Core Viewpoint - Jiangsu Bank has received approval from the Ningbo Financial Regulatory Bureau to open a branch in Ningbo, marking a significant step in the bank's expansion strategy through the acquisition of a local village bank [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition and Expansion Strategy - Jiangsu Bank approved the acquisition of Ningbo Jiangbei Fumin Village Bank to establish its branch, which had been kept confidential due to regulatory uncertainties [2]. - The establishment of branches in provinces outside their home base is now being facilitated through the acquisition of village banks, indicating a shift in regulatory stance [3][4]. - The newly formed branch will inherit the assets, liabilities, and operations of the acquired village bank, which had total assets of over 200 million yuan and reported a net loss of 688,000 yuan as of November last year [4]. Group 2: Regulatory Context - Historically, city commercial banks faced strict regulations on cross-regional expansion, with significant restrictions imposed since 2011 [5]. - Recent approvals for cross-regional acquisitions, such as those by Jiangsu Bank and Harbin Bank, suggest a potential easing of these restrictions, although industry insiders believe this will not become a standard practice [6][7]. - The ongoing reforms in small and medium-sized banks, including the restructuring of village banks, have led to a notable increase in approvals for acquisitions and dissolutions, with 26 approvals granted in the current year alone [6].