The Chinese funds management industry has been forecast to double in size over the next five years.

A Reuters China investment summit has been told by HSBC Holdings Plc executive Steve Lee that he expects the sector to double in size, while Shanghai-based consultancy Z-Ben Advisors has forecast a tripling in size for the sector, driven by product innovation and financial regulation.

Lee’s comments on the growth prospects for China came as he announced plans to launch a small-cap equity fund later this year.

He said the company also planned to launch more lifecycle funds, which steadily shift to less risky investments such as bonds as a client moves closer to retirement.

Lee said the company would also consider new products including index-tracking funds as China further deregulated its capital markets.