During the 2026 interim results conference held on August 27, Vice President Zhao Yuanxin of China Citic Bank Corporation Limited stated that the bank's net interest margin for the first half of the year stood at 1.62%. This figure is 21 basis points higher than the industry average and represents an improvement of 1 basis point compared to the first quarter.

Looking at the trailing four quarters, the net interest margins were 1.64%, 1.62%, 1.61%, and 1.62%, respectively, indicating that the bank's net interest margin continues to lead its peers. In comparison, the decline in the net interest margin during the first half narrowed significantly from the previous year.

Addressing the outlook for the second half of the year, Zhao pointed out that the banking sector may still face some pressure on interest margins. On the liability side, the primary factor this year has been the concentrated maturity of three-year high-cost deposits, which has driven down funding costs. However, the scope for further declines is limited, and once these maturities largely conclude, the impact of this factor will diminish. On the asset side, loans continue to face downward pricing pressure due to factors such as loan renewals at maturity, early repayments, and repricing of existing balances.

Zhao stated that China Citic Bank Corporation Limited will enhance proactive management on both sides of its balance sheet in the second half to further stabilize its net interest margin. On the asset side, the bank will optimize its overall asset structure, increase general loan disbursements, and raise the proportion of medium- and long-term loans, actively alleviating downward pressure on yields by extending duration. On the liability side, the bank will promote steady growth in low-cost settlement deposits to broaden the scope for cost reduction.

The bank will focus on advancing its leading payment and settlement banking strategy, deepening system development and customer operations, and accelerating the release of capacity from its payment and settlement banking business to solidify its base of low-cost funds.