【新华财经调查】村镇银行改革重组加速推进 “村改支”效果如何？

Core Viewpoint - The reform and restructuring of village banks in China are accelerating, with over 100 banks completing mergers and reorganizations in 2023, primarily through the "village to branch" model, which optimizes financial resource allocation and enhances service quality [1][2][5]. Group 1: Reform and Restructuring Progress - In 2023, significant cases of village bank mergers and acquisitions have been reported, including Guangzhou Rural Commercial Bank absorbing Xingning Pearl River Village Bank and Hengfeng Bank acquiring Guang'an Hengfeng Village Bank [2]. - By August 15, 2023, 100 village banks had completed mergers and restructurings, with 10 banks exiting the market in August alone [2]. - The trend indicates that nearly 100 village banks are expected to dissolve by 2024, with a continued acceleration of restructuring into 2025 [2][3]. Group 2: Challenges Faced by Village Banks - Village banks generally have smaller asset scales compared to city commercial banks and rural commercial banks, facing issues such as limited business scope and insufficient profitability [3]. - The People's Bank of China reported that out of 4,364 banking institutions, 132 village banks were classified as high-risk [3]. - The need for reform is driven by the necessity to enhance risk resistance and sustainable development capabilities, which will improve resource allocation and service to agriculture and the real economy [3]. Group 3: Policy Support for Reforms - The 2025 Central Document No. 1 emphasizes a "one province, one policy" approach to accelerate rural credit cooperative reforms and orderly promote village bank restructuring [4]. - The National Financial Regulatory Administration has identified the reform of small and medium-sized financial institutions as one of its six key tasks for 2025 [4]. - Local governments, particularly in Shandong, are actively implementing reforms by reducing the number of village banks and optimizing their layout through mergers and acquisitions [4]. Group 4: Benefits of "Village to Branch" Model - The "village to branch" model has become the primary path for restructuring, allowing for improved efficiency in financial services and a broader range of products available to customers [5][6]. - Following the merger of Linyi Agricultural Commercial Bank and Linyi Le'an Village Bank, the number of operating outlets increased from 32 to 36, with total deposits and loans reaching 12.05 billion and 8.21 billion respectively [5][6]. - Customers have reported enhanced convenience and efficiency in banking services post-reform, with improved access to a wider array of financial products [6]. Group 5: Overall Impact of Reforms - The restructuring of village banks has resulted in a win-win situation for both agricultural commercial banks and customers, enhancing the banks' capacity to serve the agricultural sector and the real economy [7]. - Customers benefit from personalized and efficient financial products, leading to increased satisfaction and improved service quality [7]. - The ongoing reforms are expected to further optimize the financial landscape, enhancing the resilience and focus of rural financial services on local economic development [7].