Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-16 05:15Core Viewpoint - The restructuring of village banks is accelerating, with state-owned banks actively converting village banks into branches, reflecting a trend of market exit and consolidation in the rural banking sector [1][10]. Group 1: Recent Developments - On January 6, 2026, the China Banking Regulatory Commission approved the acquisition of Zhejiang Anji Jiaoyin Village Bank by Bank of Communications, which will be converted into three branches [2][10]. - Since 2025, Bank of Communications has completed multiple "village-to-branch" conversions, including acquisitions in Qingdao and Sichuan [2][10]. - A total of 300 village banks have exited the market since 2025, with "village-to-branch" and "village-to-subsidiary" becoming the mainstream exit strategies [10][11]. Group 2: Participation of State-Owned Banks - State-owned banks, including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Agricultural Bank of China, have also engaged in "village-to-branch" conversions, with ICBC being the first to do so in June 2025 [3][11]. - By the end of 2025, state-owned banks had completed conversions for 10 village banks, indicating a significant trend in the industry [3][11]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The "village-to-branch" strategy aims to integrate rural financial resources and enhance operational efficiency, driven by the need for state-owned banks to expand their reach in rural areas [4][13]. - Analysts suggest that merging village banks into branches can improve service capabilities and risk management, while also allowing for potential expansion in areas lacking existing branches [5][12]. Group 4: Regulatory Environment - The 2025 Central Document No. 1 emphasized the need for rural small and medium-sized banks to focus on agricultural support, leading to a significant increase in market exits among village banks [6][14]. - As of 2026, over 430 village banks have been listed for exit since 2010, with 310 exiting in 2025 alone, representing over 70% of the total exits [6][14]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The ongoing trend of "reduction and quality improvement" in small and medium-sized banks is expected to continue, with a focus on effective measures to prevent the emergence of high-risk institutions [16][17]. - The emphasis on optimizing the financial institution system and enhancing governance is crucial for the sustainable development of the rural banking sector [17].