China's massive rural bank mergers raise financial stability concerns as bad loan ratios soar.

In 2024, China saw its largest wave of rural bank mergers, with nearly 300 banks and cooperatives combined into larger lenders. This consolidation, which could create larger troubled banks, is concerning as many are funded through short-term borrowings and backed by indebted provincial governments. The bad loan ratio for rural banks hit 3.04%, nearly double the national average, raising risks to financial stability.

1 month ago
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