Core Viewpoint - China Postal Savings Bank (Postal Bank) announced the absorption and merger of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Postal Huinong Bank, which will lead to the cancellation of the latter's independent legal status and the transfer of all its business, assets, and obligations to Postal Bank [2][8] Group 1: Merger Details - The merger will not affect the rights and obligations of Postal Huinong Bank's customers, and all existing contracts will remain valid [2][8] - Postal Huinong Bank's financial statements have been fully consolidated into Postal Bank's reports, indicating no substantial impact on Postal Bank's financial status or operational results [2][8][9] Group 2: Strategic Rationale - The merger aims to integrate Postal Huinong Bank's online operational experience into Postal Bank's broader development strategy, enhancing its online business capabilities [5][13] - The consolidation is expected to optimize resource allocation, inject new momentum into Postal Bank's development, and reduce management costs [13] Group 3: Industry Context - The merger reflects a broader trend in the banking industry towards digital transformation and the integration of direct banks into larger banking operations, as many banks have begun to merge or close their direct banking services [10][11] - The independent value of direct banks has diminished due to challenges such as product homogeneity and high customer acquisition costs, leading to a shift towards integrated banking services [11][12] Group 4: Performance Metrics - Since its establishment, Postal Huinong Bank has achieved significant growth, with total assets reaching 12 billion yuan and deposits growing at an annual rate of 120% [8]