村镇银行大重组：90家机构“消失”背后的提质之路

Core Insights - The reform and risk mitigation process for rural banks in China is accelerating significantly, with a notable reduction in the number of such banks due to mergers and acquisitions [2][3][5] Group 1: Reform Progress - Nearly 90 rural banks have exited the market through absorption and mergers in the first half of 2025, a figure close to the total of 94 for the entire year of 2024, and significantly higher than just 11 in 2023 [3] - The main integration methods are "village to branch" and "village to division," with city commercial banks and rural commercial banks being the primary participants, while state-owned banks are increasingly involved [3][4] - The approval of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) to acquire Chongqing Bishan ICBC Rural Bank marks the first instance of a state-owned bank participating in the "village to branch" project [3][4] Group 2: Policy and Market Dynamics - The acceleration of rural bank integration is driven by both policy initiatives and internal risk pressures, with the National Financial Regulatory Administration emphasizing the need for reform and risk clearance [5][6] - The government aims to reduce the number of institutions while improving quality through market-oriented and legal principles, focusing on the transformation of local small financial institutions [5][6] Group 3: Risk Management and Service Quality - The restructuring aims to enhance risk management capabilities and operational efficiency by integrating rural banks' non-performing assets into the stronger risk control systems of their parent banks [2][7] - The consolidation of rural banks is expected to improve service quality rather than diminish financial services in rural areas, as it allows for better resource allocation and the introduction of diversified financial products [7][8] - Long-term, these reforms are anticipated to inject new vitality into rural financial services, supporting rural revitalization and economic development [8]