Core Viewpoint - The approval of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) to acquire Chongqing Bishan Rural Bank and establish a new branch is aimed at enhancing financial stability and risk management in rural banking [1][2]. Group 1: Company Actions - ICBC has initiated the establishment of two rural banks, including Chongqing Bishan Rural Bank and Zhejiang Pinghu Rural Bank, with full ownership of the former and 60% ownership of the latter [2]. - The acquisition allows ICBC to absorb the assets, liabilities, business, and employees of Chongqing Bishan Rural Bank after asset verification [1]. Group 2: Industry Trends - The trend of merging rural banks into branches, referred to as "village to branch" (村改支), is becoming prevalent, with many major banks absorbing their rural banks to streamline operations and enhance risk management [3]. - The overall development of rural banks in China is showing a trend of reduction in numbers, with a focus on consolidating institutions to improve financial stability [3]. Group 3: Financial Stability and Risk Management - Experts suggest that merging rural banks into larger institutions like ICBC can strengthen financial regulation and risk prevention, as larger banks have more robust internal controls and risk management systems [2]. - The integration of rural banks into larger banking structures is expected to enhance credit availability for agriculture and small enterprises, thereby supporting rural economic development [3].

Core Viewpoint - The approval of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) to acquire Chongqing Bishan Rural Bank marks the first instance of a state-owned bank participating in the "village-to-branch" reform, indicating a significant shift in the banking sector towards addressing risks in rural financial institutions [1] Group 1: Industry Implications - The involvement of large state-owned banks in the reform of rural banks reflects a proactive response to the central government's call for accelerating the resolution of high-risk small financial institutions [1] - The "village-to-branch" model is seen as a dual-value approach, benefiting both the acquired rural banks through improved governance and risk management, and the acquiring banks by enabling rapid market penetration in county-level markets [2][3] Group 2: Future Outlook - Despite the current momentum, the majority of rural banks are initiated by city commercial banks and rural commercial banks, suggesting that future cases of state-owned banks participating may be limited due to structural constraints [2] - Regulatory bodies are urged to provide clearer operational guidelines for the "village-to-branch" model and implement differentiated supervision to effectively support the agricultural sector [3] Group 3: Challenges and Recommendations - The acquisition process presents multiple challenges for the acquiring banks, including the need for effective integration of management systems and risk assessment [3] - A collaborative long-term mechanism is recommended, involving regulatory clarity on risk responsibilities and market-driven pricing strategies to facilitate smoother restructuring processes [3]

苏商银行特约研究员高政扬告诉《中国经营报》记者，近年来众多银行积极推进"村改支"，其背后是多 重因素的协同驱动。监管层多次强调"稳妥推进村镇银行改革重组"，并鼓励通过兼并重组优化区域金融 布局，银行推进"村改支"正是对监管政策的积极响应。 2025年1月，中共中央、国务院印发《乡村全面振兴规划（2024—2027年）》，其中要求，加强农村中 小金融机构支农支小定位，加快农村信用社改革化险，推动村镇银行结构性重组。2025年中央一号文件 亦提出"稳妥有序推进村镇银行改革重组"。 高政扬认为，"村改支"对推进村镇银行改革重组具有积极作用。"一方面，'村改支'可优化农村金融布 局，通过减少机构层级提升行业集中度与管理效能，加快化解潜在金融风险。另一方面，借助资源整合 强化风控能力，依托发起行优势提升服务'三农'与小微企业的质效，有望在扩大信贷投放规模、创新金 融产品体系等方面实现突破。" 另外，高政扬分析称："村镇银行通过'村改支'，依托发起行雄厚的资金实力、成熟的风控体系与专业 管理经验，可将风险纳入统一管理框架，强化风险管控。同时，通过'村改支'可对村镇银行现有资源进 行系统性整合，有效处置历史不良资产，大幅提 ...