China Merchants Bank opens wealth management subsidiary
CMB is just the latest domestic commercial bank to get its WM (aka asset management) subsidiary up and running. This push is likely to …
China makes first cut in key lending rate since 2016
In general, lowering of the MLF interest rate should help to decrease borrowing costs for businesses. However, a mere 5-basis-point cut is virtually meaningless, given its …
Chinese regulators in talks to offload Anbang successor
If regulators are able to successfully off-load Dajia Insurance, it will bring the Anbang takeover to a close. Importantly, the entire Anbang episode has been handled in a …
Wirecard to buy Chinese payments group
As we highlighted with PayPal’s market entry last month, Wirecard will face an uphill battle to win market share from domestic payment titans WeChat Pay and Alipay. Nonetheless, the gradual entry of foreign firms, as well as …
ICBC launches fintech research academy and smart bank ecosystem
These grand announcement by ICBC look, at this stage, to be just that – grand announcements. We are skeptical that ICBC’s push into fintech and the …
CBIRC releases draft of measures for addressing consumer complaints
Once again, the CBIRC is prioritizing oversight and compliance in the financial industry in a bid to combat malfeasance, protect consumer rights, and support both financial and social stability. Regulators will look to deepen this push by …
CBIRC releases draft measures for reporting illegal activities
As Chinese regulators continue their campaign to de-risk the financial system, defining the rights and responsibilities of whistleblowers will serve to fill a gap in the existing oversight system and …
Alipay, WeChat Pay to allow foreign bank card linkage
Previously, Ant Financial and Tencent, the respective parent companies of Alipay and WeChat Pay, had focused their attention on working with local partners to foster the use of their platforms by Chinese nationals abroad. The decision to allow foreign cards to …
UBS becomes first foreign bank to underwrite STAR Market IP
The move is part of UBS’s new China growth strategy.
UBS pursues China growth strategy
The past month has seen a couple of concrete market moves by the Swiss lender aimed at…
PBoC, SAMR introduce fintech certification system
Foreign firms eager to enter China’s fintech market must be aware of these granular regulations.
China explores fintech regulatory system
The growth of fintech warrants a clear and robust regulatory framework.
Top officials continue to push financial opening rhetoric
The consistency with which high-level Chinese officials are speaking about financial opening demonstrates the how earnest the government is about reforms.
Ergo forms JV with Great Wall Motors
The move represents Ergo’s efforts to establish itself in China.
Chinese banks continue on capital raising spree
Capital needs are still high throughout the financial system, while small and large institutions facing different challenges.
Top leaders consistently reiterate opening message
China’s leadership is waking up to the fact that MNCs have suffered from years of “promise fatigue,” and that frustration with China’s business environment risks have begun to boil over.
State Council to improve FX management
The measures seek to gradually ease constraints on cross-border payments.
SAFE to encourage more foreign participation in capital markets
The plans announced by SAFE demonstrate that financial opening is proceeding.
Financial regulators issue notice to clarify two types of investment funds
Regulators are increasingly looking to better supervise the asset management industry.
Xi Jinping calls for blockchain development
Xi’s speech made clear that despite previous reservations the Chinese state will seek to invest in blockchain technology and harness it in service of state interests.