Chan Ye Xin Xi Wang·2026-01-19 01:16Core Viewpoint - The small and medium-sized banks in China play a crucial role in supporting the long-term development of the economy by fostering private enterprises and small businesses, thus contributing to local economic prosperity and advancing financial market reforms [1][9]. Summary by Sections 1. Overview of the Small and Medium-Sized Banking Industry - Small and medium-sized banks are generally defined as all banks excluding the six major state-owned banks. They include national joint-stock banks, urban commercial banks, rural commercial banks, private banks, credit cooperatives, and village banks [3][10]. 2. Industry Policies - The Chinese government has shown significant attention to the development of small and medium-sized banks, continuously optimizing the policy environment to support industry growth. For instance, in January 2025, the government issued guidelines to enhance rural banking services and support small enterprises [5][6]. 3. Industry Chain - The upstream of the small and medium-sized banking industry includes IT service providers, payment platforms, financial market participants, and hardware/software suppliers. The midstream consists of the banks themselves, while the downstream includes consumers and businesses utilizing banking services [7][8]. 4. Current Development Status - Small and medium-sized banks have significantly expanded their total assets, reaching 192.25 trillion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 6.39%. By November 2025, total assets are projected to reach 201.6 trillion yuan, with a growth rate of 6.49% [1][9]. 5. Competitive Landscape and Key Enterprises - The competitive landscape of the small and medium-sized banking industry shows a clear tiered structure. The first tier includes major banks like China Merchants Bank and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, while the second tier consists of regional banks like Beijing Bank and Shanghai Bank. The third tier includes numerous local rural financial institutions [14][15]. 6. Development Trends - Digital transformation is becoming a core competitive advantage for small and medium-sized banks, with a focus on data-driven operations and enhanced customer experiences through technology [18]. - Green finance is transitioning from concept to practice, with banks expected to integrate environmental risk assessments into their lending processes and develop specialized products to support sustainable initiatives [19]. - Regional and specialized operations are expected to deepen, with banks focusing on local economic characteristics and developing tailored financial solutions for small and micro enterprises [21].