Core Viewpoint - Banks are increasing the threshold for transaction SMS notification services in response to rising profit pressures and the deepening of digital transformation, indicating a trend towards refined management of service models and cost expenditures [1][8]. Group 1: Service Adjustments - Several banks, including Guangdong Huaxing Bank and Hubei Bank, have announced increases in the minimum transaction amount for SMS notifications, with Guangdong Huaxing Bank set to stop sending notifications for transactions below 500 yuan starting September 16, 2025 [2][4]. - Hubei Bank will raise the default threshold for SMS notifications to 100 yuan for transactions starting March 27, 2025, up from a previous threshold of 10 yuan [2][6]. - China Bank will adjust its SMS notification service for existing customers from a zero yuan threshold to 100 yuan starting April 17, 2025 [2][6]. Group 2: Rationale Behind Changes - The adjustments are framed as efforts to enhance customer service quality, with banks citing the need to optimize service levels and customer experience [3][7]. - The changes reflect a broader trend in the banking industry towards cost management and the impact of digital transformation, as mobile banking and WeChat services become more prevalent [7][8]. Group 3: Cost Management and Efficiency - The banking sector is increasingly focusing on refined management to drive high-quality development of liability businesses and enhance revenue from intermediary services amid narrowing net interest margins [8][9]. - Data shows that the cost-to-income ratio for 39 out of 42 listed banks has declined in the first half of the year compared to the previous year, indicating a trend towards improved operational efficiency [9].

张大伟 制图 回顾直销银行的十余年沉浮，其承担了银行数字化转型的探索任务，又在展业受困、手机银行逐步满足 用户需求之下顺势退场。"随着手机银行在用户体验、业务场景和技术架构上的全面升级，直销银行的 独立存在价值被稀释，其作为'过渡形态'的阶段性任务便宣告完成。"苏商银行特约研究员薛洪言向上 海证券报记者表示。 曾经风头无两 "看到邮惠万家银行被吸收合并的公告时，我打开朋友圈，看到很多在直销银行共事过的老同事和朋友 都在转发这条公告，满屏都是对'时代落幕'的叹息。"曾在直销银行工作过的刘晓（化名）向上海证券 报记者慨叹。 独立法人直销银行的困境 □ 邮惠万家银行经营三年多以来，始终没能盈利，2025年上半年净利润为-1.18亿元 □ 招商拓扑银行甚至尚未正式经营就告"夭折"——撤回开业申请并终止筹备工作 □ 百信银行亏损几年后，至2021年才开始盈利，但目前经营仍面临压力。截至2024年末，百信银行实现 净利润6.52亿元，同比下滑23.74% ◎记者 徐潇潇 黄坤 邮储银行日前公告称拟吸收合并全资子公司邮惠万家银行，这意味着国内第二家独立法人直销银行在成 立不到四年后也走向终局。至此，独立法人直销银行仅剩百信 ...

Core Viewpoint - Postal Savings Bank of China announced the absorption and merger of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Postal Bank of China Huinong Bank, marking the exit of the second independent legal direct bank in China within a short span of three years since its establishment [1][3]. Group 1: Background and Development - The establishment of Postal Bank of China Huinong Bank was part of Postal Savings Bank's digital transformation strategy, intended to serve as a "testbed" for innovation [3][4]. - The bank was officially approved to commence operations in June 2022, but it has struggled to gain a significant presence in the market, with total assets of only 12 billion yuan and around 20 million registered users by June 2025 [3][6]. Group 2: Performance and Financials - The performance of Postal Bank of China Huinong Bank has been disappointing, with a net loss of 4.15 billion yuan in 2024, and cumulative losses exceeding 840 million yuan since its inception [6][7]. - The bank's non-performing loan ratio surged from 2.28% in 2023 to 6.66% in 2024, indicating severe credit quality issues [6][7]. Group 3: Regulatory and Compliance Issues - In July 2025, the bank faced a fine of 4.25 million yuan for violating clearing management regulations, adding to its compliance challenges [9][10]. - The high turnover in the bank's executive team, including the chairman and senior management, has contributed to operational instability [10]. Group 4: Industry Context - The direct banking model in China has faced significant challenges, with many independent legal direct banks struggling to establish themselves in a competitive environment dominated by traditional banks and fintech [12][13]. - As of July 2025, only about ten independent direct banking apps remain operational, a stark decline from their peak, indicating a consolidation trend in the industry [15].

Core Viewpoint - Postal Savings Bank of China (PSBC) is set to absorb and merge its wholly-owned subsidiary, Postal Huinong Bank, to optimize management and business structure, leaving only Citic Baixin Bank as the sole independent direct bank in China [1][2][4] Group 1: Merger Details - The merger will result in the legal cancellation of Postal Huinong Bank's independent status, aimed at effectively utilizing resources and reducing operational costs for PSBC [2] - The integration of Postal Huinong Bank's online operational experience into PSBC is expected to enhance its online service capabilities and reduce management costs [2][3] - Postal Huinong Bank, established in January 2022 with a registered capital of 5 billion yuan, reported net profits of -162 million yuan, -263 million yuan, and -415 million yuan from 2022 to 2024, with a revenue of 150 million yuan and a net loss of -118 million yuan in the first half of 2025 [2][3] Group 2: Industry Context - The overlap in business scope between Postal Huinong Bank and PSBC includes public deposit acceptance, loan issuance, and financial bond issuance, indicating a high degree of redundancy [3] - The trend of direct banks is declining, with only a few remaining operational, as many banks are reducing their online channels and focusing on specific customer segments [4][5] - The current banking strategy emphasizes differentiation and the development of specific business segments rather than independent legal structures, with a shift towards integrated financial platforms and embedded service models [5]

Core Viewpoint - China Postal Savings Bank (Postal Bank) announced the absorption and merger of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Postal Huinong Bank, to optimize management and business structure, marking a significant shift in the independent direct bank landscape in China [1][8] Group 1: Company Overview - Postal Huinong Bank was established with a registered capital of 5 billion RMB, aiming to serve agriculture, small and micro enterprises, and the general public as a digital bank [2] - The bank faced continuous losses since its inception, with total losses amounting to 958 million RMB by 2025, raising concerns about its independent business model [7] Group 2: Financial Performance - By the end of 2022, Postal Huinong Bank had total assets of 7.022 billion RMB and a net asset of 4.838 billion RMB, indicating a loss of 162 million RMB in its first half-year of operation [3] - In 2023, total assets increased to 14.986 billion RMB, but net assets fell to 4.574 billion RMB, with a net loss of 263 million RMB, highlighting the bank's struggle to convert its user base into profitability [4] - By 2024, total assets decreased to 12.828 billion RMB, and net loss expanded to 415 million RMB, indicating severe operational challenges [5] - In the first half of 2025, total assets further declined to 12.005 billion RMB, with a net loss of 118 million RMB, although the loss was reported to have decreased by 38.74% year-on-year [6] Group 3: Industry Context - The merger reflects broader challenges faced by independent direct banks in China, with only one remaining operational, indicating a shift from initial optimism to a reality check [8] - The competitive landscape includes pressure from parent banks' mobile apps and established internet banks, which complicates the independent banks' market positioning [9] - The independent direct banks struggle with high initial costs and a lack of scale, leading to inevitable long-term losses, as evidenced by Postal Huinong Bank's financial trajectory [9] Group 4: Strategic Implications - The merger is seen as a rational adjustment based on financial returns and strategic effectiveness, emphasizing the need for banks to internalize digital capabilities rather than merely establishing new entities [11][12] - The focus for future banking competition will shift towards integrating digital technology into core business processes to enhance efficiency and customer experience [12]

Core Viewpoint - The banking sector is experiencing a significant recruitment drive for the 2026 campus graduates, with a focus on digital transformation and the demand for talent in AI and big data [1][2][4]. Group 1: Recruitment Trends - Major state-owned banks in China have collectively announced over 70,000 job openings for the 2026 campus recruitment season, with Agricultural Bank leading with approximately 21,000 positions [2]. - The recruitment landscape is competitive, with top universities' graduates increasingly applying for various banking roles, leading to a situation where a single position may receive thousands of applications [1][6]. - Despite the high number of openings, the overall recruitment scale has slightly decreased compared to the previous year, reflecting the banks' ongoing digital transformation and efficiency improvement efforts [6][7]. Group 2: Demand for Technology Talent - Positions related to AI and financial technology remain highly sought after, with banks like ICBC and CCB actively recruiting for roles in system development, data analysis, and product design [4][5]. - The emphasis on cultivating talent that understands both technology and finance is evident, with banks implementing specialized training programs targeting STEM and finance-related fields [4][5]. Group 3: Challenges in Recruitment - The influx of high-educated candidates has led to a phenomenon termed "degree inflation," which presents both opportunities and challenges in terms of talent management and job fit [7]. - There is a growing concern regarding the mismatch between the expectations of highly educated graduates and the nature of entry-level positions, which may lead to higher turnover rates [7]. - To enhance talent retention, banks are encouraged to develop clear career progression paths and improve the attractiveness of foundational roles through differentiated incentives and job rotation [7].

Core Viewpoint - The recruitment of a Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Zhengzhou Bank reflects a significant transformation in the role of technology within commercial banks, shifting from a support function to a strategic driver of value creation [2][3]. Group 1: CIO Recruitment and Role Transformation - Zhengzhou Bank is publicly recruiting for the CIO position, emphasizing the need for candidates to have a comprehensive understanding of banking processes, digital transformation strategies, and experience in leading large technology projects [2]. - The evolving role of technology in banking is highlighted, where it transitions from a cost center to a strategic engine that drives business innovation and growth [2][4]. Group 2: Challenges for Small and Medium Banks - Small and medium banks face significant challenges in digital transformation due to their limited resources compared to larger banks, making the establishment of a CIO role crucial for achieving competitive advantages [3][5]. - Many small banks struggle with the disconnect between technology and business, often focusing on superficial upgrades without integrating technology into core business processes, resulting in minimal value creation [3][6]. Group 3: The Importance of a Hybrid CIO - A CIO with both technical expertise and business insight is essential for bridging the gap between technology and business, enabling the identification of pain points and the integration of advanced technologies into practical business applications [4][5]. - The scarcity of hybrid CIO talent poses a challenge for small banks, necessitating the development of internal talent and a supportive organizational structure to empower CIOs in strategic decision-making [5][6]. Group 4: Digital Transformation as a Strategic Imperative - The digital transformation of small banks is not merely a technical upgrade but a critical battle for survival and growth, requiring a commitment to integrating technology with business operations [6]. - Successful digital transformation will enable small banks to transition from a position of following competitors to one of leading in the market, enhancing customer experience and core competitiveness [6].

9月4日，郑州银行发布总行首席信息官选聘公告，在选聘条件方面，该行要求应聘者精通银行的各项业务，深刻理解 银行数字化转型战略，并拥有银行大型科技项目研发或主导实施经验。 对岗位任职条件的描述，郑州银行要求具有国有商业银行、全国性股份制商业银行、头部城商行或农商行总行信息科技 条线负责人管理工作经验。同时要求精通银行业的各项业务，如零售金融、公司金融、风险管理等，以真正能够科技赋 能业务创新，驱动业务发展。 在项目经验要求方面，该行要求应聘者具有丰富的商业银行信息科技管理、重大项目建设、系统运维管理、数字化转型 及信息科技风险管理经验，拥有银行大型科技项目研发或主导实施经验。 截至目前，郑州银行的首席信息官这一职位已空缺两年。公开资料显示，该行前任首席信息官为姜涛，其于2015年12月 起担任该行首席信息官，并于2020年3月起兼任该行创新业务总监，后于2023年9月离职。 郑州银行2025年半年度报告显示，截至报告期末，该行在职员工5593人，其中，信息技术人员339人，占比5.54%。 从业绩表现看，今年上半年，郑州银行实现营业收入66.90 亿元，同比增长 4.64%；实现归属于本行股东的净利润16.27 ...

Core Viewpoint - The banking industry in China has shown signs of stabilization and recovery in the first half of 2025, with improvements in both profitability and asset quality, as indicated by the performance of the 42 listed banks [2]. Group 1: Profitability - In the first half of 2025, 26 out of 42 listed banks achieved positive growth in both operating income and net profit, accounting for over 60% of the total [4]. - The net interest income of listed banks decreased by 1.29% year-on-year, while non-interest income increased by 6.97%, indicating a return to positive growth since the first quarter [4][5]. - The six major state-owned banks reported a slight increase in total operating income to CNY 1.83 trillion, while net profit was CNY 682.52 billion, slightly lower than the previous year [4][5]. Group 2: Income Structure - Interest income remains dominant but faces structural challenges, with a net interest margin contraction affecting profitability [5]. - Non-interest income, particularly from fees and commissions, has rebounded significantly, contributing positively to overall revenue growth [5]. - Investment income saw a year-on-year increase of 23.46%, further enhancing the banks' profitability [4]. Group 3: Asset Quality - As of June 2025, the overall non-performing loan (NPL) ratio for listed banks was stable at 1.23%, with improvements in corporate loans but rising NPLs in personal loans [8]. - Among state-owned banks, Postal Savings Bank had the lowest NPL ratio at 0.92%, while other major banks maintained stable NPL ratios [8][11]. - The provision coverage ratio showed mixed results, with some banks improving while others experienced declines, indicating varying levels of risk management [9]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The banking sector is expected to continue supporting the real economy while focusing on risk management and capital foundation, ensuring stable growth amid changing global economic conditions [12].

Group 1 - The core issue for the Bank of China in its digital transformation is the need for improved marketing precision, reduced credit due diligence time, and the urgency for domestic IT infrastructure [1] - Qifu Technology is identified as the preferred service provider for the Bank of China's digital transformation, focusing on credit intelligence solutions [1][3] Group 2 - Qifu Technology addresses two main challenges: enhancing marketing precision through a personalized customer profiling system and improving credit due diligence efficiency [2] - The implementation of Qifu's intelligent marketing platform led to a 25% increase in conversion rates for the Bank of China's Shanghai branch, translating to an additional 5 million yuan in monthly deposits [2] - The credit due diligence process was reduced from 7 days to 1 day, allowing a credit team to complete three preliminary research projects for small and micro enterprises in the time saved [2] Group 3 - Qifu Technology has been recognized as an excellent service provider for the Bank of China's digital transformation, being included in the "Top 30 Outstanding Service Providers" by iResearch Consulting [3] - The company has extensive experience in the financial IT sector, having served 15 state-owned and joint-stock banks and developed over 20 credit intelligence projects [3] - A project for the Bank of China's Beijing branch improved outbound call efficiency by 40%, demonstrating the effectiveness of intelligent outbound solutions [3] Group 4 - Qifu Technology is positioned as a core partner in the Bank of China's digital transformation, proving its capability to address challenges and enhance personalized services [4] - The year 2025 is highlighted as a critical year for the digital transformation of banks, with Qifu's solutions being essential tools for navigating these challenges [4]