Jack Ma and the Collapse of the World’s Largest IPO

​

Jack Ma has become the global face of Chinese entrepreneurship and represents the growing influence of private business and capital in China. Yet the decision by Chinese regulators to halt the IPO of his latest venture, the Ant Group, as well as subsequent investigations into the company has raised questions about why Beijing seems to have suddenly tried to exert greater control over the fintech giant. Join Wall Street Journal reporter Lingling Wei for a discussion about what the future holds for Jack Ma and the Ant Group. Wei will provide a deep dive into the events surrounding the Ant Group’s IPO and explore whether this latest action signals a fundamental shift in the relationship between China’s high-profile entrepreneurs and the state. Tony Saich, Ash Center Director and Daweoo Professor of International Affairs, will moderate. 

This event is co-hosted by the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government and HKS China Society, a student organization at Harvard Kennedy School. 

About the Speaker 

Lingling Wei is an award-winning journalist for The Wall Street Journal and co-author of “Superpower Showdown.” She covers China's political economy, focusing on Beijing's policy-making process and its key decision makers. Lingling was born and raised in China and has a M.A. in journalism from N.Y.U. 

Virtual Event Details 

Registration is required for this event. Please register using the link above to receive details via email for how to join the virtual discussion. 

You can submit questions to the panelists in advance during the registration process. A live Q&A will also be available during the event with an option to submit questions in real-time. 

The Ash Center encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its events. Should you wish to inquire about an accommodation, please contact our events team at info@ash.harvard.edu prior to the event. 

Additional questions? Email the Ash Center events team at info@ash.harvard.edu.