Nan Fang Du Shi Bao·2026-01-12 03:40Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Zhejiang Anji Jiaoyin Village Bank by Bank of Communications highlights the ongoing trend of village banks exiting the market, with a significant number of closures reported in recent years [2][3][5]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The approval from the Huzhou Regulatory Bureau allows Bank of Communications to acquire Zhejiang Anji Jiaoyin Village Bank and establish new branches [3]. - As of June 2025, Bank of Communications held a 51% stake in Zhejiang Anji Jiaoyin Village Bank [3]. - The bank reported a net loss of 27.26 million yuan in 2024, an increase of 342.25% compared to the previous year [3]. Group 2: Market Exit Trends - In 2026, 11 village banks have exited the market, with notable closures in regions such as Liaoning, Chongqing, and Hunan [4][5]. - In 2025, a total of 310 village banks exited, with Jilin, Inner Mongolia, and Hunan having the highest numbers of closures at 49, 48, and 41 respectively [5][6]. - The trend of village bank exits is attributed to the ongoing reforms in small financial institutions, aimed at risk management and restructuring [6]. Group 3: Regulatory Context - The Financial Regulatory Administration has prioritized the reform and risk management of small financial institutions, indicating a continued acceleration of village bank exits [6]. - The central economic work conference emphasized the need for quality improvement and reduction in the number of small financial institutions, suggesting that the pace of village bank closures will likely increase [6].