Core Viewpoint - The re-issuance of AIC licenses marks a shift in focus from debt-to-equity swaps to supporting the development of new productive forces in the financial sector [1] Group 1: AIC License and Bank Recognition - The National Financial Regulatory Administration approved the establishment of the Xingyin Financial Asset Investment Company by Industrial Bank, with other banks like China Merchants Bank and CITIC Bank also planning to set up similar companies pending regulatory approval [1] - This indicates regulatory recognition of the strength of these banks, which have carved out their positions in the market through innovation despite lacking the capital strength of state-owned banks [1] Group 2: Financial Performance Comparison - As of March 2025, the total assets of China Merchants Bank, Industrial Bank, and CITIC Bank were 12.5 trillion, 10.6 trillion, and 9.9 trillion yuan respectively, with China Merchants Bank leading in all major financial metrics [2][4] - China Merchants Bank's net profit for 2024 was 149.6 billion yuan, significantly higher than the 77.5 billion yuan of Industrial Bank and 69.5 billion yuan of CITIC Bank [2] Group 3: Retail Business Focus - Retail banking is identified as a cornerstone for future competition among these banks, with Industrial Bank and CITIC Bank actively working to enhance their retail business capabilities [3] - The ability to excel in retail banking and wealth management will likely determine which bank secures the second position among the joint-stock banks [3] Group 4: Asset Growth Trends - Over the past decade, while Industrial Bank and CITIC Bank have pursued aggressive growth strategies, the asset gap with China Merchants Bank has widened, with their total assets at 85% and 79% of China Merchants Bank's respectively by 2024 [4][7] - China Merchants Bank's financial investments grew 2.65 times from 2017 to 2024, indicating a strategic shift towards government bonds amid a challenging lending environment [7] Group 5: Net Interest Margin and Cost of Deposits - In 2024, China Merchants Bank's net interest margin was 1.98%, outperforming Industrial Bank and CITIC Bank by approximately 20 basis points [11][12] - The lower cost of deposits at China Merchants Bank, primarily due to a higher proportion of low-cost personal deposits, contributes to its competitive advantage [11] Group 6: Strategic Directions and Future Outlook - The transition from the old economic cycle to a new one focused on technology, industry, and finance presents opportunities for banks to identify new business avenues [20] - Industrial Bank's strategy of combining commercial and investment banking positions it well to capitalize on emerging trends in the financial landscape [21]