招行、中信银行拟设金融资产投资公司

Core Viewpoint - Several commercial banks in China are establishing financial asset investment companies (AIC) to enhance their service capabilities and support the economy, following regulatory encouragement to expand the pilot program for AICs [1][4]. Group 1: Company Announcements - China Merchants Bank announced on May 8 that it plans to invest 15 billion yuan to establish a wholly-owned financial asset investment company, which will become a first-level subsidiary upon successful establishment [2]. - CITIC Bank also announced on the same day its intention to invest 10 billion yuan to set up a wholly-owned subsidiary named CITIC Financial Asset Investment Co., Ltd. [2]. - Both banks emphasized that these investments align with their business development needs and will not significantly impact their financial status or operational results [2][3]. Group 2: Regulatory Context - On March 5, the National Financial Regulatory Administration issued a notice expanding the pilot program for AICs from 18 cities to 14 provinces, supporting commercial banks in establishing AICs [1][4]. - Prior to this, five state-owned banks had already established AICs in 2017, which have been exploring important models for financial support of technological innovation [4]. Group 3: Market Implications - The establishment of AICs marks a significant development in the market, as it allows banks to engage in equity investments, thereby helping companies reduce leverage and mitigate financial risks [6][7]. - AICs are evolving from a single debt-to-equity tool to a comprehensive investment platform, expanding their business scope to include mergers and acquisitions and mezzanine financing [6][7]. - The backing of banks provides AICs with stronger resource allocation capabilities, enabling them to offer diversified financial services to technology innovation enterprises throughout their lifecycle [7].