Agricultural Bank is expected to regain positive growth in net interest income in the first quarter

SighingCashier · 2026-03-30T13:10:01+00:00

Agricultural Bank of China Chairman Wang Zhiheng stated that, affected by low interest rates on the mainland, net interest income has been under pressure, but it is expected to rebound in the first quarter. He emphasized promoting loan growth, especially supporting domestic demand and the green economy, while strengthening risk management. The asset quality is expected to remain stable.

SighingCashier

2026-03-30 13:10:01

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Low interest rates in mainland China have kept banks’ net interest income under pressure. Wang Zhiheng, chairman of Agricultural Bank of China (01288), said that in the first two months of this year, loan growth reached RMB 1.1 trillion. Net interest income has already stopped falling, and it is expected that a turning point may be reached in the first quarter of this year to resume positive growth.

Wang Zhiheng said that among the bank’s key priorities this year are pushing net interest income back into positive territory. Management will drive loan growth, especially by supporting policy focus areas such as domestic demand, technology, and green initiatives. At the same time, the bank will strengthen loan pricing management, lower funding costs, and is confident about its operations in 2026.

Wang Zhiheng said that last year, the bank’s non-performing loan ratio fell to 1.27%. In fact, the bank’s non-performing ratio has declined for five consecutive years. Going forward, it will continue to strengthen risk management to prevent and defuse risks related to real estate and local government debt, and will accelerate the development of new inclusive retail lending business. The bank is confident that this year its asset quality can continue to remain sound.

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