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Ant Group’s Long March

The abrupt suspension of Ant Group's IPO may reflect Chinese authorities' displeasure over a recent speech by the fintech conglomerate’s controlling shareholder, Jack Ma, who was critical of financial regulations that he believes show insufficient understanding and support for fintech innovation. Is Ma right?

NEW YORK – The Chinese fintech conglomerate Ant Group, known for its digital payments and other online financial services, has just been stopped in its tracks, after Chinese regulators suspended its simultaneous public listing, originally scheduled for November 5, on the Hong Kong and Shanghai Stock Exchanges. The suspension is possibly in response to a recent speech by Jack Ma, Ant’s controlling shareholder, who was critical of financial regulations that he believes show insufficient understanding and support for fintech innovation.

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