The convergence of fintech, digital currency, and cross-border payments is fueling a transformative wave across China’s financial landscape. With strong policy backing, these sectors are entering a golden era of growth—driving innovation, efficiency, and global integration. Central Huijin, a major state-owned investment entity, has significantly increased its stakes in select A-share companies that are strategically positioned at the intersection of these high-potential industries.
This article explores the top five publicly traded firms that have attracted substantial investment from Central Huijin due to their deep involvement in internet finance, digital currency infrastructure, and cross-border payment solutions. These companies not only demonstrate technological leadership but also show strong financial performance and international expansion potential.
The Rise of Fintech and Digital Currency in China
China's push toward a digital economy has accelerated in recent years, with the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) leading the development of the e-CNY (digital yuan). The multilateral mBridge project, which connects central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) across jurisdictions, has achieved real-time settlement between digital RMB, Hong Kong dollars, and Thai baht in just five seconds—a landmark breakthrough in transaction speed and efficiency.
Simultaneously, initiatives like "Cross-Border Payment Connect", launched on June 22, have directly linked mainland and Hong Kong payment systems, vastly expanding the operational scope for financial institutions and fintech enterprises. Analysts project that by 2029, the global digital currency market could surpass $10 trillion, making early movers in this space highly attractive to institutional investors.
👉 Discover how blockchain is reshaping global finance—explore real-time transaction innovations today.
1. HaiLian JinHui: Bridging Global Payments with Blockchain
HaiLian JinHui stands out as a rare holder of a cross-border payment license and holds an MSO (Money Service Operator) license in Hong Kong. This regulatory advantage positions it as a key player in facilitating compliant international fund transfers.
Central Huijin holds approximately 8.92 million shares through asset management plans. The company leverages blockchain technology to enable near-instant remittances—achieving settlement within five seconds—making it one of the fastest cross-border platforms in Asia.
With operations spanning over 40 countries in Southeast Asia, HaiLian JinHui is also considered a potential licensed participant in upcoming stablecoin pilot programs. Its robust compliance framework and scalable infrastructure make it a strategic asset in China’s digital finance ecosystem.
2. Newland: Powering Digital RMB Adoption Across Devices
As a leader in financial tax-control terminals, Newland has extended its dominance into the digital currency space. Central Huijin owns 18.52 million shares, reflecting confidence in its long-term role in China’s cashless transformation.
The company’s payment devices support the full range of digital RMB transactions, enabling seamless adoption for merchants and consumers alike. In Southeast Asia, Newland controls over 40% market share in cross-border payment terminals—an impressive footprint that underscores its regional influence.
Beyond payments, Newland leads in merchant IoT solutions, integrating data analytics and smart hardware to create end-to-end retail ecosystems. This dual expertise in hardware and financial services makes it a cornerstone player in the digital economy.
3. StarNet Rainbow (Xingwang Ruixi): Building the Backbone of Secure Networks
StarNet Rainbow is a leading provider of enterprise-level networking equipment, with Central Huijin holding 20.93 million shares. Its subsidiary, Ascend Technologies, produces payment terminals that fully support digital RMB functionality.
More importantly, StarNet Rainbow actively participates in the mBridge cross-border pilot program, contributing technical expertise to test interoperability between different CBDCs. The company plays a critical role in developing the underlying infrastructure for secure, scalable digital currency networks.
With advanced R&D capabilities and strong government ties, StarNet Rainbow is well-positioned to benefit from both domestic deployment and overseas expansion of digital currency systems.
👉 See how next-gen payment networks are being tested in real-world CBDC pilots.
4. Shiji Information: Enabling Global Hotel Payments via Blockchain
As the world leader in hotel information systems, Shiji Information serves thousands of properties worldwide. Central Huijin holds a significant stake of 44.91 million shares, highlighting its importance in the fintech value chain.
Its Astral payment platform is integrated with China’s CIPS (Cross-Border Interbank Payment System), enabling real-time clearing in 11 major currencies. By applying blockchain technology, Shiji achieves second-level cross-border settlements, drastically reducing transaction times and costs for international hospitality businesses.
In Q1 2025, the company reported an impressive 85.36% year-on-year increase in net profit, driven largely by growth in its cross-border payment segment. This performance reflects strong demand for efficient, transparent financial solutions in global commerce.
5. The Full-License Digital Currency Leader: A Strategic National Asset
One company stands above the rest as the only domestic firm holding a complete set of licenses for digital currency operations. It is also China’s largest provider of financial system infrastructure.
While not explicitly named here due to compliance considerations, this firm is jointly held by Central Huijin and Central China Securities Depository (CCSD). It serves as the backbone for numerous banking and payment platforms across the country.
Notably, it benefits from indirect ownership by a major tech conglomerate, reinforcing its ecosystem reach. In Q1 2025, it posted a staggering 186.70% year-over-year profit growth, attracting heavy institutional interest—with over 62 investment firms establishing large positions.
Central Huijin boosted its stake through CCSD by nearly 700 million yuan, while foreign capital rushed in with an additional 146 million shares acquired—clear signs of intense investor demand.
👉 Explore how institutional investors are positioning for the next phase of digital finance evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Central Huijin’s role in China’s financial markets?
A: Central Huijin is a state-owned investment vehicle that manages equity stakes in major Chinese financial institutions. Its buying patterns are often seen as indicators of strategic national priorities.
Q: Why are internet finance, digital currency, and cross-border payments growing so fast?
A: These sectors are supported by strong government policies, technological advancements like blockchain, and rising demand for faster, cheaper international transactions.
Q: How does mBridge impact global finance?
A: mBridge enables direct CBDC settlements between countries without intermediaries, reducing costs and time. It could reshape how cross-border payments work globally.
Q: Are these stocks suitable for retail investors?
A: While they show strong fundamentals and institutional backing, all investments carry risks. Investors should conduct independent research and consider their risk tolerance.
Q: What makes blockchain important for cross-border payments?
A: Blockchain ensures transparency, security, and near-instant settlement—addressing key pain points like delays, high fees, and lack of traceability in traditional systems.
Q: Is digital yuan replacing physical cash?
A: Not entirely—but it complements cash by offering a more efficient, traceable alternative for everyday transactions and government oversight.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always perform your own due diligence before making any investment decisions.