中国银行业正迎来重要拐点

Core Viewpoint - The banking industry is facing a critical turning point as net interest margins have fallen below non-performing loan ratios, indicating a dual pressure of shrinking income and rising risk [1][4][5] Group 1: Financial Indicators - As of Q1 2025, the non-performing loan ratio for commercial banks was 1.51%, while the net interest margin was 1.43%, marking the lowest net interest margin since 2005 [1][5] - By Q2 2025, the net interest margin further declined to 1.42%, with the non-performing loan ratio rising to 1.49% [1] - Over 20% of the 42 listed banks reported net interest margins lower than their non-performing loan ratios, highlighting a concerning trend in the industry [1][6] Group 2: Industry Response - In response to these challenges, banks are shifting towards middle-income business models, with a notable resurgence in insurance and banking (银保) business, which accounted for over 50% of income for the first time in 15 years [2][21] - Major banks like China Merchants Bank and Ping An Bank reported over 40% year-on-year growth in insurance income [2] Group 3: Asset and Liability Management - The continuous decline in net interest margins is attributed to a combination of low asset yields and rigid liability costs, exacerbated by insufficient effective credit demand and external pressures from bond market financing [10][12] - Banks are adjusting their asset-liability strategies to cope with narrowing margins, focusing on optimizing their loan structures and reducing costs [13] Group 4: Asset Quality and Risk - The total non-performing loan balance for commercial banks was reported at 34,342 billion yuan in Q2 2025, with a slight decrease from Q1 [15] - The provision coverage ratio improved to 211.97%, indicating enhanced risk mitigation capabilities [15] - However, the non-performing loan generation rate and overdue loan rates are on the rise, suggesting ongoing pressure on asset quality [17][19] Group 5: Middle-Income Business Growth - The middle-income business segment is showing signs of recovery, with non-interest income growing by 6.97% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, reversing a downward trend [21][22] - The insurance business is becoming a key growth driver, with banks leveraging their networks to enhance insurance sales [23]