Shang Hai Zheng Quan Bao·2025-11-23 18:02Core Viewpoint - The establishment of Asset Investment Companies (AIC) by several joint-stock banks reflects the banking sector's strategy to expand beyond traditional lending and explore new business opportunities, particularly in equity investment [2][4]. Group 1: AIC Establishment and Capitalization - Three joint-stock banks, namely Industrial Bank, CITIC Bank, and China Merchants Bank, along with Postal Savings Bank, have received approval to establish AICs with registered capital of 10 billion, 10 billion, 15 billion, and 10 billion respectively [3]. - The first AIC, Xingyin Investment, has officially opened in Fuzhou and signed strategic cooperation agreements with four investment institutions, with project cooperation agreements exceeding 10 billion [3]. Group 2: Strategic Importance of AIC - The expansion of AICs is seen as a critical tool for banks to break traditional credit boundaries and inject funds into the real economy, especially in technology innovation and industrial upgrading [4][5]. - AICs are expected to alleviate banks' reliance on traditional credit models, allowing for more flexible funding mechanisms that cater to high-growth, asset-light technology firms [5]. Group 3: Challenges and Recommendations - AICs face structural challenges, particularly the conflict between banks' conservative operational philosophies and the high-risk nature of equity investments [6]. - Experts suggest the need for a cross-cycle assessment system and market-oriented incentive mechanisms to align with the characteristics of equity investment, as well as the relaxation of capital constraints to optimize investment strategies [6].