Alibaba refocuses its growth, looking at finance and other platforms, while considering potential IPO

While managers at Alibaba, the country's largest e-commerce retailer, mull over a potential listing, the wider industry is speculating what the prolific empire will finally encompass.

According to market watchers, Alibaba has embarked on a steady course to become a comprehensive, service-oriented company by upgrading its existing businesses and expanding product portfolios on other fronts.