Chinese Ant Group to Divest Non-Core Assets, Including Blockchain, for Another HK IPO Attempt, Reports Bloomberg

Following information from insiders cited by Bloomberg, Ant Group is contemplating a restructuring plan. To clear the way for its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, this strategy intends to sell parts of its company that are unrelated to its core financial activities in China. These sources claim that the corporation is thinking about separating its core organization from its database management services, blockchain technology, and overseas activities.

The rationale is to leverage this move for a financial holding license application in China. It’s important to keep in mind that this reorganization plan is still in draft form. 

Ant Group, a major participant in the global fintech sector, unexpectedly scrapped its prior intentions to list in Hong Kong and Shanghai in November 2020.

This move was triggered by new micro-lending regulations proposed by Chinese authorities. With a projected valuation of $315 billion, the dual IPO was anticipated to be the world’s largest. However, in response to regulatory requirements, Ant Group is reassessing its approach to its second IPO attempt.

The decision to strip non-core operations like blockchain technology signifies a significant shift in Ant Group’s strategy. Blockchain technology has been widely utilized in financial industries to improve security, reduce costs, and enhance the speed of transactions. By segregating these operations, Ant Group seems to be realigning its focus on its principal financial services within China.

However, investors and industry observers will be closely monitoring this shift in strategy. Since Ant Group’s first attempt at an IPO was delayed due to increased regulatory scrutiny, this restructuring plan might be perceived as an attempt to meet regulatory requirements more effectively.

It is important to remember that the information above is based on unnamed sources, and Ant Group has not yet released formal announcements on the restructuring plan.

Image source: Shutterstock