Surging China stocks downplay blockchain links amid crackdown

[SHANGHAI] At least a dozen Chinese listed companies have issued statements this week playing down links to blockchain technology amid signs regulators are trying to limit the kind of speculative surges seen in other markets.

Hangzhou Sunyard System Engineering Co said Thursday it's not involved in blockchain platforms, despite owning a stake in a blockchain company.

Shenzhen Forms Syntron Information Co said Wednesday a blockchain project it's undertaking has "very little contribution" to its earnings and there's "great uncertainty" on its future impact. Both companies said exchange operators had asked them to remind investors of risks.

An emerging enthusiasm for crypto-related stocks is the latest challenge to China's regulators, who've been keen to stamp out any signs of mania since an equity bubble burst in 2015. Sunyard jumped by the 10 per cent daily limit before its statement, while Forms Syntron has rallied 28 per cent this year.

"It's become somewhat a routine now that regulators will take measures or ask listed companies to make such clarifications whenever there's a great deal of speculative trades in the market," said Wang Chen, Shanghai-based partner with XuFunds Investment Management Co.

"The regulators don't want crypto-driven 'stir-frying' of stocks to develop further."

Dalian Yi Qiao Sea Cucumber Co said Monday a wholly-owned unit has yet to receive any payments for its services that use blockchain, so there's "great uncertainty" over its possible contribution to the company's operations. Yi Qiao has jumped 62 per cent this year.

"Blockchain technology isn't mature enough to contribute meaningfully to profits and regulators don't want any speculation on so-called concept stocks," said Dai Ming, Shanghai-based fund manager with Hengsheng Asset Management Co.

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