China: The long march to compete post-WTO

Even after China has joined the World Trade Organization, there will be a grace period of five years before foreign banks can compete head-on with local banks. But that still represents an ambitious timetable for reform. There has been progress, but the sheer scale of China’s banking system, the need to adopt new accounting standards and the number of bad loans present hurdles.

Author: Gill Baker

China’s banking system faces the kinds of challenges being grappled with by bankers worldwide – except that the sheer size of its industry presents a new level of complexity. The analogy of the oil tanker that needs a lot of space and time to change course is particularly apt in China’s case. And the task is made more daunting still by the need to get reform in place before World Trade Organization rules come into force, thereby opening up the market to a wave of international banks with massive experience and powerful brands.

Access intelligence that drives action

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