The Future of Capital Markets in China: Insights from the Shenzhen Co-Hosted Investor Relations Forum with Futu and Nasdaq

The Shenzhen Co-Hosted Investor Relations Forum, held on September 17, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in China's evolving capital markets. Co-organized by Notified, Futu, and Nasdaq, the event brought together nearly 400 financial leaders from 19 countries to address critical questions about market transparency, global investor access, and the role of emerging technologies like AI in reshaping investor relations (IR) strategies Notified Co-Hosts Investor Relations Forum in Shenzhen with Futu and Nasdaq^[1]. As China's economic growth increasingly hinges on innovation-driven sectors, the forum underscored a strategic shift toward openness and digital transformation—a move that could redefine how global capital flows into and out of Chinese markets.

AI and Digital Tools: The New Frontier of Investor Engagement

Eric Liu, Greater China Senior Director of Notified, emphasized the growing importance of artificial intelligence in IR communications. “AI is no longer a buzzword—it's a necessity for real-time, data-driven engagement with both institutional and retail investors,” Liu stated during the forum Notified Co-Hosts Investor Relations Forum in Shenzhen with Futu and Nasdaq^[1]. This aligns with broader trends observed in global markets, where AI-powered analytics and generative search tools are streamlining investor outreach and sentiment analysis. For Chinese companies, particularly those listed in Hong Kong or the U.S., leveraging AI could bridge gaps in communication with international stakeholders, who often demand granular, timely insights into corporate performance.

Futu's Yang Ning echoed this sentiment, highlighting the firm's fully digital financial services as a model for democratizing access to Chinese equities. By integrating AI-driven platforms, companies can now tailor disclosures to diverse investor bases, from U.S. pension funds to retail traders in Southeast Asia Notified Co-Hosts Investor Relations Forum in Shenzhen with Futu and Nasdaq^[1]. This shift is critical as China's capital markets face mounting pressure to meet global standards for transparency—a challenge exacerbated by regulatory complexities like the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) 2025 Perspectives in Private Equity: Cross-border Investment and New Restrictions^[3].

Cross-Border Mechanisms and Regulatory Reforms: A Path to Trust

The Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) has taken concrete steps to enhance international investor access. At the 2025 Global Investor Conference, SZSE officials announced plans to optimize the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect program and launch new indices tailored to global investors 2025 Global Investor Conference, New Opportunities in China—An Open and Innovative Shenzhen Market^[2]. These initiatives aim to reduce friction in cross-border trading while expanding exposure to China's high-growth sectors, such as next-generation information technology and intelligent manufacturing.

Regulatory reforms have also played a key role. According to a report by Griffith University's Asia Insights blog, China's Industry Information Disclosure Guides (IIDGs) have significantly reduced stock price synchronicity by improving the quality of firm-specific information available to investors 2025 Perspectives in Private Equity: Cross-border Investment and New Restrictions^[3]. This reduction in “noise” within the market enhances efficiency, making it easier for foreign investors to assess individual companies rather than relying on broad macroeconomic trends. Such measures are essential for rebuilding trust after years of volatility and regulatory uncertainty.

Sector Opportunities: Innovation as a Magnet for Capital

The forum highlighted China's “new quality productive forces” as a cornerstone of its economic strategy. Sectors like new energy, AI, and advanced manufacturing are not only driving domestic growth but also attracting foreign capital. For instance, the SZSE's collaboration with international institutions to host roadshows for listed companies has already drawn interest from asset managers in Europe and North America 2025 Global Investor Conference, New Opportunities in China—An Open and Innovative Shenzhen Market^[2]. These efforts align with China's broader push to position itself as a leader in green technology and digital infrastructure—a narrative that resonates with global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investment trends.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite these strides, challenges remain. Regulatory scrutiny under CFIUS and other frameworks continues to complicate cross-border investments, particularly for tech firms 2025 Perspectives in Private Equity: Cross-border Investment and New Restrictions^[3]. Moreover, geopolitical tensions and divergent regulatory philosophies between China and Western markets could slow progress. However, the Shenzhen forum demonstrated a clear commitment to addressing these issues through collaboration. Nasdaq's participation, for example, signaled a willingness to bridge gaps between Chinese and global market practices, offering a blueprint for future partnerships.

Conclusion

The Shenzhen forum is more than a regional event—it is a microcosm of China's broader strategy to integrate its capital markets into the global financial ecosystem. By embracing AI, refining cross-border mechanisms, and prioritizing transparency, Chinese exchanges and regulators are creating a more hospitable environment for international investors. For global asset managers, the message is clear: China's markets are evolving, and those who adapt to these changes will be best positioned to capitalize on the opportunities ahead.