Jing Ji Guan Cha Wang·2025-06-04 17:38Core Viewpoint - The approval of AIC licenses for major joint-stock banks marks the beginning of a new competitive era in the financial asset investment company sector, with three major players: Industrial Bank, CITIC Bank, and the upcoming China Merchants Bank, collectively holding a registered capital of 35 billion yuan [2][3]. Group 1: Company Developments - CITIC Bank has received approval from the National Financial Regulatory Administration to establish CITIC Financial Asset Investment Co., with a registered capital of 10 billion yuan, focusing on market-oriented debt-to-equity swaps and equity investment [2]. - Industrial Bank was the first joint-stock bank to obtain an AIC license on May 7, 2023, indicating a rapid expansion of joint-stock banks in this sector [3]. - China Merchants Bank plans to invest 15 billion yuan to establish its AIC, contributing to the competitive landscape among joint-stock banks [3]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The establishment of AICs by joint-stock banks reflects regulatory support for diversified banking services aimed at supporting the real economy, indicating a shift in the competitive landscape previously dominated by state-owned banks [3][5]. - AICs are expected to focus on specific sectors such as technology finance and green industries, creating differentiated competition with state-owned banks [5][6]. - The initial scale of registered capital for joint-stock banks' AICs is comparable to that of state-owned banks, which may help them meet regulatory capital requirements while allowing for future business expansion [5]. Group 3: Business Strategy and Challenges - Both Industrial Bank and CITIC Bank aim to serve national strategic priorities, with a focus on supporting innovative and private enterprises through financial backing [6]. - The profitability of AICs remains a challenge due to the long project cycles and limited exit channels associated with debt-to-equity swaps, necessitating a balance between policy objectives and market returns [6][7]. - The competitive landscape is expected to intensify as joint-stock banks seek to leverage their flexible operational mechanisms and innovative service models to carve out their market positions [7].