助贷过冬，中小银行忍痛“断尾”能否突围

Core Viewpoint - The shift from "broad cooperation" to "strict selection" in the internet lending business is causing significant adjustments for small and medium-sized banks, leading to operational challenges and a reduction in business volume [2][3][16]. Group 1: Changes in Lending Practices - Many regional banks have announced a halt to new internet lending partnerships or significantly reduced the number of cooperating institutions due to compliance and risk considerations following the issuance of new regulations [5][22]. - The new regulations aim to limit the comprehensive financing costs for borrowers to below a 24% annual interest rate, which has led banks to stop funding loans priced above this threshold [20][21]. - As a result of these changes, the scale of lending through these platforms has decreased significantly, with some banks reporting a reduction to less than one-third of their original scale [5][20]. Group 2: Impact on Small and Medium-Sized Banks - Many small and medium-sized banks are facing difficulties in customer acquisition due to limited operational regions, leading to a reliance on internet lending channels for a significant portion of their clientele [3][18]. - The transition to self-operated lending is challenging for these banks, as they often lack user data and the ability to develop effective credit models [18][25]. - The profitability of banks is under pressure as they shift away from high-interest lending, which previously provided substantial fixed income, to lower-margin products [23][24]. Group 3: Operational Challenges - The reduction in high-interest lending has forced banks to reconsider their risk management strategies, as they will now need to manage risks and defaults themselves rather than relying on lending platforms [9][23]. - The net interest margins for various types of banks, including city commercial banks and private banks, have been declining, with significant drops reported in recent quarters [24]. - The need for banks to enhance their self-operated business capabilities is critical, but this requires time and investment in talent, risk management, and customer acquisition strategies [10][28]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The regulatory environment for the lending industry is expected to continue evolving towards greater transparency and consumer protection, with a downward trend in loan pricing anticipated [12][29]. - There are concerns about how to manage existing high-interest loans and the potential impact on borrowers' cash flow, especially among middle-income groups facing financial strain [12][29]. - The competition in the lending market will increasingly focus on risk management capabilities, financial technology strength, and customer relationship management rather than just scale and volume [29].