Shang Hai Zheng Quan Bao·2025-09-04 23:39Core Viewpoint - The banking industry is focusing on cost reduction and efficiency improvement through structural adjustments, personnel optimization, and digital transformation to achieve higher quality outcomes [1][2][7]. Group 1: Cost Reduction Strategies - Many banks have improved profits by optimizing costs, with half of the 42 A-share listed banks reporting a year-on-year decline in cost-to-income ratios [2][3]. - In the first half of the year, banks reduced deposit interest rates and cut labor costs, leading to a stabilization and recovery of profits [3]. - Among the 42 A-share listed banks, 26 reported a decrease in cost-to-income ratios, with notable declines from Xi'an Bank and Postal Savings Bank [3]. Group 2: Specific Cost Management Actions - Banks are managing deposit structures to lower interest expenses, with 40 banks reporting a year-on-year decrease in interest expenses, and 33 of them seeing reductions exceeding 5% [3]. - For example, Zhejiang Commercial Bank reported a 10.95% decrease in interest expenses, while Postal Savings Bank cut management expenses significantly [3][4]. - Shanghai Pudong Development Bank reduced annual rental costs by 9.444 million yuan through property management [5]. Group 3: Future Improvement Paths - The industry recognizes that true cost reduction and efficiency improvement require a focus on restructuring business models, optimizing human resources, and embracing digital transformation [7]. - Banks are encouraged to prioritize low-capital, low-cyclical business segments to enhance profitability [7]. - Digital transformation is seen as essential for process reengineering and efficiency enhancement, allowing banks to focus on complex business operations [7].