China

From 18% in 2002 to 9% in Sep 2012 to -1% in 2021.

A net profit of US$19.06 billion.

It still increased.

But profit in 3Q12 was flat at CNY34.8b.

Total new RMB loans reached RMB6.72tn in the first nine months of 2012.

Outstanding trade financing between banks and China’s exporters and importers amounted to US$469 billion in September, 34% higher year-on-year.

ATM convenience and branch complexity rolled into one.

Reports say China's Big Four banks may reduce their dividend payout ratios by five percentage points to 35%.

China Development Bank has agreed to provide a record US$160 million.

As I scanned my Insurance Day newsletter in London the day I wrote this article, three articles caught my eye “Market Update: trade credit claims rise in 2012 following 30% jump in 2011;” “Trade credit: uncollectable debts rising in North America;” and, then, “Credit insurers call for banks to ‘behave as they should to end financing gridlock [the International Credit Insurance & Surety Association] points at banking sector’s failure to extend credit as major obstacle to economic growth.” Despite the incongruity these headlines demonstrate the synergy between trade finance and trade credit insurance (TCI).

Asia’s banking and finance sector is still actively hiring – evidence that particular skills are in demand in the region despite the current global economic climate. Christine Wright, Operations Director for Hays in Asia, discusses the trends and current opportunities across the region from the latest Hays Quarterly Report.

Maybank President and CEO, Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar, describes the opening of its Beijing branch as strategic and timely.

New corporate loans slumped from RMB 421 billion in August to RMB 293 billion.

Chinese banks loaned RMB623.2 billion in September, down 11% from RMB703.9 billion in August and below the industry estimate of RMB700 billion.

The European Investment Bank will open a representative office in Beijing to expand its presence in China.

China’s biggest bank intends to focus its attention on building its ship finance business in Singapore.