Guotai Junan Securities Response to Ant Group: Acquisition of Equity Stake Rumors for Virtual Asset Trading Platform License Application: Please refer to the official announcement

BlockBeats News, August 27th. Regarding the plan of Ye Mao-lin, Chairman of Hong Kong-listed securities firm Bright Smart Securities, to sell all 50.55% of the company's shares to Ant Group, the company's CEO Ivan Ko Yak-Pun responded by stating that the transaction is progressing as planned. The company will disclose the progress monthly as required. There have been various rumors in the market, but it is emphasized that all information should be based on official announcements.

In addition, regarding market speculation that Ant's acquisition of Bright Smart is for the purpose of applying for a virtual asset trading platform license, Ivan Ko Yak-Pun added that the company's current relationship with Ant is only that of an offeror and offeree. However, they are closely monitoring market developments and will conduct further research to consider whether to upgrade the existing license to a virtual asset license. (Oriental Daily News)