中国基金报·2025-07-03 12:11Core Viewpoint - China Merchants Bank has received approval to establish a financial asset investment company, which will enhance its capabilities in market-oriented debt-to-equity swaps and equity investment pilot projects, thereby providing comprehensive financing support to enterprises and promoting high-quality development [1][3]. Group 1: Establishment of the Investment Company - China Merchants Bank announced the approval for the establishment of China Merchants Financial Asset Investment Co., Ltd. (referred to as "Zhaoyin Jintou") with a registered capital of 15 billion RMB, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary of the bank [3]. - The establishment of Zhaoyin Jintou is part of the bank's initiative to align with national development strategies and enhance its comprehensive operational capabilities [3][4]. - Following this approval, China Merchants Bank becomes the third commercial bank this year to receive approval for setting up an AIC, after Industrial Bank and CITIC Bank [4]. Group 2: Expansion of AIC Companies - The regulatory authorities have been actively promoting the expansion of AIC companies, with the pilot scope for bank AIC companies being extended from Shanghai to 18 cities, including Beijing, Tianjin, and Chongqing [6]. - As of now, there are five AICs established by major banks, including Industrial Bank, Agricultural Bank, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and Bank of Communications, all set up in 2017 [4][6]. - The recent expansion of AIC companies is expected to enhance the development of technology finance and improve the efficiency of financial resource allocation [6][7]. Group 3: Industry Implications - Analysts believe that the expansion of AIC companies will provide more opportunities for smaller banks with flexible mechanisms to participate, which is beneficial for the healthy development of the industry and the transformation of banks towards lighter capital structures [7].