Samsung Active Asset Management listed the KoAct China Biohealthcare Active ETF on the Korea Exchange (KRX) on 27 January 2026, with ticker code 0154H0
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Samsung Active Asset Management
The instrument uses the Solactive China Biohealthcare Index (ISIN: DE000SL0R547) as its benchmark and provides targeted exposure to companies in the biohealthcare sector listed in Hong Kong and with an operational focus on China and Hong Kong.
The ETF is part of the KoAct range from Samsung Active Asset Management, a division specialising in active management established in 2017 as part of Samsung Asset Management. The launch follows that of the KoAct US Biohealthcare Active ETF, listed on 11 November 2025 on the KRX with the ticker 0113G.
Benchmark methodology
The Solactive China Biohealthcare Index selects the 30 eligible companies with the largest market capitalisation from the constituents of the Solactive GBS China All Cap USD Index and the Solactive GBS Hong Kong All Cap Index. Eligibility requirements include a minimum share class capitalisation of US$100 million and an average daily traded value of no less than US$1 million in the three months prior to selection.
Weighting is based on market capitalisation, with a cap of 10% for the three largest companies and 3% for all others. The index is rebalanced quarterly and the weightings are recalculated monthly to maintain the desired exposure. Ordinary updates to the composition were made on 2 January 2026 and are scheduled for 2 February 2026.
Context of the Chinese biohealthcare sector
The Chinese market is undergoing a structural transition from generic drugs to innovative biologics. In 2025, China’s National Medical Product Administration (NMPA) approved 69 innovative drugs, while outbound licensing deals exceeded $100 billion. This development is supported by demographic factors, including an ageing population and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, as well as regulatory reforms that accelerate review and approval times.
Hong Kong is the main destination for Chinese biotech companies to list. In 2025, 73 IPO applications were filed by Chinese biotech and medtech companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). The Hang Seng Biotech Index, which tracks the 30 leading biotech companies listed in Hong Kong, recorded a return of 104.6% in the first nine months of 2025.
The integration of Hong Kong- and China-listed companies into global biotech value chains is increasing. China has surpassed the United States in the number of STEM graduates and clinical trial infrastructure, positioning itself as a growing hub for drug discovery and development. The use of artificial intelligence, real-world data and digital tools is improving efficiency in preclinical research and clinical development.
Statements from executives
Timo Pfeiffer, Chief Markets Officer at Solactive, said: “Following the successful launch of Samsung Active Asset Management’s KoAct US Biohealthcare Active ETF last November, we are delighted to continue our collaboration by providing the benchmark for the new China-focused strategy. Innovation in the biohealthcare sector is inherently global, and this ETF offers investors access to companies positioned to benefit from China’s increasingly important role in advancing therapies and large-scale commercialisation.”
Hugh Cho commented: ‘China is shifting from a rapid follower to a disruptive innovator in the biopharmaceutical and life sciences sector, and we believe this shift is secular.’
Operational features
The ETF is actively managed by Samsung Active Asset Management with the objective of outperforming the daily performance of the Solactive China Biohealthcare Index. The company manages over KRW 7 trillion (approximately US$5 billion) in assets under management. The ETF is tradable during Korea Exchange market hours with liquidity provided by designated market makers.
Source : ETFWorld.co.uk
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