China

It is expected to decline to a negative growth in 2021.

And total deposits fell by 1.8%.

But underlying trends remain good.

But CCB's net profit increased 12% to RMB51.9bn.

The momentum is expected to continue into 4Q12.

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.