Group 1 - The first batch of 8 banking financial institutions in Shenzhen has publicly announced a list of third-party cooperation agencies for credit business, which includes major banks such as Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, and China Bank [1] - The third-party agencies primarily cover three categories: marketing and customer acquisition, guarantee and credit enhancement, and collection services [1] - Financial institutions will continuously update the list based on business developments and encourage customers to verify the legitimacy of any third-party claims [1] Group 2 - The public disclosure of the third-party cooperation agency list is an effort to implement regulatory requirements, protect financial consumers' rights, and combat illegal loan intermediaries [2] - Illegal loan intermediaries have been a significant issue in the financial sector, with instances of companies falsely claiming partnerships with banks to attract customers [2] - Common tactics used by illegal loan intermediaries include impersonating legitimate financial institutions, offering low-interest rates, and making false service promises, which can lead to consumer financial losses and data breaches [2] Group 3 - Regulatory authorities have intensified efforts to combat financial "black and gray industries," focusing on illegal loan intermediaries and related financial crimes [3] - A new regulation from the National Financial Supervision Administration mandates that commercial banks manage and disclose lists of platform operators and credit enhancement service providers, effective October 1 [3] - The regulation prohibits banks from collaborating with institutions not on the approved list for internet lending services [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing prevalence of illegal loan intermediaries that exploit consumers by promising quick loans with low interest rates, ultimately leading to significant financial losses and legal risks for borrowers [1][2][3]. Group 1: Illegal Loan Intermediaries - Illegal loan intermediaries use deceptive marketing tactics such as "quick approval" and "low interest rates" to attract consumers, often charging exorbitant service fees [2][3]. - These intermediaries frequently engage in unlawful practices, including fabricating loan application materials and colluding with bank employees to facilitate fraudulent loans [2][3]. - The phenomenon of "套路贷" (loan scams) is prevalent, where intermediaries create traps for consumers, leading to financial losses and potential legal repercussions for borrowers [3]. Group 2: Consumer Protection Measures - Financial regulatory authorities have intensified efforts to combat illegal loan intermediaries to protect consumer rights [4]. - Consumers are advised to seek financing services from legitimate institutions and verify the credentials of intermediaries through official channels [4]. - It is crucial for consumers to thoroughly understand the terms of any loan agreement, including interest rates and repayment conditions, to avoid falling victim to scams [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing prevalence of illegal loan intermediaries in China, emphasizing the risks associated with their deceptive practices and the regulatory response to combat these financial crimes [1][8]. Summary by Sections Illegal Loan Intermediaries - Illegal loan intermediaries often disguise themselves as "bank channel departments" or "bank staff," promoting "no collateral, no guarantee loans" while using enticing offers of "high returns, low risk" and "quick approval" to attract consumers [1][3]. - These intermediaries typically charge high fees under various pretenses, such as "service fees" and "evaluation fees," which are often non-refundable once paid [3][4]. Consumer Cases - A case reported by a bank involved a consumer who was misled into paying multiple fees for a loan that could have been obtained through official channels without any additional costs [3]. - Another case involved a consumer who was promised a low-interest loan but was later asked to pay a "deposit" due to alleged credit issues, resulting in financial loss when the promised loan terms were not honored [4]. High-Risk Financial Operations - Some illegal intermediaries promote risky financial operations, such as "zero down payment home purchases," which can lead to significant financial burdens for consumers [6][7]. - These operations often involve inflating property values to secure larger loans, putting consumers at risk of default and potential legal consequences [7]. Regulatory Response - The rapid growth of financial black and gray markets has led to a tenfold increase in financial losses since 2021, with the scale reaching hundreds of billions [9]. - Regulatory bodies have intensified their crackdown on financial crimes, with joint actions between financial regulators and law enforcement agencies aimed at dismantling these illegal operations [8][9].