China’s largest state-owned lenders reported largely stagnant 2025 earnings amid
narrowing margins and Beijing’s push to support the economy. Agricultural Bank
of China’s net income rose 3.2% to 291 billion yuan, while Bank of China’s grew
2.1%, with peers posting similar gains. Weak lending margins and rising
impairments persisted. Authorities in March pledged special sovereign bond
issuance to recapitalize major banks and bolster the $69 trillion financial
system.
