Phoenix TV:
I have a question about mixed business regulations. We noted that recently the PBOC, together with the CBRC, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC), is working on a guiding opinion about unified regulation. In your view, what is the biggest challenge in achieving this unified regulation? Is there any plan from the CBRC concerning the mixed regulations this year?
Guo Shuqing:
Your questions really hit the key point. “Shadow banking,” regulatory arbitrage, passageway business and lengthy supervision chain, all these issues have received much attention. At present, different financial institutions, such as commercial banks, trust companies, fund companies, securities companies and insurance companies, have carried out their own asset management activities, following different regulations and rules. This has resulted in disorders and made more capital flow to the virtual economy. So, we are working on a common regulation. I have to say I don’t know much about the progress, because this is my third day in office. As far as I am concerned, we will make a unified regulation based on the most basic standards. These standards should be achievable and observed by all parties concerned. On this basis, each institution and industry can implement their respective standards. In this way, we can increase the transparency of asset management products, curtail supervision chains and tighten supervision of shadow banking. Furthermore, we can reduce the amount of capital disguised in other forms and make it more transparent. I’d like to invite my colleague to explain further.
Cao Yu:
Asset management business, or wealth investment business, in the banking industry has played a positive role in such aspects as deepening financial market reform, promoting real economy growth, increasing citizens' property incomes and advancing transformation of banks. By the end of last year, the book balance of wealth investment funds reached 30 trillion yuan nationwide and such products generated revenue of 977.3 billion yuan.
The CBRC has paid much attention to wealth investment business. We will further improve the regulation formulation in this regard to strengthen supervision. The new regulation, which has attracted much concern, has been under revision for a long time. Based on existing regulations, we are working on a new management method targeting emerging problems so as to advance the transformation of wealth investment business in an orderly manner. The management method is almost mature. As for the supervision on big asset management business, the PBOC has joined hands with the CBRC, CSRC and CIRC to formulate a unified regulation on asset management products. It is going smoothly. The CBRC will actively cooperate with the PBOC and other agencies.