

Core Viewpoint - The retail banking sector is under pressure, with declining revenue and profit, while retail credit risks are on the rise. Banks are exploring new retail transformation paths, focusing on expanding retail AUM (Assets Under Management) to enhance non-interest income and reshape their business models towards wealth management [1][3][12]. Retail Banking Performance - In the first half of 2025, three banks (Postal Savings Bank, China Merchants Bank, Agricultural Bank) reported retail revenue contributions exceeding 50%, while most banks with a focus on corporate banking had contributions below 40% [3]. - Among the 12 sample banks, 10 reported a decline in retail revenue, and 7 saw a decrease in total profit. However, three banks (Industrial and Commercial Bank, China CITIC Bank, and China Everbright Bank) showed positive changes in retail profit [3][5]. - The retail revenue and profit statistics for major banks indicate a mixed performance, with some banks like ICBC showing a profit increase of 46.05% [5]. Retail AUM Insights - Retail AUM has become a key indicator for banks, with the top three banks (ICBC, CCB, ABC) exceeding 20 trillion yuan in AUM. ICBC leads with 24 trillion yuan [7]. - All 13 banks reported positive growth in retail AUM compared to the beginning of the year, with notable increases from banks like SPD Bank [7][8]. - Retail AUM is defined as a measure of a bank's comprehensive retail financial capabilities, including personal deposits, wealth management, and insurance [7][8]. Wealth Management Transition - The shift towards retail AUM signifies a transition from traditional deposit-based models to wealth management-focused strategies, enhancing non-interest income [8][12]. - Banks are emphasizing the importance of retail AUM in their earnings reports, with many highlighting their strategies to grow this metric [9][12]. - The growth of retail AUM is expected to support the increase in intermediary business income, as banks focus on expanding their customer base [12][14]. Strategic Focus of Banks - Different banks are adopting varied strategies for wealth management. For instance, China Merchants Bank emphasizes retaining customers over merely selling products, while Ping An Bank aims to enhance its insurance business as a growth engine [14][15]. - ICBC highlights its extensive customer base and wealth management coverage, while China Bank focuses on its infrastructure advantages [15][16]. - The overall trend indicates a move away from high-risk retail asset strategies towards building a sustainable wealth management framework [16].