2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-07-16 13:27Core Viewpoint - Postal Savings Bank of China (PSBC) has established its own Asset Investment Company (AIC) after an 8-year wait, aligning with the other five major state-owned banks in China [1][3]. Group 1: Establishment of AIC - PSBC plans to invest RMB 10 billion to establish the China Post Financial Asset Investment Company (tentative name) [1]. - The establishment of AIC allows PSBC to enhance its comprehensive service capabilities and support technological innovation and private enterprises [3]. Group 2: Background and Regulatory Changes - The development of AICs began in 2016 when the State Council initiated market-oriented debt-to-equity swaps, allowing banks to set up specialized institutions for related businesses [2]. - The first five major state-owned banks established their AICs in 2017, but no new licenses were issued for several years until the recent regulatory changes [2][4]. - In March 2023, the National Financial Regulatory Administration issued a notice supporting the establishment of AICs, which has led to a renewed interest among banks [2][3]. Group 3: Expansion of Functions and Investment Scope - The functions and investment scope of AICs have expanded from primarily serving supply-side structural reforms to include direct equity investments [4][5]. - The pilot program for direct equity investment was first launched in Shanghai in 2020, and the scope has since been expanded to 18 major cities [5][6]. - The internal coordination between investment and lending within banks is expected to improve, facilitating better financing services for technology-driven enterprises [6].