

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

Ant Group received Chinese mainland approval to acquire a 50.55% stake in Bright Smart Securities for HK$2.8 billion ($357 million).
The transaction, first announced in April 2025, is set to close on March 30 after previous approval from Hong Kong regulators.
Ant Group’s wealth management arm is leading the acquisition; Bright Smart shares resumed trading after a temporary halt.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

Ant Group Co. Ltd.: Ant Group Co. Ltd. is a fintech giant that has received regulatory approval to acquire a controlling stake in Hong Kong-listed Bright Smart Securities & Commodities Group Ltd. The transaction, valued at HK$2.8 billion ($357 million) for a 50.55% stake, is expected to close on March 30. Ant Group's wealth management arm is reportedly driving the acquisition.

Bright Smart Securities & Commodities Group Ltd.: Bright Smart Securities & Commodities Group Ltd. is a Hong Kong-listed brokerage. Ant Group Co. Ltd. is acquiring a 50.55% stake in Bright Smart for approximately HK$2.8 billion ($357 million). This acquisition, which has received all necessary regulatory approvals, is expected to finalize on March 30. Shares of Bright Smart resumed trading after a brief halt.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When