Investment Rating - The investment rating for the industry is "Positive" (maintained) [1] Core Insights - The report highlights that retail non-performing loan (NPL) rates and generation rates are currently high, indicating ongoing pressure on bank profitability. Despite a low overall NPL rate, the retail sector shows signs of risk, with a marginal increase in the NPL rate to 1.28% [14][15] - The transition period for new risk regulations is nearing its end, with concerns about the impact on banks' provisioning levels. However, the report suggests that the actual impact may be less severe than market expectations [16] - The trend of de-collateralization in bank lending is evident, driven by both business characteristics and strategic choices made by banks to reduce reliance on collateralized loans [17] Summary by Sections 1. Retail NPL and Generation Rates - The retail NPL rate has increased to 1.28%, with a steepening curve indicating ongoing risk. The generation rate for retail loans remains high, with significant increases noted in certain banks [14][18] - The report indicates that while the overall NPL rate is low, the divergence between overdue and NPL indicators suggests underlying risks in the retail sector [19] 2. Impact of New Risk Regulations - The new risk regulations will require banks to classify impaired loans as NPLs, potentially increasing reported NPL rates. However, the report anticipates that the actual provisioning pressure may be manageable [16][17] 3. De-Collateralization in Lending - The report notes a significant decline in the proportion of collateralized loans, with banks shifting towards non-collateralized lending strategies. This shift is influenced by the need to manage risk more effectively [17][18] 4. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends certain state-owned banks due to their customer base advantages and manageable retail risk pressures. It also highlights specific banks such as CITIC Bank and Agricultural Bank of China as beneficiaries of this trend [6]