CTFS Acquires Equity Interests in uSmart Inlet Group Limited
To Expand Wealth Management Services in Greater China and Southeast Asia

(18 March 2025 ─ Hong Kong) CTF Services Limited (“CTFS” or “the Group”, Hong Kong stock code: 659) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement with Genius Professional Enterprises Limited and independent third parties to acquire a 43.93% interest in uSmart Inlet Group Limited (“uSMART”), with a total consideration of approximately US$130 million (equivalent to approximately HK$1 billion). This strategic acquisition will empower the Group to develop a holistic wealth management platform and enhance its insurance business - Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited (“CTF Life”).

uSMART is a leading technology company specializing in the financial industry, dedicated to providing professional one-stop financial and wealth management services and solutions primarily in Hong Kong and Singapore to both retail and institutional clients. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including online securities brokerage, fintech solutions in securities trading and wealth management. uSMART holds licenses from regulatory bodies to conduct various equity and capital market services in Hong Kong, Singapore and the U.S..

Brian Cheng, Executive Director and Group Co-Chief Executive Officer of CTFS stated: "The acquisition of uSMART aligns with our strategy for the future development of Financial Services segment. With its rapid growth and robust capabilities in the financial sector, uSMART will further strengthen CTFS by fostering stronger synergies with our insurance arm, CTF Life, and other industries the wider Chow Tai Fook Group’s ecosystem possesses. This move also enables us to expand our presence in Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and the U.S. regions. Additionally, it allows us to offer a broader range of digital brokerage and trading solutions to our customers, while introducing innovative securities software and fintech propositions to our stakeholders."

Gilbert Ho, Executive Director and Group Co-Chief Executive Officer of CTFS added: “Mainland investors have a strong desire for global asset allocation, continuously exploring alternatives to deploy their capital for better returns and to hedge against currency fluctuation. By leveraging uSMART's diverse product offerings, industry expertise, and extensive client network, we are well-positioned to expand our customer base and capitalize on the cross-selling opportunities across the Chow Tai Fook Group. In the long term, this will further strengthen CTF Life's position as a leading player in the industry."

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