Dong Zhao, cofounder of Grandford Capital Photo: Courtesy of Grandford Capital

Amid the current industrial transformation in China, financial firms are playing essential roles in providing financial support and investment restructuring to this energetic market. 

Dong Zhao is the cofounder of Grandford Capital, a Beijing-based asset management company. Under Zhao's leadership, the company has become a top asset management leader in China. His unique talents in capital analysis and corporate management have long been the key to Grandford Capital's growth and huge success. Fund products under Zhao's management have won ­Grandford multiple nationally recognized awards such as the Yinghua Award established by the China Fund. These awards are strong evidence for Grandford's outstanding asset management ability and industry position. 

Q: What's your projection for China's macro economy and equity market in 2023?

A: I believe there will be a strong recovery of the domestic economy in 2023. I make this prediction because every sector of its economy is showing promising signals under current pro-growth policies.

First of all, the Chinese property market is expected to experience a turnaround in 2023. Chinese people's demand for homes has always been high, and in 2023, I think this demand will translate into booming property sales. Second, the recovery of the property market, together with new policies and measures to stimulate the economy, will drive private consumption, especially services consumption, to grow rapidly. Third, according to our research, the unemployment rate, inflation and debt default risks will all remain manageable. 

Therefore, we have an optimistic outlook on the Chinese capital market in 2023.  

Q: How does Grandford Capital make contributions to society with its advantages?

A: As a top institutional investor, Grandford Capital is focused on equity investment in the capital market, which is an indispensable force to sound economic growth and provides wings for enterprises to take off.

I have been advocating and exploring investment opportunities in different industries with my forward-looking research. I select sectors and companies with competitive advantages and promising prospects for investment, which helps to achieve optimal allocation of capital resources.

Grandford Capital's investment scope and client sources are international, and our equity research team is also built for handling various investment markets across the globe. Our international investment model can help our clients share the growth of quality companies worldwide and further diversify investment risks.

Q: How have your efforts benefited the company and the industry?

A: Since the establishment of Grandford Capital, I have secured remarkable investment returns for investors and ­cooperators and positive feedback about Grandford Capital, boosting the company's reputation and recognition and helping it raise more funds.

As a cofounder of the company, I have taken charge of the company's research team and been responsible for every investment decision, which has helped Grandford Capital get to where it is today.

My expertise and historical performance are well recognized in the asset management industry. Over the past few years, Granford Capital has worked with banks, brokerages and other distribution channels, covering various fields including investment strategy communication, channel distribution, client road shows and client services. Our work has been praised by our working partners and clients, and has contributed to the development of the capital management industry. 

Q: How have you built and developed the investment research team at Grandford Capital? 

A: Research is the cornerstone of investment. I have made great ­efforts in building a research team that truly understands Grandford Capital's investment strategies. Our research team members are composed of ­veterans with an average of over five years' experience. Every research analyst is an expert in his or her covered industries or sectors.

Also, I strive to build synergy with portfolio managers so that investment decisions can be made wisely. As a leader, I hold investment meetings to share my vision, strategies and plans with team members and determine the final goal of each investment. 

I also spend time working closely with each employee, which fosters a more positive and collaborative work environment.