Bei Jing Shang Bao·2025-05-08 13:27Core Viewpoint - The recent approval for the establishment of financial asset investment companies (AICs) by major commercial banks marks a significant shift in the AIC landscape, previously dominated by state-owned banks, indicating a new era of competition and innovation in financial services aimed at supporting the real economy [1][2][4]. Group 1: Expansion of AICs - The approval of the establishment of AICs by major commercial banks such as Industrial Bank, China Merchants Bank, and CITIC Bank signifies the entry of joint-stock banks into the AIC sector, breaking the previous monopoly of state-owned banks [1][2][4]. - The Financial Regulatory Authority has announced plans to support qualified national commercial banks in establishing AICs, with approvals expected to be granted in succession [2][4]. Group 2: Capital and Business Strategy - Industrial Bank's AIC, with a registered capital of 10 billion yuan, aims to enhance support for innovative enterprises and reduce corporate leverage through professional and market-oriented operations [3][4]. - China Merchants Bank plans to invest up to 15 billion yuan to establish its AIC, which will enhance its integrated banking operations and improve its capacity to serve the real economy [4]. - CITIC Bank intends to set up its AIC with a capital of 10 billion yuan, aligning with its strategic goals of expanding its financial services [4]. Group 3: Performance and Market Dynamics - The five existing AICs reported a combined profit of 18.354 billion yuan in the past year, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 1.04%, with Industrial Bank's AIC leading in profitability [6][7]. - The profitability growth rates varied among the AICs, with China Merchants Bank's AIC showing a significant increase of 35.74% in net profit, while others experienced slower growth or declines [7]. - The entry of joint-stock banks into the AIC market is expected to enhance competition and innovation, potentially leading to new financial service pathways that leverage their capital and customer resources [5][8]. Group 4: Future Directions and Recommendations - Experts suggest that the expansion of AICs should include support for smaller banks with strong management and innovation capabilities to better serve technology-driven enterprises [8]. - Recommendations include enhancing the risk assessment and management capabilities of AICs, as well as modifying financial regulations to better accommodate equity investments by commercial banks [8].