Chapter 282: Insurance and Banking

"Want more?"

Wang Qi was stunned, not understanding what Xia Yu meant.

"That's right!"

"Wang Qi, do you think if we had Jardine Insurance, it would be a big help to us?"

Xia Yu said casually.

But when Wang Qi heard this, it was like a thunderclap, leaving him dumbfounded.

Jiu Ding Securities combined with Jardine Insurance?

Wang Qi suddenly felt his mouth go dry. He licked his lips and swallowed hard, staring at Xia Yu closely. Observing that Xia Yu seemed serious and not joking, Wang Qi was startled. 

Weren't they planning to acquire Wharf? Why are they eyeing Jardine Insurance now?

Jardine Insurance Group is one of the top three insurance companies in Hong Kong, with strong capabilities. As Hong Kong's economy improves, the insurance industry is growing rapidly, with a promising future. Recently, Jardine Insurance also acquired licenses for reinsurance brokerage and reinsurance.

Since then, Jardine Insurance has completed a grand slam, owning licenses in life insurance, property insurance, pension insurance, reinsurance, reinsurance brokerage, asset management, and pension investment industries.

Combined with Jiu Ding Securities, a fully licensed securities company, adding Jardine Insurance would significantly boost Xia Yu's business empire, covering the second and third largest sectors in finance—securities and insurance.

Adding a bank would be incredible!

Thinking of this, Wang Qi's heart raced.

However, Jardine Insurance is a listed company in Hong Kong with a current market value of about HK$500 million. Acquiring it would be highly challenging! Without preparation, Jardine Insurance's stock price would skyrocket the moment they moved in.

Moreover, Jardine Insurance is a core entity of the Jardine Group. Simultaneously targeting both Wharf and Jardine Insurance would provoke the Jardine Group, and they might not be able to withstand the backlash.

"Boss, Jardine Insurance is excellent, but if we act on both fronts, Jardine Group's response will be extreme. In that case..."

Wang Qi expressed his concern, trailing off, but his point was clear.

"Hmph! Others might fear Jardine, but I don't. If it weren't Jardine, I wouldn't act at all!"

Xia Yu snorted, his eyes flashing with a cold light.

Wang Qi's pupils shrank. He sensed something was off. The boss's reaction was too strong, as if it was directed specifically at Jardine. Could it be a personal vendetta?

Guessing this, Wang Qi thought it increasingly likely. He decisively shut his mouth, swallowing any words of caution. If it involved the boss's personal grudge, then there was nothing to say. It was a battle worth fighting, and success wasn't impossible!

"Boss, just give the order. I will give it my all!"

Wang Qi promptly promised, showing his stance.

Xia Yu gave Wang Qi a satisfied look, acknowledging his ability to read the situation.

He then said, "Don't worry about funds. As the saying goes, 'If we don't have guns or cannons, the enemy will make them for us!'"

"The enemy will make them? Do you mean to snatch them?"

"Sniping?"

Wang Qi asked, initially puzzled by Xia Yu's words but quickly grasping the method the boss hinted at due to his proficiency in finance.

"That's right, sniping Jardine Group's companies to trap their funds, making a profit while simultaneously masking our moves to acquire Wharf and Jardine Insurance!"

Xia Yu smiled slyly, outlining his plan.

"Building a bridge openly while sneaking across the river in secret?"

"A feint?"

In an instant, these terms popped into Wang Qi's mind. His eyes brightened, and a smile appeared on his face. This approach was indeed highly feasible!

Stock market sniping is an effective capital operation technique. The steps involve targeting companies with unstable control, buying significant shares on the market, then initiating a full takeover bid, forcing the other party to buy back the shares at a high price or sell the entire company, thus profiting.

Sniping in the stock market is also a way to build a fierce reputation, provided the sniping is successful. However, a fierce reputation invites vigilance, and more people will scrutinize them, complicating future operations. 

Most importantly, it can offend many people, as stock market sniping is essentially robbery—a form of extortion and financial piracy.

In the future, Hong Kong's sixth wealthiest tycoon, Lau Luen Hung, rose to fame using such tactics, leading his company, Chinese Estates, to dominate the capital market. Under his leadership, the company was unrivaled.

This is a classic example of excelling with one powerful move!

In this life, Xia Yu's capabilities far surpass Lau Luen Hung's rise. His strength is unmatched, and his ability is significantly superior. If Xia Yu decides to snipe Jardine Group, there's a high chance of success!

The only concern is that this will further deepen the feud with Jardine Group, driving them to desperation.

"Boss, your plan is excellent, but our strategies and funds need to be kept highly confidential. This poses a challenge, given Jardine's influence. Even HSBC might not be reliable."

Wang Qi carefully analyzed, already starting to strategize to eliminate obstacles.

"Then we first acquire our own bank to act as a funding transfer station."

"And it's time to own a bank anyway!"

Xia Yu squinted as he spoke. He had considered this before; the most crucial aspect of capital operations is confidentiality and ensuring fund security.

Although Shen Bi is cooperative now, he's still British. In critical moments, he might assist the Keswick family against Xia Yu. Not betraying Xia Yu now is only because the stakes aren't high enough.

However, if Xia Yu goes all out against Jardine Group, the Keswick family will definitely find ways to retaliate.

Thus, he must plan ahead and consider all potential threats.

Planning for defeat before victory is the key to sustained success!

Moreover, Xia Yu's businesses are growing, and just the funds from his ten companies could support a bank. There's no reason to hand over his money to someone else.

Owning a bank would also greatly benefit the development of his ventures, bringing countless advantages!

"A bank?"

Wang Qi felt his head rush with blood, struggling to breathe. Today was just too stimulating; he could hardly keep up with Xia Yu's thoughts, but it all felt so thrilling!

If they truly had their own bank, it would tremendously aid Jiu Ding Securities. Just the thought of it made him excited.

"Boss, just give the command! I'll do my utmost!"

Wang Qi said, his face flushed, chest puffed out. He was too stunned to feel anything but eager to get to work.

"Good!"

"Let's draft a rough plan first. I need you to handle a few tasks immediately."

"First, continue with the acquisition plan for Wharf, but delay the timeline."

"Second, identify suitable Jardine Group companies for sniping."

"Third, shortlist potential banks for acquisition."

"These are the broad steps; a detailed plan will be formulated based on the outcomes of the second and third tasks. Be prepared!"

"There's a lot of work, and it will be tough, but don't worry—I'll arrange for the Economic Research Department of Jiu Ding News to assist with the screening."

"One crucial point: everything must remain confidential!"

Xia Yu commanded decisively.

"Understood!"

Wang Qi responded loudly.

"Alright, you can get to work now."

After dismissing Wang Qi, Xia Yu leaned back in his chair, crossed his legs, and stared into space, lost in thought, a subtle, meaningful smile on his lips.