On August 28, at the 2026 interim results conference, ICBC President Liu Jun characterized the half-year performance with a simple yet powerful phrase: "proactive and enterprising." He explained that this assessment reflects not only the bank's ability to solidify its operational foundation amid a complex macroeconomic landscape but also the tangible results of its strategic transformation converting potential into kinetic energy.
Where the momentum originates
Liu Jun attributed this proactive performance primarily to the comprehensive recovery of its value engines. The group achieved operating income of RMB 446.16 billion in the first half, a 9.1% year-on-year increase, approaching double-digit growth from a high base. While deposit repricing played a role, the underlying driver was the coordinated implementation of revenue-enhancing measures across the entire value chain.
"The revival stems from ICBC's consistent principle of aligning both vertical and horizontal business lines with value creation, converting all operational activities into productivity metrics," Liu noted. "We have established a strong link between process and outcome, earning the trust of the market, shareholders, and employees through tangible results."
The science behind risk control
Secondly, the proactive results underscore ICBC's scientific approach to risk prevention. Liu Jun emphasized: "Our stance on risk control is unequivocal. We do not pursue inflated growth that mortgages the future; instead, we focus on clearing real risks in the present. We do not obsess over absolute indicator levels but seek relative stability in internal conditions. We do not chase a rigid zero-risk model but strive for a rational balance where returns adequately cover risk costs."
He further elaborated: "Finance is the derivative of the real economy. Fluctuations in the real sector inevitably manifest in bank statements. With total assets of RMB 57 trillion, the fundamental logic of balancing development and security lies in a globally optimized and evenly distributed asset allocation. The coordinate system for this allocation is the national balance sheet, enabling a reciprocal mapping between the nation's and the bank's financial positions."
Transformation as the growth catalyst
Finally, Liu Jun highlighted that the proactive performance is deeply rooted in the momentum shift driven by reform and transformation. "While past growth relied heavily on scale effects, future development must depend on deepening reforms to reshape the growth equation," he stated. ICBC is accelerating its departure from the traditional single-track credit growth curve, seeking new momentum from the expansive blue oceans of comprehensive, international, and digital banking services.