2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2026-01-22 23:10Core Viewpoint - A new force characterized by regional deepening is rapidly emerging in China's banking industry, with Chengdu Rural Commercial Bank becoming the fifth rural commercial bank to surpass 1 trillion yuan in assets, highlighting a structural change in the industry towards localized service models [1][2]. Group 1: Emergence of Regional Banks - Chengdu Rural Commercial Bank officially announced its asset scale surpassed 1 trillion yuan on January 1, 2026, joining the ranks of four other major rural commercial banks [1]. - The five banks that have reached this milestone are all urban rural commercial banks headquartered in national central cities, which have high urbanization levels and strong economic radiation capabilities [1]. - The success of these banks is attributed to their deep understanding of local economies and a strategic focus on localized services, aligning with regulatory guidance emphasizing support for local communities and agriculture [2]. Group 2: Development Strategies - Each of the trillion-yuan rural commercial banks has developed unique advantages based on local characteristics, such as Beijing Rural Commercial Bank focusing on "three rural" services and Shanghai Rural Commercial Bank developing technology and elderly finance [3]. - Chengdu Rural Commercial Bank aims to be a bank that understands rural revitalization and local industries, optimizing its branch layout to enhance service breadth and depth [3]. - The bank has achieved over 80% account opening rates for new agricultural operators and over 72% credit coverage for major grain producers, demonstrating its effective local engagement [3][4]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Since the end of 2019, Chengdu Rural Commercial Bank's asset scale has grown from less than 500 billion yuan to over 1 trillion yuan by early 2026, with an annual growth rate significantly above the industry average [4]. - The bank maintains a stable asset quality, with a non-performing loan ratio of 1.02% and a provision coverage ratio of 441.83% as of mid-2025, indicating strong financial health compared to peers [4]. Group 4: Challenges and Transformation - Surpassing the 1 trillion yuan mark signifies a new development stage for these regional banks, necessitating a restructuring of their development models and management capabilities [6]. - The banks face three core challenges: pressure on profit growth due to narrowing net interest margins, accelerated capital consumption from risk-weighted asset expansion, and increased difficulty in risk management amid economic adjustments [6][7]. - To address these challenges, banks must diversify their income structures, enhance capital accumulation, and strengthen risk management through digital means [7][8]. Group 5: Digitalization and Future Outlook - Chengdu Rural Commercial Bank is focusing on digitalization by enhancing mobile banking and online service platforms, with over 4 million mobile banking users and a community service platform linking 110 communities [8]. - The emergence of trillion-yuan rural commercial banks indicates that impactful financial institutions can be cultivated in regional economies, emphasizing the importance of local engagement for sustainable development [8].