In 2021, China’s consumer market presented a stark contrast of challenges and opportunities. Capital-driven growth in the after-school tutoring sector faced sweeping regulatory reforms; e-cigarettes encountered stricter oversight; and the tourism industry continued to struggle under the pandemic’s impact. At the same time, new consumption trends—such as health-oriented lifestyles, the beauty and personal-care economy, next-generation dining, and the resurgence of Chinese cultural brands—rose swiftly, exploring business models tailored to a new generation.

Under China’s “dual-carbon” goals, financial institutions accelerated the development of green finance, expanded inclusive financial products, and deepened the integration of finance and technology to better serve the real economy.

After a breakout year, the public mutual fund industry entered a phase of rapid expansion, setting a new issuance record exceeding RMB 2.7 trillion. Amid volatile markets, many high-profile fund managers faltered, while a cohort of emerging managers rose to prominence.

At this new stage, social contribution has become an important pursuit for many enterprises. Through initiatives in ecological protection, rural revitalization, and corporate social responsibility, companies are leveraging commercial capabilities to innovate in philanthropy and support common prosperity.

Ultimately, the purpose of industrial progress and technological advancement must be to benefit humanity. Since 2021, China has strengthened data security and privacy protection regulations, reinforced antitrust and anti-unfair-competition measures, and taken steps to curb disorderly capital expansion. Businesses have adapted accordingly, moving away from the era of unchecked growth.

Amid these shifts, the question remains: how will new business models evolve in the post-pandemic era? To explore this, Caijing New Media and Caijing Law launched the fourth annual “New Awards,” grounded in principles of objectivity, fairness, and authority. The awards covered four major categories—New Consumption, New Insights, New Ecology, and New Governance—with a total of 12 award segments. The evaluation was supported by research institutions including the Owl Research Institute, Peking University E-Commerce Law Research Center, Growth Box, Tianyancha, and Analysys. After a rigorous review, 56 companies were selected as winners on December 16.

Harvest Capital was awarded the “Most Influential Financial Brand of the Year,” recognizing its exceptional insight and strong influence in the equity investment sector.