商业银行出海,谁在悄然发力
21世纪经济报道·2025-12-26 09:17

Core Viewpoint - Chinese banks are expanding their global presence, establishing a comprehensive service network that supports domestic enterprises going abroad, particularly in emerging markets along the Belt and Road Initiative [1][2]. Group 1: Global Expansion Strategy - Chinese banks are transitioning from focusing primarily on traditional markets in Europe and the US to diversifying their operations in emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America [1]. - The overseas expansion strategy of Chinese banks has evolved from rapid growth through new branches and acquisitions before 2019 to a more focused approach on strategic value and risk control since 2020 [11]. Group 2: Bank Performance and Revenue - As of June 2025, Bank of China leads with 783.13 billion yuan in overseas revenue, marking a 14.4% increase from the previous year, with overseas revenue accounting for 23.77% of its total [14]. - Agricultural Bank of China reported a 21.03% increase in overseas revenue, while Construction Bank's overseas revenue grew by 40.92% [14][15]. - In contrast, Everbright Bank experienced a 12.72% decline in overseas revenue, indicating varying performance among banks [16]. Group 3: Regional Distribution and Focus - The distribution of overseas institutions varies among banks, with Bank of China having the most extensive network, followed by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, which has a significant presence in 49 countries [4][5]. - Joint-stock banks tend to focus their internationalization efforts on key financial hubs like Hong Kong and London, aiming for niche markets in cross-border finance and wealth management [9]. Group 4: Challenges and Opportunities - Chinese banks face challenges in compliance with differing regulatory environments, cultural integration, and brand recognition in international markets [18]. - The demand for diversified financial services is increasing among Chinese enterprises going abroad, with a shift towards high-value industries and a need for localized services [19][20]. Group 5: Future Directions - To enhance competitiveness, Chinese banks must focus on global collaboration, local market adaptation, compliance risk management, and financial technology innovation [22]. - The future of internationalization for Chinese banks will hinge on their ability to create value in a complex global environment, moving from broad network expansion to deep operational excellence [22].