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Key people at Haitong.
Haitong was founded in 1988 by Wang Kaiguo (Founder).
Haitong International Securities Group Limited is an international financial institution headquartered in Hong Kong, connecting Chinese and overseas capital markets through securities, asset management, and investment services. The firm offers traditional securities investments, alternative investments including private equity, and customized portfolio management for institutional and high-net-worth clients. Its global reach includes Haitong Bank, formerly Banco Espírito Santo de Investimento, which provides investment banking, corporate finance, and M&A advisory across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Haitong International was the first Chinese institution in Hong Kong to receive a 'BBB' long-term credit rating from S&P. The parent company, Guotai Haitong Securities, acquired a controlling stake in the entity that became Haitong International for HK$1.82 billion. Formed in 2009, Haitong International was established by Guotai Haitong Securities through the acquisition and renaming of Tai Fook Securities.
Haitong was founded in 1988 by Wang Kaiguo (Founder).
Key people at Haitong.
Haitong International Securities Group Limited (Haitong International) is a Hong Kong-based international financial institution and subsidiary of Haitong International Holdings Limited, ultimately backed by China's Guotai Haitong Securities. It provides comprehensive financial products and services to corporate, institutional, and high-net-worth clients worldwide through segments including Wealth Management (advisory, investment solutions, securities, funds, and margin financing), Corporate Finance (underwriting, financial advisory, financing solutions), Asset Management (public/private funds, provident funds), Global Markets (sales/trading of equities/fixed income, brokerage, research), and Investments (funds, debt/equities, private equity, real estate).[1][3] As part of the broader Haitong Group, it connects Chinese and overseas capital markets, with related entities like Haitong Bank offering expertise in corporate/project finance, capital markets, M&A advisory, bonds, derivatives, and asset management across Europe, Latin America, the UK, Poland, France, Brazil, and Macau.[2]
The firm's mission centers on bridging China with global markets, leveraging a cross-border network for origination and client opportunities. Its investment philosophy emphasizes diversified segments with a focus on high-net-worth wealth solutions and institutional services. Key sectors span equities, fixed income, funds, private equity, real estate, and cross-border finance, influencing startup and growth ecosystems through investments and advisory in emerging markets like cleantech, energy, and consumer goods via parent Haitong Securities.[1][2][3][4]
Haitong International traces its roots to 1973, when it was founded as Tai Fook Securities (formerly Taifook Securities Group Limited) in Hong Kong, initially tied to the Chow Tai Fook–New World Development group. Early controversy marked its history, including 1999 accusations of undercutting Hong Kong Stock Exchange commission minimums via gifts from sister companies Chow Tai Fook Jewellery and New World Telephone.[3]
A pivotal shift occurred in 2009 when China's Haitong Securities acquired a controlling stake from NWS Holdings for HK$1.82 billion, leading to the rename to Haitong International Securities Group Limited in November 2010. This takeover integrated it into the expanding Haitong ecosystem, with parent Guotai Haitong Securities driving global ambitions. Key evolution included earning a "BBB" long-term credit rating from S&P—the first for a Chinese firm in Hong Kong—and expansions like acquiring Haitong Securities India from sister Haitong Bank in 2016. Haitong Securities itself, founded in 1988 in Shanghai, laid groundwork for private equity in consumer goods, retail, industrials, cleantech, energy, and renewables.[1][3][4]
Haitong International stands out in the competitive financial services landscape through these strengths:
Haitong rides the wave of global capital market integration, particularly China's outbound investment surge amid Belt and Road initiatives and tech-driven growth in Asia-Europe corridors. Its timing aligns with rising demand for cross-border finance in tech-adjacent sectors like cleantech, renewables, and industrials, where parent Haitong Securities has invested via private equity funds.[4] Market forces favoring it include geopolitical shifts boosting China-linked intermediaries, post-pandemic recovery in M&A/underwriting, and high-net-worth wealth flows from Asia.[1][3]
The firm influences the ecosystem by funding startups in consumer/retail tech and energy transition plays, while advisory services accelerate scaling for tech firms entering China or LatAm. Haitong Bank's EU presence positions it to channel Chinese capital into European tech hubs, amplifying startup access to diverse funding amid VC slowdowns.[2]
Haitong International is poised for accelerated global expansion, leveraging AI-enhanced trading, sustainable finance, and deeper China-EU tech bridges amid rising cross-border M&A. Trends like green energy transitions and digital asset management will shape its trajectory, with private equity arms targeting high-growth tech in renewables and industrials.[4] Its influence may evolve from regional broker to top-tier global player, especially if regulatory tailwinds persist, reinforcing its role as the essential China-overseas conduit that began as a 1973 Hong Kong upstart.[1][3]
