China securities regulator unveils plan to ease foreign investor access

SHANGHAI/BEIJING, Oct 27 (Reuters) - The China Securities Regulatory Commission launched a new plan on Monday to streamline the qualified foreign investor regime, introducing measures to ease access requirements, improve operational efficiency, and expand the investment scope.

The plan aims to attract foreign long-term capital and includes a green channel and simplified process for allocation-focused investors such as sovereign wealth funds, international organisations, and pension or charitable funds, the CSRC said.

Qualified foreign investors will also be allowed to use exchange-traded fund (ETF) options for hedging and participate in commodity futures and options trading.

Speaking at a forum in Beijing, CSRC Chairman Wu Qing said the initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance the inclusiveness, adaptability and competitiveness of China's capital markets, according to state media outlet Xinhua Caijing.

As markets undergo risk repricing and asset rebalancing, stability and diversification are becoming priorities in asset allocation, and the value of Chinese onshore and Hong Kong shares is becoming increasingly evident, Wu said.

Separately, Wu said the regulator will launch a shelf-based refinancing mechanism at an appropriate time and improve the efficiency of the filing process for companies seeking overseas listings.