Core Viewpoint - The recent approval by the Chongqing Financial Regulatory Bureau for Harbin Bank to acquire two rural banks in Chongqing marks a significant step in the bank's expansion strategy in the southwest region, reflecting a broader trend of regional banks pursuing cross-province acquisitions to establish branches [1][5][6]. Group 1: Cross-Province Acquisitions - Harbin Bank's acquisition of Chongqing's Shapingba and Dadukou rural banks follows its earlier acquisition of Youyang Rural Bank, enhancing its presence in the region [6][31]. - This acquisition strategy is not unique to Harbin Bank; Jiangsu Bank has also successfully established a branch in Ningbo through a similar acquisition [7][32]. - The model of acquiring rural banks to establish branches has become a common approach for city commercial banks, allowing them to inherit the assets, liabilities, and customer base of the acquired banks [8][33]. Group 2: Policy Background - The regulatory environment for city commercial banks has shifted from leniency to tightening over the past decade, with significant restrictions on cross-regional operations [9][34]. - Historical regulations have limited city commercial banks from expanding beyond their local jurisdictions, with exceptions made for resolving high-risk institutions [9][34]. Group 3: Reform Wave - The ability of city commercial banks to establish branches across provinces is part of a broader reform aimed at accelerating the resolution of risks in small and medium-sized banks [10][35]. - As of mid-2025, 100 rural banks have undergone mergers or restructuring, indicating a significant increase in consolidation efforts compared to previous years [10][35]. Group 4: Regulatory Logic - Despite speculation about a loosening of cross-regional restrictions, industry professionals believe that such acquisitions will not become a standard practice and will continue to follow a case-by-case approval process [11][36]. - Regulatory bodies are expected to maintain strict oversight, ensuring that only proposals that effectively address risk and promote stable operations are approved [12][38]. Group 5: Bank Considerations - Acquiring existing rural banks allows city commercial banks to save capital and quickly gain access to established customer bases and operational networks [14][39]. - Harbin Bank reported a revenue of 7.386 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, with a net profit of 915 million yuan, highlighting the financial pressures that make acquisitions an attractive growth strategy [17][42]. Group 6: Future Trends - The trend of reducing the number of small and medium-sized banks while improving their quality is expected to continue, with a peak in mergers and restructurings anticipated in 2025 [18][45]. - The disappearance of rural banks reflects a strategic shift in the banking sector towards consolidation and enhanced risk management capabilities [20][47]. - Future acquisitions may occur, but this does not imply a complete lifting of restrictions on cross-regional operations for city commercial banks [23][49].

11月27日，《国际金融报》记者梳理监管公告及企业预警通数据发现，年内已有368家银行因监管批复 合并或批复解散而注销，总数已超去年全年（195家）。其中，村镇银行和农商行占主要部分。随着中 小银行改革化险加速推进，地方中小金融机构解散的消息不断传来。 受访专家指出，年内中小银行退出数量激增，改革化险的密集度和推进效率较往年呈量级提升，改革取 得显著成效，不过存量风险处置任务仍然艰巨。 中小银行数量正在加速缩减。 中小银行数量持续缩减 11月26日，国家金融监督管理总局大连监管局发布公告，同意大连甘井子浦发村镇银行解散，全部资 产、负债、业务、网点、人员及其他权利和义务将由浦发银行承接。此前一日，富民浦发村镇银行也因 被主发起行上海浦东发展银行收购而解散。 《国际金融报》记者注意到，近日，多地农商行和村镇银行仍不断传来解散的消息。据国家金融监督管 理总局公开的行政许可信息统计，仅11月以来，至少已有陕西咸阳秦都农商行、陕西咸阳渭城农商行、 朝阳柳城村镇银行等28家机构被监管批复解散。 企业预警通统计数据显示，截至11月27日，年内因监管批复合并或批复解散而注销的银行分别达到125 家、243家，合计达368家 ...

Core Viewpoint - The reform and risk mitigation of small and medium-sized banks must go beyond passive measures like mergers and capital supplementation, requiring a fundamental shift in development models and the rebuilding of core competitiveness [1][2]. Group 1: Current Challenges - The number of banking financial institutions in China has decreased to 4,295 by the end of 2024, a net reduction of 195 from the end of 2023, with over 90% being small and medium-sized institutions [1]. - Many small banks are facing severe survival crises, as evidenced by the complete acquisition of Jinzhou Bank by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China [1]. - The capital adequacy ratio of several small banks is approaching or even below the regulatory minimum of 8%, indicating a critical risk to their operational sustainability [3]. Group 2: Economic and Industry Context - The traditional economic growth model in China, reliant on investment and real estate, is undergoing significant changes, leading to a slowdown in bank asset growth and an increase in non-performing loan rates [3][6]. - The deep integration of small banks with local economies and industries has heightened their risk exposure, particularly in the real estate sector, where some banks have reported non-performing loan rates exceeding 40% [6][9]. - The competitive landscape of the banking industry is shifting, with large state-owned banks gaining market share at the expense of smaller banks, as evidenced by a 4 percentage point increase in the asset share of large banks from 2019 to 2025 [7][8]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Profitability - The net interest margin of commercial banks has shrunk significantly, from over 3% a decade ago to a historical low of 1.42% by mid-2025, while the non-performing loan rate remains high at 1.49% [11][12]. - Small banks, particularly rural and urban commercial banks, are experiencing a more pronounced impact from narrowing net interest margins due to their inadequate pricing capabilities and higher non-performing loan rates [12][14]. - The reliance on traditional interest income is becoming increasingly untenable for small banks, necessitating a shift towards non-interest income sources, which they struggle to develop due to resource constraints [14][15]. Group 4: Strategic Recommendations - Small and medium-sized banks need to embrace digital transformation and collaborate with third-party institutions to enhance their technological capabilities and expand their business scope [2][15]. - There is a need to shift from a reliance on large clients and economic growth to a more nuanced approach that leverages local data for refined service offerings [16]. - Policy support should be more equitable, extending to small banks to ensure they can compete effectively against larger institutions [17]. Group 5: Conclusion - The current environment presents a critical window for reforming small and medium-sized banks, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive transformation in their operational models to survive and thrive in a changing landscape [17][18].

Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Jinzhou Bank by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) is progressing, with regulatory approvals for the rebranding of Jinzhou Bank's branches to ICBC branches [2][4][5] Group 1: Acquisition Details - ICBC will officially take over Jinzhou Bank's assets, liabilities, business, branches, and personnel, with the transition expected to occur on November 15 and 16 [3][4] - As of November 5, 174 branches of Jinzhou Bank have been approved to be renamed as ICBC branches, including 14 branches that were downgraded from full branches to sub-branches [4][5] - The rebranding process includes the replacement of Jinzhou Bank's signage with ICBC's, while the operational addresses will remain unchanged [3][4] Group 2: Historical Context - Jinzhou Bank was established in 1997 and became a publicly listed company in Hong Kong in 2015 [7] - The bank faced a severe liquidity crisis in 2019, leading to its classification as a high-risk financial institution, prompting a restructuring and the introduction of several strategic investors, including ICBC [7][8] - ICBC had previously acquired a 10.82% stake in Jinzhou Bank through its subsidiary, ICBC Investment, during the bank's restructuring efforts [7] Group 3: Industry Implications - The acquisition of Jinzhou Bank by ICBC is seen as part of a broader trend of reform and risk management among small and medium-sized banks in China, with large banks playing a crucial role in stabilizing the financial system [9] - The recent changes reflect a market-oriented approach to addressing risks in local financial institutions, emphasizing the importance of capital support and restructuring [9]

Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Jinzhou Bank by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) marks the end of a six-year reform process, representing a significant move in the restructuring of small and medium-sized banks in China [2][4]. Summary by Sections Acquisition Announcement - Jinzhou Bank announced that ICBC will acquire its assets, liabilities, business, branches, and personnel, with the transaction approved and a formal acquisition agreement signed [2]. - The bank reassured that the legitimate rights and interests of its depositors will remain unaffected by this acquisition [2]. Business Migration - A notification was issued regarding the migration of Jinzhou Bank's business operations to ICBC's platforms, which will take effect 15 working days after the announcement [2]. - The migration includes corporate banking services such as settlement accounts, online banking, and payroll services, as well as personal banking services like payment and fund distribution [2]. Current Status and Customer Experience - As of now, Jinzhou Bank's official website is inaccessible, but its mobile banking app remains operational [3]. - Customers have reported a decrease in interest rates for deposits compared to previous rates, aligning more closely with larger banks' rates [3]. Shareholder Meeting and Approval - On September 26, a special resolution was passed at a shareholder meeting, with 98.91% of voting shares represented, approving the operational integration of Jinzhou Bank [4]. - This acquisition is noted as the first instance of a city commercial bank being fully absorbed by a state-owned bank in recent years, indicating a new phase in risk management for smaller financial institutions [4]. Industry Implications - The acquisition is seen as an innovative measure for large commercial banks to address risks associated with smaller financial institutions, marking a shift in risk resolution strategies [4].

Core Insights - Jinzhou Bank has officially been acquired by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), marking the end of a six-year reform process aimed at mitigating risks [2][3] - The acquisition includes the transfer of assets, liabilities, business operations, branches, and personnel from Jinzhou Bank to ICBC, with a focus on ensuring that the rights of depositors remain unaffected [2][3] - This acquisition represents a significant move in the banking sector, as it is the first instance of a major state-owned bank fully absorbing an independent city commercial bank [3][4] Summary by Sections Acquisition Details - Jinzhou Bank announced that ICBC will take over its assets, liabilities, business operations, branches, and personnel, as per the signed acquisition agreement [2] - The migration of business operations to ICBC's platforms will occur 15 working days after the notification, with specific timelines to be announced later [2] Business Migration - The migration will include corporate banking services such as settlement accounts, online banking, check services, and payroll services, as well as personal banking services like payment and fund distribution [2] - Certain credit card functionalities will be temporarily unavailable during the transition [2] Market Reaction and Implications - The official announcement of the acquisition signifies the conclusion of Jinzhou Bank's reform efforts, which have been ongoing for nearly six years [3] - The acquisition is viewed as an innovative approach by large commercial banks to address risks associated with smaller financial institutions [3][4] - The move is expected to set a precedent for future risk management strategies within the banking sector [4]

Core Points - Jinzhou Bank has been acquired by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), marking the end of a six-year reform process [2][3] - The acquisition includes the transfer of assets, liabilities, business operations, branches, and personnel from Jinzhou Bank to ICBC [2] - Jinzhou Bank's depositors' rights will remain unaffected by the acquisition [2] Summary by Sections Acquisition Details - Jinzhou Bank announced that ICBC will take over its related assets, liabilities, business operations, branches, and personnel, as per the signed acquisition agreement [2] - The migration of business operations to ICBC's channels will occur 15 working days after the announcement, with specific timelines to be provided later [2] - The migration includes corporate banking services such as settlement accounts, online banking, and personal banking services like payment and fund distribution [2] Current Status - Jinzhou Bank's official website is currently inaccessible, but its mobile banking app remains operational [3] - A customer noted a decrease in interest rates for deposits, aligning with larger banks' rates [3] - As of October 28, the bank's name has not changed, and future announcements will clarify if it will become a branch of ICBC [3] Industry Implications - This acquisition represents a significant move in the resolution of risks associated with smaller financial institutions in China, with ICBC's involvement marking a new phase in risk management [2] - The acquisition is noted as the first instance of a major state-owned bank fully absorbing an independent city commercial bank, differing from more common methods of restructuring or merging regional banks [2][3]

Core Points - On October 26, Jinzhou Bank officially announced that its assets, liabilities, business, branches, and personnel would be acquired by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) [2][3] - The acquisition marks a new phase in risk management for Jinzhou Bank, which has been under reform since 2019 due to its classification as a high-risk financial institution [5][6] - The move is seen as a significant step in stabilizing regional financial systems and enhancing the efficiency of financial risk management [2][4][8] Group 1: Acquisition Details - ICBC will continue to provide banking services to Jinzhou Bank's customers, ensuring that the rights of depositors remain unaffected [3][4] - The business migration will involve transferring various services, including unit and personal customer business, credit card services, and payment services to ICBC's platforms [4] - Customers are advised to replace old savings cards and redeem funds held with Jinzhou Bank as part of the transition [2][4] Group 2: Background and Context - Jinzhou Bank was established in January 1997 and has faced significant challenges, including a decline in stock price and trading volume since its listing in 2015 [5][6] - The bank has been undergoing restructuring since 2019, which included disposing of risky assets and enhancing its capital base [5][6] - Since 2021, Jinzhou Bank has closed approximately 33 branches as part of its downsizing efforts [7] Group 3: Implications for the Industry - The acquisition by a large state-owned bank is viewed as an innovative approach to resolving risks in smaller financial institutions [4][8] - The involvement of large banks like ICBC is expected to provide substantial support to smaller banks, leveraging their financial strength and expertise in risk management [8] - This trend reflects a broader strategy in China to address the challenges faced by smaller financial institutions through market-oriented and legal frameworks [7][8]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that Zhongyuan Bank plans to merge three rural banks with an investment of 782 million yuan, indicating a trend towards the transformation of rural banks into branches [3][5]. - The merger is part of ongoing reforms in small and medium-sized banks, which aim to mitigate risks and enhance operational efficiency [5]. Group 2 - The announcement was made during the second extraordinary shareholders' meeting of 2025, highlighting the bank's strategic direction [5]. - The cash-based approach for the merger reflects a proactive stance in adapting to the evolving banking landscape [5].

Core Insights - The article discusses the ongoing reform and risk mitigation efforts in small and medium-sized banks, particularly focusing on the recent acquisition of three village banks by Zhongyuan Bank, which will convert them into branch institutions [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Zhongyuan Bank plans to acquire Puyang Zhongyuan Village Bank, Mengjin Minfeng Village Bank, and Luan County Minfeng Village Bank for a total consideration of 782 million yuan [1][2]. - The acquisition involves purchasing shares from other shareholders, with specific share prices set at 1.33 yuan, 2.99 yuan, and 4.25 yuan per share for the respective banks [2]. Group 2: Structural Changes in Village Banks - The restructuring of village banks is accelerating, with 98 village banks exiting the market in the first half of 2025 [1][4]. - The "village-to-branch" reform is seen as a way to enhance service capabilities and risk resistance of village banks, allowing for more efficient reform and risk mitigation [3][4]. Group 3: Industry Trends - The number of village banks is decreasing, with 1,440 banks remaining as of June 2025, down from 1,538 at the end of 2024 [4]. - Major banks, including city commercial banks and rural commercial banks, are leading the "village-to-branch" initiative, with state-owned banks also participating for the first time [4]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Experts predict that the pace of structural reorganization among village banks will accelerate, with a focus on returning to core functions and mitigating risks [5]. - There is a call for guiding opinions to help village banks focus on serving rural revitalization and small enterprises [5][6].