China Renaissance Delays Results as Founder's Disappearance Sparks Uncertainty in Hong Kong Stock Market.
The Chinese investment bank China Renaissance has suspended trading of its shares and postponed the release of its annual results amid an investigation into its founder, Bao Fan. The 52-year-old billionaire, a prominent figure in China's tech industry, has been unreachable since mid-February, according to the company.
Shares in China Renaissance have plummeted by as much as 50% since Bao's disappearance, fueling concerns about the bank's financial health and governance. In a statement filed on Sunday, China Renaissance cited "unforeseen circumstances" related to Bao's unavailability, saying auditors were unable to complete their work or sign off on their report.
The company's board is also struggling to meet its deadline for dispatching an annual report by April 30, as required by Hong Kong's listing rules. The delay has raised questions about the bank's ability to manage its finances and comply with regulatory requirements.
Bao Fan, a veteran dealmaker, has been instrumental in brokering major deals for top technology companies in China, including the merger between Meituan and Dianping in 2015. His team has also invested in prominent Chinese electric vehicle makers Nio and Li Auto, as well as internet giants Baidu and JD.com.
However, his disappearance has triggered an investigation into possible wrongdoing, with sources suggesting that Bao may be cooperating with authorities. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the State Supervision Commission have launched a probe into former Bank of China executive Liu Liange, who is suspected of "serious violations of discipline and law."
The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny of China's tech elite and financial leaders under President Xi Jinping's anti-graft campaign. Wang Bin, former party chief and chairman of China Life Insurance, was charged with taking bribes and hiding overseas savings in January.
As China Renaissance's troubles mount, investors are watching closely for signs of a resolution to the situation. The bank's shares remain suspended, and its annual results will not be released until further notice.
The Chinese investment bank China Renaissance has suspended trading of its shares and postponed the release of its annual results amid an investigation into its founder, Bao Fan. The 52-year-old billionaire, a prominent figure in China's tech industry, has been unreachable since mid-February, according to the company.
Shares in China Renaissance have plummeted by as much as 50% since Bao's disappearance, fueling concerns about the bank's financial health and governance. In a statement filed on Sunday, China Renaissance cited "unforeseen circumstances" related to Bao's unavailability, saying auditors were unable to complete their work or sign off on their report.
The company's board is also struggling to meet its deadline for dispatching an annual report by April 30, as required by Hong Kong's listing rules. The delay has raised questions about the bank's ability to manage its finances and comply with regulatory requirements.
Bao Fan, a veteran dealmaker, has been instrumental in brokering major deals for top technology companies in China, including the merger between Meituan and Dianping in 2015. His team has also invested in prominent Chinese electric vehicle makers Nio and Li Auto, as well as internet giants Baidu and JD.com.
However, his disappearance has triggered an investigation into possible wrongdoing, with sources suggesting that Bao may be cooperating with authorities. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the State Supervision Commission have launched a probe into former Bank of China executive Liu Liange, who is suspected of "serious violations of discipline and law."
The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny of China's tech elite and financial leaders under President Xi Jinping's anti-graft campaign. Wang Bin, former party chief and chairman of China Life Insurance, was charged with taking bribes and hiding overseas savings in January.
As China Renaissance's troubles mount, investors are watching closely for signs of a resolution to the situation. The bank's shares remain suspended, and its annual results will not be released until further notice.