[Bright Smart Securities Responds to Rumors of Ant Group Acquiring Shares for Virtual Asset Trading Platform License Application: Subject to Official Announcements] Odaily Planet Daily News: Regarding the Hong Kong-listed brokerage Bright Smart Securities Chairman Ye Maolin's plan to sell his entire 50.55% stake to Ant Group, the company's CEO Hui Yibin responded that the transaction is progressing as planned, with monthly updates disclosed in accordance with regulations. While there are various rumors in the market, he emphasized that everything is subject to official announcements. Additionally, in response to market speculation that Ant Group's acquisition of Bright Smart is aimed at applying for a virtual asset trading platform license, Hui Yibin added that the company and Ant Group currently only maintain a relationship as the offeree and offeror. However, they are closely monitoring market developments and will conduct further research to assess whether to upgrade the existing license to a virtual asset license. (Dongwang)