ARC Group, a leading global investment banking and management consultancy firm, successfully hosted the Capital Markets & M&A Forum Shanghai 2025 at the Shangri-La Hotel, marking its 10th anniversary and reaffirming its commitment to fostering global investment and financial innovation.

The milestone event brought together industry leaders, institutional investors, and corporate executives to discuss the future of capital markets, investment trends, and M&A activity in China and beyond. With thought-provoking discussions and exclusive networking opportunities, the forum served as a premier platform for deal-making, strategic insights, and collaboration.

Navigating Capital Markets, IPOs, SPACs, and Reverse Mergers

The forum opened with an insightful keynote address by Paul Chong, Venture Partner at ARC Group, who provided a deep dive into the evolving global capital markets. He explored the advantages of listing on the NYSE and NASDAQ, the growing role of SPACs in financing high-growth industries, and how businesses can strategically access funding, overcome capital challenges, and leverage public markets for expansion.

Building on these insights, Crystal Zhang, Managing Partner at ARC Group, led a dynamic panel discussion addressing one of the most pressing issues for companies looking to go public—the increasing regulatory challenges across global markets. She emphasized the critical need for businesses to implement strong corporate governance, compliance strategies, and institutional support to navigate today’s complex financial landscape successfully.

“Capital markets are more dynamic than ever, and companies that can proactively adapt to evolving regulatory requirements while maintaining strong governance will be best positioned for long-term success,” said Crystal Zhang, Managing Partner at ARC Group.

The panel brought together industry experts to discuss best practices for IPO readiness, navigating regulatory frameworks, and the evolving landscape of cross-border listings. Their discussion provided valuable insights into how businesses can structure deals effectively, mitigate risks, and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global financial ecosystem.

Exclusive insights into global and regional M&A market trends

JerryZhu, Vice President at ARC Group provided a comprehensive analysis of the 9.2% growth in global M&A activity, highlighting key trends shaping the industry:

• Global M&A transactions reached $632.3 billion in Q3 2024, the highest since Q3 2022, led by energy-sector megadeals, while tech and healthcare M&A slowed due to increased regulatory scrutiny.
• Asia-Pacific M&A surged by 67.5% quarter-over-quarter, signaling renewed investor confidence.
• China’s M&A market showed mixed trends, with domestic M&A volume declining by 14.3%, but cross-border M&A rising 25%, primarily in advanced manufacturing, TMT (technology, media, telecom), and mining & metals.
• Southeast Asia emerged as a hotbed for Chinese investors, with $84.5 billion in M&A transactions, particularly in energy, financial services, and industrials.

“The M&A landscape is evolving rapidly, with cross-border activity playing an increasingly significant role in global deal-making,” said Jerry Zhu, Vice President at ARC Group. “Despite macroeconomic headwinds, we are seeing strong deal momentum in Asia, and investors are actively exploring opportunities in high-growth sectors.”

“Glocal at speed” –—— The evolution of Chinese companies expanding globally

Xi Zhang, Partner at ARC Group highlighted how Chinese enterprises have evolved from low-cost manufacturing to globalized, high-value business operations, emphasizing local market integration, technology-driven exports, and strategic investments.

He addressed key challenges in global expansion, including geopolitical trade barriers, trust deficits in international markets, oversaturated sectors, and lack of long-term strategic planning.

The session outlined the five critical factors for successful overseas expansion:

• Diversified Global Expansion Models: Companies can expand internationally through various approaches beyond trade and supply chains, such as licensing and investment, to navigate trade barriers effectively.
• Glocal Talent Strategy: Beyond localizing talent in overseas operations, Chinese companies should increase the presence of internationally experienced professionals at headquarters. This requires a more inclusive culture and modern talent management practices.
• Product Localization: Companies must tailor products to local markets, considering cultural differences, consumer preferences, and regional requirements.
• Robust Compliance Framework: A strong global compliance system is essential, covering tax, data privacy, cybersecurity, and ESG to mitigate legal risks and penalties.
• Agile Strategy and Execution: Companies should adopt a strategic, proactive approach while ensuring swift execution, leveraging expert partners and resources for successful global expansion.

“Glocal at Speed” defines the essence of Going Global 3.0, where combines global and local strategies. “Chinese companies are no longer just exporting products—they are building global brands while deeply integrating into local markets,” said Xi Zhang, Partner at ARC Group. “Going Global 3.0 requires companies to move beyond basic expansion strategies and instead prioritize long-term sustainability, regulatory compliance, and cultural adaptation at a rapid pace.”

“As we celebrate our 10-year milestone, this event was not just about looking back but about charting the future of finance. ARC Group remains committed to bridging capital markets, fostering strategic partnerships, and delivering long-term value to our clients and stakeholders,” said Crystal Zhang, Managing Partner of ARC Group.

This forward-thinking vision is mirrored in ARC Group’s ongoing collaboration with Caixin Global, a partnership that has amplified key discussions at CMF Shanghai 2025. As one of China’s most respected financial media platforms, Caixin Global played a pivotal role in providing attendees and the broader financial community with expert analysis, interviews, and in-depth reporting on the rapidly evolving capital markets landscape. “We are proud to continue our collaboration with Caixin Global, a trusted voice in financial journalism. Their expertise and deep understanding of the industry helped elevate this forum and bring critical discussions to a wider audience,” said Crystal.

Celebrating a Decade of Excellence

Looking to the future, ARC Group is more committed than ever to expanding its reach and deepening its expertise in high-growth markets. Since its founding in 2015, the firm has positioned itself as a premier mid-market investment banking firm, specializing in capital markets, M&A, and private equity transactions. Built with a mission to bridge the gap between U.S. capital markets and Chinese companies seeking international expansion, ARC Group has evolved into a global player over the past decade.

As the firm looks ahead, its focus remains on expanding its global footprint, deepening its expertise in emerging markets, and continuing to create value for its clients and partners.

The resounding success of The Capital Markets and M&A forum in Shanghai 2025 sets the stage for future of ARC Group, further solidifying the firm’s position as a leading global investment bank.

We would like to thank Caixin Media for being our trusted media partner and helping us elevate the conversation around the evolving financial landscape.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Anna Sahlberg Carlsson
Marketing Manager
anna.sahlberg@arc-group.com