Junfei Ren: Pioneering Leader In Digital Assets & Fintech Innovation

Unlike traditional industries where authority is centralized, leadership in Web3 embraces decentralization and collaboration. Leaders must be agile, continuously learning and evolving alongside the rapid advancements in technology like blockchain, AI, and decentralized finance (DeFi). Junfei Ren, Founding Partner, Pando Group is a remarkable example of such leadership. Despite her youth, she possesses maturity and composure well beyond her years, enabling her to navigate the various cycles of the Web3 space with steady progress. Her journey is rewarded with a deep understanding of both traditional and virtual asset sectors, with strong reputation in her risk management insights as well as in vision of future finance.

Early in her career at Deutsche Börse, she gained comprehensive insights into global financial markets, equipping her with the knowledge to navigate intricate financial systems. Her tenure at ZhenFund in 2015 fur­ther shaped her strategic approach, as she honed her ability to identify and invest in groundbreaking tech­nologies, strengthening her belief in the transformative power of innovation.

Junfei’s pivotal years at Huobi, one of the world’s lead­ing cryptocurrency exchanges, marked a profound shift in her career. Immersed in the fast-paced world of block­chain and cryptocurrencies, she witnessed firsthand the transformative potential of digital assets. These expe­riences solidified her passion for virtual assets and her commitment to shaping the future of finance.

In 2021, Junfei co-founded Pando Finance, leveraging her extensive expertise to assist clients in navigating the evolving landscape of virtual assets. Her leadership reflects a vision for fostering innovation and driving suc­cess in a rapidly changing financial ecosystem. Through her dynamic career, Junfei has become a key figure in bridging the gap between traditional finance and emerg­ing technologies, embodying the spirit of a modern Hong Kong leader dedicated to redefining the global financial paradigm. Let’s read on.

At Pando Finance, we address challenges by adhering to the highest Compliance Standards, and our Zero-Tolerance Policy for non-compliance ensures that all our practices & products align with stringent Regulatory Requirements & Industry Benchmarks

What inspired the establishment of Pando Finance? Could you share the vision behind the venture and its areas of focus?

In 2021, I founded Pando Finance driven by the immense growth opportunities I saw in Hong Kong during the post-pandemic era. The city’s strong financial infrastruc­ture, progressive regulatory framework, and clear vision to establish itself as a global leader in virtual assets created the perfect environment to innovate within the fintech space. I wanted to seize this moment to position Pando Finance as a pioneer in the virtual asset industry.

Once we secured our licenses and qualifications, we made bold strides in the market. We successfully launched two actively managed ETFs, both of which have delivered exceptional performance, and listed three vir­tual asset ETPs on the Swiss exchange. These products have been warmly received, reflecting our ability to pro­vide innovative, compliant, and high-performing invest­ment solutions.

Our achievements highlight the growing acceptance of virtual assets and underscore Pando Finance’s com­mitment to delivering value to clients. Through our work, we aim to bridge traditional finance with cutting-edge technology, empowering investors to thrive in this evolv­ing financial landscape.

As the founding partner, what are the primary roles and responsibilities you shoulder at Pando Finance? What are your focus areas in terms of driving growth for the company?

As the founding partner of Pando Finance, I focus on steering the company’s strategic direction, fostering in­novation, and expanding our presence globally. A key part of my role has been introducing groundbreaking products like the Pando Innovation ETF (3056.HK) and the Pando Blockchain ETF (3112.HK), both of which have achieved exceptional performance even in volatile mar­kets. Additionally, our crypto ETPs listed in Switzerland have further cemented Pando Finance's leadership in the digital asset investment sector.

Another major initiative under my leadership is Pan­do AI, an advanced advisory platform that integrates data from top investment banks with cutting-edge large lan­guage models (LLMs). This platform delivers personal­ized investment insights and decision-making support, transforming how our clients manage their portfolios. By merging AI capabilities with our expertise in virtual assets, we’re driving Pando Finance's evolution as a pro­vider of sophisticated, tech-powered financial solutions.

My role also involves cultivating strategic partner­ships, such as those with Antalpha and Longling, while ensuring rigorous regulatory compliance. These efforts are fueling Pando Finance's growth across Asia, Europe, and North America. My focus remains on keeping Pando Finance at the forefront of financial innovation and de­livering sustainable value to our clients in this dynamic industry.

Throw some light on the major challenges you encounter in your current role? How do you overcome the said roadblocks?

The virtual asset industry’s rapid evolution brings its own set of challenges, with the shifting regulatory landscape being one of the most significant. Incidents like the re­cent Hong Kong JPEX case underscore the complexities that arise when traditional financial systems intersect with the emerging digital asset market. Compliance and market integrity remain critical concerns, as the pace of growth often outstrips the development of clear regulato­ry frameworks.

At Pando Finance, we address these challenges by adhering to the highest compliance standards. Our ze­ro-tolerance policy for non-compliance ensures that all our practices and products align with stringent regula­tory requirements and industry benchmarks. This com­mitment is not just about meeting legal obligations, it’s about fostering trust and ensuring the sustainability of our operations.

To navigate these roadblocks, we emphasize trans­parency, accountability, and continuous learning. By integrating a culture of adaptability and innovation, we remain agile in responding to regulatory shifts. This ap­proach not only helps us tackle challenges head-on but also positions us as a reliable and forward-thinking lead­er in the virtual asset space, earning the confidence of our investors and stakeholders.

How do you foresee Hong Kong’s finance and banking landscape evolving in the near future? What are some key trends you see developing in the industry?

Hong Kong’s finance and banking landscape is trans­forming rapidly, especially in digital assets and fintech. As the city positions itself as a global virtual asset hub, innovations like stablecoins and potential central bank digital currencies, such as e-HKD, are gaining momen­tum. These advancements are revolutionizing payment systems and cross-border finance, offering greater con­venience and transparency.

The integration of AI, blockchain, and fintech solu­tions enables banks to deliver personalized services and seamless transactions, elevating customer experi­ences. By embracing these trends, financial institutions are aligning with global shifts and reinforcing Hong Kong’s ambition to lead in the virtual asset and fintech space.

Junfei Ren, Founding Partner, Pando Finance

Junfei Ren is the Founding Partner of Pando Finance, specializing in digital assets and fintech. With experience at Deutsche Börse, ZhenFund, and Huobi, she has been a pioneer in blockchain and cryptocurrency investment. Ren leads Pando Finance's growth, focusing on innovative financial solutions and regulatory compliance in the evolving virtual asset space.