2024-01-23

Value Partners and VSFG Announce Strategic Partnership for Supporting the Growth of Virtual Asset Ecosystem in Hong Kong

(Hong Kong, 22 January 2024) – Value Partners Hong Kong Limited (“Value Partners HK”), a subsidiary of Value Partners Group Limited (“Value Partners”), which is one of Asia’s leading independent asset management companies, and Venture Smart Financial Holdings Limited (“VSFG”), Hong Kong’s first Securities and Futures Commission (“SFC”) approved virtual asset manager, are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) to join forces to bring innovative investment solutions that connect virtual assets with traditional investment vehicles to both retail and institutional investors.

The virtual assets landscape has been evolving rapidly and gaining popularity, with an increased demand for virtual asset investment solutions in Hong Kong. Through this partnership, Value Partners and VSFG aim to contribute to the continued growth and success of Hong Kong as a leading International Virtual Assets Centre. To kickstart this partnership, the Hong Kong-based companies have joined hands to explore launching a spot bitcoin ETF in Hong Kong, with an aim to secure first-mover advantages.

The spot bitcoin ETF will be structured to track the spot prices of Bitcoin, offering investors a new and innovative way to access and participate in the performance of this asset using traditional financial infrastructures. The spot bitcoin ETF will provide increased flexibility, transparency and liquidity, making it an attractive option for both retail and institutional investors.

With more than 30 years of experience in asset management in Hong Kong, Value Partners has a wealth of expertise in a broad array of investment products including ETF, while VSFG’s experience and technical know-how as the first virtual asset manager in Hong Kong to launch the city’s first regulated bitcoin fund in June 2020 are also crucial factors contributing to the success of the ETF.

June Wong, Chief Executive Officer at Value Partners, said, “To bring digital investment solutions to investors as we eye on the untapped opportunities in the prevailing trend of virtual assets, we have made the strategic move to embark on this partnership with VSFG, a pioneering virtual asset manager in Hong Kong. The plan to launch a spot bitcoin ETF marks our first collaborative initiative, offering Hong Kong investors exposure to the world’s largest digital asset, all while enjoying the convenience and efficiency of the ETF vehicle. Leveraging Value Partners’ extensive knowledge and track record in managing ETFs as well as VSFG’s profound experience, we are well-equipped to offer our clients with more investment options, particularly in virtual assets, helping them capture market opportunities and navigate this dynamic and evolving space.”

Lawrence Chu, Chairman at VSFG, added, “We have seen a rapid evolution and great potential of the global virtual asset landscape over the past few years, and Hong Kong is no exception. At VSFG, we have been diligently planning and engaging in discussions with market practitioners on the positive momentum for the virtual asset realm and hope to provide more investment options for investors through spot virtual asset

ETFs. Through our combined efforts with Value Partners on the development of a spot bitcoin ETF in Hong Kong, we aim to support Hong Kong to become an international virtual assets centre.”

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About Value Partners Group Limited (Value Partners)

Value Partners, one of Asia’s leading independent asset management firms, seeks to offer world-class investment services and products. Since its establishment in 1993, the Company has been a dedicated, specialist value investor in Greater China and Asia. In November 2007, Value Partners Group became the first asset management firm to be listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock code: 806 HK). In addition to its Hong Kong headquarters, the firm operates in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and London. Value Partners’ investment strategies cover equities, fixed income, multi-asset, alternatives, real estate and quantitative investment solutions, for institutional and individual clients in Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States. Value Partners is one of the leaders in ESG investing in Greater China and is committed to developing its ESG capabilities further. For more information, please visit www.valuepartners-group.com.

About Venture Smart Financial Holdings Limited (VSFG)

VSFG is a global financial services platform headquartered in Hong Kong, striving to integrate traditional wealth management with the future of finance. In 2020, Venture Smart Asia Limited, subsidiary of VSFG, became the first virtual asset manager in Hong Kong approved by Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to manage portfolios that may invest up to 100% of assets in crypto assets. VSFG is dedicated to the research and development of products and services that can integrate traditional and virtual assets under a compliant regulatory framework, helping individuals and institutions to allocate their assets in an orderly manner in both traditional and virtual worlds. In addition, VSFG and its affiliated companies are committed to proactively developing and delivering relevant services to promote the development of both family office businesses and virtual assets, shoring up Hong Kong’s position as a global financial centre. For further information on VSFG, please visit www.vsfg.com.

Media Contact

Value Partners Hong Kong Limited
Alice Wong
alicewong@vp.com.hk
+852 2143 0340

Venture Smart Financial Holdings Limited
Natalie Ko
natalie.ko@vsfg.com
+852 3589 6934