Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by village banks in China and the increasing trend of mergers and acquisitions as a means to mitigate risks and enhance operational efficiency in the banking sector [1][4][34]. Group 1: Village Banks' Role and Challenges - Village banks serve as crucial financial institutions in rural areas, often being the only bank available, thus filling a significant service gap [1]. - Many village banks are struggling due to their small scale, weak capital strength, and inadequate risk management, leading to operational difficulties [28][30]. - The number of village banks in China has reached 1,587, serving over 30 million customers, but they face intense competition from larger banks and internet banking [28]. Group 2: Mergers and Acquisitions - Several banks have initiated plans to absorb and merge village banks into their branches, with notable actions from institutions like Hubei Jingmen Rural Commercial Bank and Shunde Rural Commercial Bank [2][4]. - In 2024, over 100 village banks were merged or absorbed by larger banks, with more than 75 being absorbed and over 55 being acquired across various provinces [4]. - The trend of mergers is seen as a dual benefit, helping to clear high-risk institutions while allowing stronger banks to expand their market presence [4][11]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment and Future Outlook - The regulatory focus has shifted towards promoting the restructuring of small financial institutions to mitigate risks, with a clear emphasis on market-driven solutions [18][33]. - The approach of merging village banks into larger commercial banks is viewed as a practical method for risk resolution, enhancing service capabilities and operational efficiency [24][26]. - The future of village banks is likely to see a reduction in their numbers as the industry undergoes structural changes, with stronger institutions dominating the market [34][35].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that the restructuring and merger of small and medium-sized banks in China is accelerating, particularly with village and town banks being absorbed and converted into branches of larger banks [1][4] - Hubei Jingmen Rural Commercial Bank plans to hold a shareholders' meeting on June 19 to discuss the absorption and merger of its only village bank, indicating a trend among banks to consolidate resources [3] - Shunde Rural Commercial Bank and Jiangmen Rural Commercial Bank are also taking steps to absorb village banks, aiming to enhance their competitive position in the regional financial market [3][4] Group 2 - Listed banks like Jiangsu Bank and Wuxi Rural Commercial Bank are actively pursuing mergers with village banks, reflecting a broader industry trend towards consolidation [4] - The regulatory framework supports the acceleration of reforms in small financial institutions, emphasizing risk management and restructuring as key objectives [4] - Experts suggest that converting village banks into branches of larger banks can improve service capabilities and risk management, leading to a reduction in the number of village banks over time [5]

本报记者 慈玉鹏 北京报道 近日，韶关金融监管分局发布批复，核准周伟始兴大众村镇银行首席合规官的任职资格。自《金融机构 合规管理办法》（以下简称《办法》）施行后，周伟成为村镇银行体系内首位首席合规官。 《中国经营报》记者统计发现，目前已有超20家金融机构设置了首席合规官岗位。业内人士表示，设立 首席合规官职位，核心是要确保该岗位的独立性、权威性，提升机构整体风险防控能力。 多家银行设置首席合规官 2024年12月25日，国家金融监督管理总局发布《办法》，自2025年3月1日起施行。《办法》规定，金融 机构应当在机构总部设立首席合规官。首席合规官是高级管理人员，接受机构董事长和行长（总经理） 直接领导，向董事会负责。 记者通过国家金融监督管理总局官网查询发现，近两年已有23家金融机构首席合规官获核准，包括财务 公司11家、银行理财子公司7家、银行3家，消金公司、金融租赁公司各1家。 今年以来，多家银行已设置了首席合规官。例如，2月24日，光大银行发布的公告显示，该行于当天召 开第九届董事会第二十五次会议，审议并通过了《关于聘任马波先生担任中国光大银行股份有限公司首 席风险官的议案》，马波的首席风险官职务自其任职 ...