Shen Zhen Shang Bao·2025-09-25 00:28Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in issuance of "perpetual bonds" (also known as secondary capital bonds) by various banks in China is primarily driven by the urgent need for capital replenishment due to declining capital adequacy ratios, especially among smaller banks [1][4]. Group 1: Issuance Overview - As of September 24, 2023, Chinese commercial banks have issued a total of 1.24 trillion yuan in perpetual bonds this year, with state-owned banks accounting for 695 billion yuan, making them the main issuers [1][2]. - Agricultural Bank of China has issued the most perpetual bonds, totaling 230 billion yuan across seven issuances, followed by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China with 190 billion yuan [3]. Group 2: Recent Issuances - Agricultural Bank of China announced the issuance of 600 billion yuan in secondary capital bonds, with two types: a 10-year bond at a 2.18% interest rate and a 15-year bond at a 2.50% interest rate [2]. - Everbright Bank successfully issued 400 billion yuan in perpetual bonds, marking the largest single issuance by a joint-stock bank this year, with a final interest rate of 2.29% [2]. Group 3: Market Conditions - The current market environment is favorable for bond issuance, with low interest rates allowing banks to replace high-cost debt and optimize their capital structure [4]. - The pressure on capital adequacy ratios, particularly for smaller banks, has increased due to the expansion of credit assets and rising risk-weighted assets, necessitating external capital replenishment [4].