Investing News

Investors watch an electric screen displaying stock price figures at a stock exchange hall on February 18, 2021 in Shanghai, China.
VCG | Visual China Group | Getty Images

Beijing is eyeing new rules that would restrict domestic internet companies to go public in the U.S., the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

Chinese regulators are specifically targeting tech firms with user-related data, and companies that are less data-heavy such as pharmaceuticals could be insulated from the IPO ban, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Shares of Alibaba fell nearly 3% in premarket trading on Friday after losing 15% this month alone. The Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ), which tracks U.S.-listed Chinese shares consisting of ADRs of companies that are headquartered and incorporated in mainland China, has lost 26% this quarter amid the increased regulatory pressure.

The new rules haven’t been finalized and Beijing plans to implement them around the fourth quarter, the Journal reported.

Earlier this week, China’s cybersecurity regulator laid out two aspects of regulation that companies wanting to go public must comply — one is the national laws and regulations, and the other is ensuring the security of the national network, “critical information infrastructure” and personal data.

These industries with critical data include public communication and information services, energy, transportation, waterworks, finance and public services, the regulators said previously.

Beijing is already cracking down on industries from tech to education and gaming, while tightening restrictions on cross-border data flows and security. The government has gone after some of China’s most powerful companies, including DidiAlibaba and Tencent.

Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission has stepped up its oversight on Chinese companies seeking U.S. IPOs. The agency said it will require additional disclosures about the company structure and any risk from future actions from the Chinese government.

The so-called variable interest entities are a structure used by major Chinese companies from Alibaba to JD.com to go public in the U.S. while skirting oversight from Beijing as the country doesn’t allow direct foreign ownership in most cases.

These variable interest entities allow China-based operating companies to establish offshore shell companies in another jurisdiction and issue stocks to public shareholders.

— Click here to read the original Wall Street Journal story.

Enjoyed this article?
For exclusive stock picks, investment ideas and CNBC global livestream
Sign up for CNBC Pro
Start your free trial now

Articles You May Like

Quantum stocks like Rigetti plunge after Nvidia’s Huang says the computers are 15 to 30 years away
Three Key Developments Driving Massive AI Growth Potential in ‘25
New ETFs that combine bitcoin exposure and options are coming in 2025
European wind stocks tumble after Trump says he will stop new turbine construction
This Humble Trend Could Help Uncover Sizable Gains in 2025