Core Viewpoint - Ping An Bank has reported growth in both retail and corporate customer numbers and loan balances as of June 30, 2025, indicating a stable expansion in its lending business [1] Retail Banking - As of June 30, 2025, the number of retail customers reached 126.68 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 0.9% [1] - The personal loan balance stood at 1,725.98 billion yuan [1] Corporate Banking - The number of corporate clients reached 909,100, showing a year-on-year increase of 6.5% [1] - The corporate loan balance was reported at 1,682.52 billion yuan, reflecting a growth of 4.7% compared to the previous year [1]

Core Viewpoint - The competition in the mortgage loan market is intensifying, with banks focusing on improving service and efficiency to attract business, especially among smaller banks that lack the marketing budgets of larger institutions [4][11][12]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The mortgage loan business is seen as a critical driver for the sustained growth of retail credit by banks [3][4]. - The current competitive landscape is driven by the banks' desire to secure quality credit assets, as mortgage loans have low default rates and stable repayment cycles [4][5]. - Large banks are leveraging partnerships with real estate agencies to secure a stable volume of mortgage loans, while smaller banks are forced to compete on service and efficiency due to limited budgets [5][11]. Group 2: Operational Strategies - Banks are adopting aggressive strategies to enhance their mortgage loan business, including rapid response to loan applications and improving approval times [11][12]. - Some banks are reallocating funds from consumer loans to mortgage loans to boost their mortgage business volume [12][14]. - Smaller banks are also relaxing their loan approval criteria to gain favor with real estate agencies and increase their mortgage loan referrals [14][15]. Group 3: Competitive Pressure - Internal performance metrics and competitive pressures are driving bank employees to work harder to secure mortgage loan business [17][19]. - There is a trend of banks offering kickbacks to real estate agents to increase mortgage loan volumes, despite regulatory risks associated with such practices [20][21]. - The need for differentiation in financial services is emphasized, suggesting that banks should offer tailored products to meet diverse customer needs [21].