China’s banks must reassess local goverment lending risks

China's most senior banking regulator has told the country's banks to submit reports about their lending to local government amid concerns that the industry faces a looming bad debt crisis.

Liu Mingkang, chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission told an Asian economic forum over the weekend that banks must reassess their loans on “a project-by-project” basis.

“By the end of this coming June, all of the banks are required to submit comprehensive reassessment reports to us about that area’s exposure,” he said.

His comments come as fears mount that China’s $600 billion stimulus package that has kept the economy powering ahead despite the global economic crisis has led to reckless investment decisions through off-balance sheet financing vehicles.

Access intelligence that drives action

To unlock this research, enter your email to log in or enquire about access

30