兰州银行高管回应不良贷款率为何高于同业，将从四方面着手压降

Core Viewpoint - Lanzhou Bank's high non-performing loan (NPL) ratio is attributed to strict asset quality management, and the bank plans to implement four key measures to reduce this ratio in the future [3]. Group 1: Non-Performing Loan Management - As of mid-2023, Lanzhou Bank's NPL ratio stands at 1.81%, exceeding the average of 1.76% among 17 A-share listed city commercial banks [3]. - The bank's management attributes the high NPL ratio to its rigorous asset quality management practices, which align with those of leading listed banks [3]. - The four measures to improve asset quality include: 1. Maintaining a prudent risk appetite and enhancing monitoring of key sectors and potential risk clients 2. Improving the intelligent risk control system using big data and AI for better risk identification and early intervention 3. Increasing efforts in the recovery and disposal of non-performing assets through various methods 4. Strengthening the overall risk management mechanism across all lending stages [3]. Group 2: Dividend Policy and Shareholder Returns - Lanzhou Bank plans to maintain a stable dividend policy, with a projected dividend payout ratio of 30.47% for 2024, slightly down from 30.56% in 2023 [4]. - The bank has distributed a total of 2.398 billion yuan in dividends since its listing, which is 1.18 times the funds raised during the IPO, with an average annual dividend ratio of 33.49% [4]. - The board has been authorized to determine the specific mid-term profit distribution plan for 2025, which will be announced later [4]. Group 3: Future Strategic Planning - As of mid-2023, Lanzhou Bank's total assets have surpassed 500 billion yuan, reaching 509.7 billion yuan, marking its entry into the medium-sized bank category [5]. - The bank's chairman emphasized that this milestone reflects enhanced capital strength and market position, as well as improved service capabilities for the regional economy [5]. - Future strategic goals include focusing on asset quality, profitability, and optimizing business structure, leveraging digitalization and specialized operations to deepen local advantages [5].