半年减少222家，超去年全年！农村金融机构为何加速消失？

Core Viewpoint - The number of banking financial institutions in China has decreased significantly, particularly in rural financial institutions, indicating a trend towards consolidation and risk management in the sector [2][3]. Group 1: Decrease in Banking Institutions - As of June 2025, there are 4,070 banking financial institutions in China, down from 4,295 at the end of December 2024, marking a reduction of 225 institutions [3]. - The majority of the decrease is attributed to rural financial institutions, with a total reduction of 222 institutions in the first half of the year [3][4]. - Specifically, village and town banks saw the largest decline, with 98 fewer institutions, while rural commercial banks decreased by 58, rural cooperative banks by 3, rural credit cooperatives by 57, and rural mutual aid societies by 6 [4]. Group 2: Acceleration of Reduction - The reduction of rural financial institutions has accelerated compared to previous years, with a total of 283 institutions eliminated from 2022 to 2024, including 27 in 2022, 64 in 2023, and 192 in 2024 [5]. - The acceleration is attributed to intensified reform and risk management efforts by financial regulatory authorities, including mergers, capital supplementation, and structural reorganization of rural financial institutions [5][8]. Group 3: Risk Management and Reforms - The Chinese government has emphasized the need for timely risk management of small and medium-sized financial institutions, with various meetings highlighting the importance of addressing risks in this sector [8][9]. - The financial regulatory authority has set a priority on accelerating reforms and risk management for small and medium-sized institutions, employing strategies such as mergers, market exits, and restructuring [8][9]. - Successful examples include the establishment of provincial-level rural commercial banks and the absorption of village banks by larger banks, which have been approved by regulatory bodies [5][6]. Group 4: Recommendations for Future Actions - Experts suggest the need for a comprehensive top-level design for the reform and risk management of small and medium-sized financial institutions, including the establishment of a financial stability law and a financial stability guarantee fund [10][12]. - There is a call for improved coordination between central and local financial regulatory bodies to enhance the efficiency of risk management and support the transformation of small and medium-sized institutions [11][12].