China's Financial Regulator Boosts Silver Economy with Direct Financing and Guides Banks on Cost Reduction and AICs Expansion

China's financial regulatory bodies are intensifying efforts to support the silver economy through increased direct financing for qualified listed companies, including refinancing and mergers and acquisitions. Concurrently, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) is conducting a survey on bond investments among selected banks as part of its interest rate self-regulatory mechanism. The financial regulator has announced plans to actively guide banking and insurance institutions in reducing costs, improving efficiency, and expanding capital replenishment channels. Additionally, coordinated efforts will be made for risk management and the transformation and development of small to medium-sized financial institutions. The National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA) is also set to gradually expand equity investment pilots for Asset Investment Companies (AICs).