2025年,消失了200多家村镇银行
经济观察报·2025-12-21 04:15

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the accelerated trend of mergers and acquisitions among rural banks in China, with over 200 banks being absorbed or acquired since 2025, indicating a significant increase compared to 2024 [2]. Group 1: Mergers and Acquisitions - Since 2025, more than 135 rural banks have been absorbed and over 85 have been acquired, totaling over 200, which marks a substantial rise from 2024 [2]. - By the end of 2024, the total number of rural banks in China was 1,538, a decrease of 98 from the end of 2023 [2]. - Regions such as Sichuan and Hubei have seen over 20 rural banks absorbed or acquired, while provinces like Hunan, Guangdong, Hainan, and Hebei have seen more than 10 [2]. Group 2: Reform Models - The main models for the mergers and acquisitions of rural banks are "village to branch" and "village to division," with local rural commercial banks often initiating the absorption [4]. - Notably, major state-owned banks, including ICBC and ABC, have begun participating in these acquisitions, with ICBC being the first to initiate a "village to branch" acquisition [4][5]. - ICBC's acquisition of Chongqing Bishi Rural Bank was completed in September 2025, marking a significant step for state-owned banks in this sector [4]. Group 3: Financial Health and Support - State-owned banks are currently exhibiting stable financial indicators, and their involvement in rural bank reforms is expected to have minimal impact on their operations [5]. - Regulatory authorities are likely to provide substantial policy support to state-owned banks participating in the reform of rural financial institutions [5]. Group 4: Bankruptcy Cases - The article notes that while rural banks have shown weaknesses in risk control, bankruptcies are rare, with only two rural banks reported to have gone bankrupt by 2025 [7][8]. - Dalian Jinzhou Lianfeng Rural Bank was approved for bankruptcy proceedings in July 2025, becoming the second rural bank to do so [8]. - The first rural bank to declare bankruptcy was Liaoning Taizihe Rural Bank, which suffered significant losses due to fraudulent loans [11]. Group 5: Structural Reforms - The focus for 2025 is on the orderly advancement of rural bank reforms to mitigate risks, especially in economically weaker regions where local banks face urgent challenges [13]. - The China Banking Association's report indicates that rural banks are undergoing structural reorganization through mergers, acquisitions, and dissolutions to improve quality and reduce risks [13]. - In 2024, the number of rural banks decreased by 99, accounting for nearly 50% of the total reduction in banking institutions that year [13]. Group 6: Opportunities for Initiating Banks - For initiating banks, the reform and restructuring of rural banks can present new opportunities, as seen with Changshu Bank, which has actively absorbed rural banks [15]. - The bank's chairman noted that the high-quality development of rural banks offers new growth opportunities and helps optimize resource allocation [15]. - The central economic work conference emphasized the need for small financial institutions to reduce quantity while improving quality, indicating a strategic direction for the sector [15].