Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-05-21 10:41Core Viewpoint - The recent trend of financial institutions, including banks and insurance companies, to abolish supervisory boards reflects a significant reform in corporate governance, driven by changes in the Company Law of the People's Republic of China [1][6][12]. Group 1: Abolishment of Supervisory Boards - Changsha Bank has decided to abolish its supervisory board, transferring its functions to the audit committee of the board of directors [1]. - Many financial institutions, including major state-owned banks and insurance companies, are following suit, indicating a broader shift in governance practices [1][6]. - The new Company Law allows limited liability companies to establish an audit committee within the board of directors to perform the functions of a supervisory board, thus eliminating the need for a separate supervisory board [6][9]. Group 2: Regulatory Changes and Implications - The National Financial Regulatory Administration has issued new regulations that allow trust companies to set up audit committees within their boards, further promoting the idea of eliminating supervisory boards [2][6]. - The changes aim to enhance operational efficiency by reducing redundancy in oversight functions, as the roles of supervisory boards and audit committees often overlap [2][8]. - The flexibility provided by the new governance structure is expected to lead to more tailored governance models that suit the specific needs of different financial institutions [9][10]. Group 3: Impact on Corporate Governance - The shift to a single-tier governance model allows boards to exercise oversight more directly, potentially improving decision-making efficiency in a rapidly changing financial environment [9][10]. - Smaller financial institutions may benefit from reduced operational costs by not having a supervisory board, while larger institutions may require more complex oversight mechanisms [9][10]. - The transition to audit committees taking on supervisory roles is seen as a way to innovate governance structures and improve compliance management [10][12]. Group 4: Concerns and Future Considerations - There are concerns regarding the effectiveness of audit committees in fulfilling the oversight roles traditionally held by supervisory boards, particularly regarding potential conflicts of interest [11][12]. - Experts suggest that while the new structure may reduce costs, it is crucial to ensure that adequate checks and balances remain in place to maintain effective governance [11][12]. - Future modifications to the Company Law may be necessary to address the evolving needs of corporate governance in the financial sector [12].