2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-11-05 09:41Core Insights - Green finance has transitioned from an optional strategy to a mandatory focus for banks, becoming a new engine for strategic transformation and a blue ocean market in the context of a shift towards a green low-carbon economy [1][2] - The balance of green financing at Industrial Bank has reached nearly 2.5 trillion yuan, with green loans exceeding 1 trillion yuan and a non-performing loan rate of only 0.57% [1] - The People's Bank of China and other departments have issued a unified policy framework for green finance, effective from October 1, 2025, to standardize the support scope for green loans and bonds [2] Green Credit Landscape - By the end of 2024, the total balance of green credit among 42 A-share listed banks exceeded 27 trillion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of approximately 20% [3] - State-owned banks are the main contributors to green credit, with the six major state-owned banks holding over 21 trillion yuan, accounting for 77.6% of the total [3] - The growth pattern shows large banks maintaining scale, joint-stock banks demonstrating strong vitality, and regional banks achieving rapid growth [3] Green Loan Balances - As of the end of 2024, only four listed banks had green loan balances exceeding 1 trillion yuan: Industrial Bank, Agricultural Bank, Construction Bank, and Bank of China [5] - Industrial Bank's green loan balance rose to 1.08 trillion yuan in the first half of the year, joining the "trillion club" [5] - Among joint-stock banks, Industrial Bank, CITIC Bank, and Pudong Development Bank lead in green credit scale, collectively accounting for nearly 40% of the total [5] Growth Rates and Sector Focus - The average growth rate of green credit for A-share listed banks in 2024 was 20.6%, a slowdown from approximately 28% in 2023, yet leading institutions maintained strong growth [5] - The focus of green credit is heavily concentrated in clean energy, green transportation, energy conservation, and green buildings, with key regions being the Yangtze River Delta, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, and Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle [6] Financial Product Innovation - A-share listed banks are deepening innovation in green financial products, creating a multi-dimensional product system that includes loans, bonds, asset securitization, insurance, and carbon finance [7] - Green loans remain the core vehicle for green finance, with a total balance exceeding 27 trillion yuan by the end of 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of about 20% [7] - Innovative tools such as sustainability-linked loans and carbon emission rights pledge financing are gaining traction [7] Bond and Investment Developments - The issuance of green bonds has expanded, with the cumulative issuance of labeled green bonds in 2024 surpassing 4 trillion yuan [8] - Banks are actively participating in green wealth management and fund products, enhancing investor engagement through innovative offerings [8] - Carbon finance tools are transitioning from pilot programs to broader applications, with banks launching carbon emission rights pledge financing products [8] Future Directions - The banking sector is expected to continue innovating green financial products to support sustainable economic development more effectively [9] - This evolution will extend beyond traditional green loans to include financing models linked to carbon emissions and environmental rights [10]