China plans to strengthen inspections on firms planning IPOs

China’s top securities regulator will increase inspections on firms preparing for initial public offerings (IPOs) this year to enhance supervision and nurture a healthy capital market, according to Xinhua on Monday.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) plans to inspect at least 25 per cent of IPO-bound firms, up from 5 per cent in 2023.

Additionally, scrutiny on listed companies, bond issuers, and firms on the “new third board” will be intensified, the CSRC noted.

The National Equities Exchange and Quotations (NEEQ), known as the “new third board,” provides small and medium-sized firms with a cost-effective and straightforward listing process.