Wu Qing, head of China’s securities watchdog, has reportedly requested approval to resign, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, marking an abrupt and unexpected departure for a regulator appointed just last year to stabilize the country’s stock markets.

Wu, who became chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) in February 2024, has notified relevant authorities of his intention to leave the post, citing health reasons, the sources said.