Hong Kong authorities have detained an employee of Guotai Junan International Holdings after raiding the brokerage's office this week, the company said on Thursday.

In a filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange, the firm said the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) seized documents after searching the office on Tuesday.

While Guotai Junan did not identify the member of staff detained by the ICAC, it said the employee, who was immediately suspended, is not a member of the board.

"The company attaches significant importance to this matter and will closely monitor the development of this matter," the statement said.

"The company is in the process of obtaining further information in relation to the investigation and will make further announcements as appropriate in accordance with the listing rules."

It stressed that the group's overall business and operations remain normal, adding that it is still financially sound, with all business activities being conducted in an orderly and compliant manner.

But it also called on shareholders and potential investors to be cautious when dealing with the firm's shares.

As a subsidiary of Guotai Junan Securities, the group is one of the most active initial public offering (IPO) sponsors in Hong Kong.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden