Core Viewpoint - The financial performance of regional banks, particularly city commercial banks, is showing significant divergence, with Chongqing Bank becoming a highlight by surpassing the 1 trillion yuan asset mark in Q3 2023, reflecting a broader trend of aggressive asset expansion among city commercial banks [1][2]. Group 1: Chongqing Bank's Performance - Chongqing Bank's total assets reached 1.0227 trillion yuan as of September 30, 2023, marking a year-on-year increase of 19.39% [2]. - The bank's deposits totaled 554.25 billion yuan, up 16.9% year-on-year, while loans reached 520.39 billion yuan, reflecting an 18.1% increase [2]. - The bank's net interest margin was 1.32%, down 4 basis points year-on-year, but the decline was less severe compared to previous quarters, indicating improved profitability [3]. Group 2: Industry Trends - City commercial banks are increasingly focusing on corporate loans, particularly in manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, to stabilize their net interest margins amid declining loan rates [1][6]. - The overall asset growth among city commercial banks is notable, with 10 out of 12 banks showing growth rates exceeding 10%, contrasting with 16 banks experiencing growth below 5% [4]. - The divergence in growth rates among banks is attributed to regional economic differences, with banks in economically vibrant areas like the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta performing better [4][5]. Group 3: Challenges and Strategic Adjustments - The pressure on net interest margins is prompting banks to adjust their loan structures, reducing reliance on low-yielding bill financing and increasing high-yield corporate loans [6][7]. - Capital constraints are becoming a common challenge for city commercial banks, with many facing declining core tier-one capital ratios due to rapid asset expansion [8][9]. - Banks are shifting their focus from scale-driven growth to efficiency-driven strategies, emphasizing the need for capital-efficient operations and exploring light-capital business models [10].