Bao Fan Release Ends Two-Year Probe into China Renaissance Founder

China Renaissance founder Bao Fan has been released by mainland authorities more than two years after he began cooperating in an unspecified investigation, according to Chinese media outlet Caixin, citing multiple sources. The Bao Fan release follows his disappearance from public view in early 2023 before officials confirmed he was assisting in a probe. During his absence, the prominent tech dealmaker—who previously worked at Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse—resigned as chairman and CEO of the Hong Kong-listed investment bank, which has since faced share price pressure. Bao founded China Renaissance in 2005, building it into a key adviser for China’s technology sector and capital markets before his detention drew widespread industry attention.