Asset managers enter new era

Tighter regulation aims to mitigate financial risks, protect investors, safeguard growth

China's 120 trillion yuan ($19 trillion) asset management segment, which comprises trust funds, insurance, securities, public and private funds, and commercial banks' wealth management products or WMPs, is on the cusp of a new era of tighter regulation and balanced growth free of systemic risks.

The new regulatory guidelines were approved by the country's top policymakers on March 28. The unified standards and the clear classification of various asset products were released in the form of a draft guideline in November by the central bank.