2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-04-02 12:21Core Viewpoint - The digital transformation of banks has entered a phase of "refinement," with a focus on optimizing technology investments and organizational structures amid a backdrop of cost reduction and efficiency improvement in the banking industry [2][3]. Technology Investment Overview - In 2024, 13 banks reported a total technology investment of approximately 182.96 billion yuan, a slight increase of 0.19% compared to 182.61 billion yuan in 2023, indicating a stabilization in technology spending [2][3]. - Only one bank, Everbright Bank, achieved double-digit growth in technology investment, increasing by 13.04% to 6.57 billion yuan, while other banks showed varying degrees of decline in their technology investments [3][4]. - Among the six major state-owned banks, total technology investment reached 125.46 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 2.1%, accounting for 68.57% of the total investment from the 13 banks [3]. Changes in Technology Investment - Six banks reported a decrease in technology investment, with Ping An Bank experiencing the largest decline of 20.07%, while others like China Construction Bank and China Merchants Bank also saw reductions of 2.36% and 5.49%, respectively [4][5]. - The focus on technology investment is shifting towards optimizing resource allocation rather than rapid growth, reflecting the initial establishment of digital infrastructure [6]. Technology Investment as a Percentage of Revenue - Eleven banks reported technology investment as a percentage of revenue exceeding 3.5%, with the highest being at 5.41% for the Bank of Communications, followed by CITIC Bank at 5.12% [6]. - The increase in technology investment ratios indicates a stronger emphasis on technology resources within the banks [6]. Human Resource Allocation in Technology - All banks, except for Ping An Bank, increased the proportion of technology personnel within their total workforce, reflecting a commitment to enhancing technological capabilities [7][8]. - The highest proportion of technology personnel is at Industrial Bank, with 13.51%, followed by Bank of Communications at 9.44% [9]. Organizational Structure Adjustments - Eight banks have made adjustments to their technology structures, focusing on enhancing governance and data management capabilities [11][12]. - The establishment of digital financial committees and data management departments is a common trend among banks to improve strategic planning and data governance [11][12][13]. - For instance, Industrial Bank has formed a digital financial committee to enhance decision-making processes, while China Bank has integrated its business development and software centers to boost digital capabilities [11][12]. Talent Development Initiatives - Banks are increasingly focusing on building a talent pool that combines technical and business skills, with initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of technological proficiency among all employees [10][11]. - For example, Postal Savings Bank is developing a team of agile, cross-functional professionals, while Industrial Bank is enhancing its talent acquisition and training programs to include high-level expertise in emerging technologies [10][11].