Hillhouse Capital is undergoing its largest restructuring in years for its public market investment division, consolidating three funds into a single powerful vehicle with at least $15 billion in assets. The move aims to streamline operations and enhance the division's agility in responding to market changes.

According to reports on November 17, the restructuring involves merging three of Hillhouse's public market-focused funds:

1. **HHLR Fund**: Hillhouse's oldest flagship fund, formerly known as the Gaoling Fund, which invests globally but primarily holds stocks of Chinese companies listed in Hong Kong and the U.S.

2. **HHLR CF Fund**: A long-only fund dedicated to investing in China-listed equities.

3. **TF-A Fund**: Also referred to as the HHLR Termed Fund, launched in the second half of 2023 as a three-year "mispriced" fund targeting undervalued Chinese stocks.

Post-merger, Hillhouse founder Zhang Lei and public markets investment head Vivien Xu will continue to play key roles in managing the new fund. A significant portion of the capital will come from Hillhouse's partners.

Sources indicate the merger was completed this summer, coinciding with a strong rebound in Chinese equities, which could help Hillhouse better capitalize on market opportunities. The final asset size of the merged fund is still being calculated and will depend on investor commitments and performance since the consolidation. The move reflects Hillhouse's proactive adjustments to its investment framework amid recent challenges. Hillhouse declined to comment.

Year-to-date, the MSCI China Index has surged over 33%. Breakthroughs in AI by companies like DeepSeek have reignited investor interest in Chinese stocks, while concerns about high U.S. equity valuations and potential tariff hikes have prompted a reassessment of the Chinese market.

**Addressing Asset Shrinkage and Investor Outflows** The restructuring comes as Hillhouse faces multiple pressures. Calculations based on U.S. regulatory filings show the three funds' combined assets totaled $18.4 billion at the end of last year, nearly halving from two years prior.

Since 2021, Hillhouse has contended with pandemic disruptions and geopolitical tensions. While its investor base once included top North American university endowments, pensions, and foundations, some have since withdrawn. For instance, Texas Governor Greg Abbott banned new state investments in China in November 2023 and ordered divestment from existing holdings. By June 2024, Hillhouse was no longer listed as an investment manager for the Texas Teacher Retirement System, which had invested $495 million as of December 2020.

However, sources familiar with the firm noted that some asset declines resulted from investors shifting capital to Hillhouse's separately managed accounts (SMAs). Additionally, Hillhouse manages non-U.S. investor vehicles not subject to U.S. disclosure requirements.