FINANCE

Bright Smart Rules Out Mainland Brokerage, Web3 Ventures After Ant Deal

Published: Apr. 29, 2026 11:59 p.m. GMT+8

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Hong Kong's Bright Smart Securities announced the full completion of Ant Group's controlling stake acquisition deal. Photo: VCG

Hong Kong listed brokerage Bright Smart Securities & Commodities Group Ltd. dismissed market speculation that it plans to expand services to clients in the Chinese mainland or move into Web3 assets, following the completion of its takeover by Ant Group Co. Ltd.

In a statement released Wednesday, the firm said it will continue to focus on serving local Hong Kong customers and has no plans to provide brokerage services to mainland investors or engage in tokenized-asset businesses. Bright Smart added it will comply with regulatory requirements in both the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong to ensure stable operations.

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Bright Smart dismissed speculation on mainland China or Web3 expansion after Ant Group's takeover, focusing on Hong Kong clients and regulatory compliance.
Ant acquired 50.55% stake for HK$2.8B at HK$3.3/share (17.6% premium); deal started April 2025, closed March 30, 2026 after delays.
Shares volatile: fell to HK$6.8, peaked HK$16.9, settled HK$12.9; eyes digital upgrade.

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Who’s Who

Bright Smart Securities & Commodities Group Ltd.: Bright Smart Securities & Commodities Group Ltd., a Hong Kong-listed brokerage, completed its 50.55% stake acquisition by Ant Group for HK$2.8 billion on March 30, 2026. It dismissed speculation on mainland China expansion or Web3 assets, focusing on HK customers, digital upgrades, regulatory compliance, and Hong Kong's financial hub status. Shares settled at HK$12.9 post-deal.

Ant Group Co. Ltd.: Ant Group Co. Ltd. completed its takeover of a 50.55% stake in Bright Smart Securities & Commodities Group Ltd. on March 30, 2026, after a yearlong process starting April 25, 2025. Valued at HK$2.8 billion (HK$3.3/share, 17.6% premium), it faced regulatory delays from HK SFC and China's NDRC, with an extra HK$164.2 million deposit paid.

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