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Bank Profile

Founded in 1908, Bank of Communications (BOCOM) is one of four oldest banks in China and one of the early note-issuing banks of China. In 1958, while the Hong Kong Branch continued to operate, the mainland business of BOCOM was merged with People's Bank of China and the People's Construction Bank of China on BOCOM's foundation. To operate in line with economic reforms and development, BOCOM was restructured on July 24, 1986 with approval from the State Council and began operation anew on April 1, 1987, thus becoming China's first state-owned shareholding commercial bank. Its head office was in Shanghai.

As China's first national shareholding commercial bank, BOCOM has been playing two roles as the successor to a century-old national banking brand and the pioneer of China's banking reform since its re-establishment.

BOCOM has achieved six "firsts" in China's banking reform and development: the first to implement shareholding system for its capital and mode of ownership form; the first to command an organizational structure based on market rules and cost/return rules; the first to introduce competition into the banking industry in China; the first to introduce assets/liability ratio management and apply it for regulating business operations and risk; the first to build new bank/enterprise relationships based on two-way selection; and the first commercial bank to integrate banking, insurance and securities businesses. BOCOM's experience in reform and development paves the way for the development of shareholding commercial banks in China and exemplifies the banking reform of China.

In June 2004, with the banking reform in China well under way, the Sate Council approved BOCOM's general plan on deepening the reform of its shareholding structure in a bid to further develop BOCOM into a modern banking enterprise under a century old national brand with improved corporate governance, adequate capital, strict internal controls, safe operations, excellent services and return, and strong international competitiveness. Through the reform, BOCOM has completed financial reorganization, successfully introduced mainland and overseas strategic investors like HSBC, the national Social Security Fund and China SAFE Investment Ltd., and enhanced its organizational structure. On June 23, 2005, BOCOM was listed in Hong Kong, the first China based commercial bank of its kind to get listed outside of the Chinese mainland. On May 15, 2007, BOCOM was listed in Shanghai Stock Exchange. Now BOCOM has grown into a well-established modern commercial bank operating under a century old national brand with its "well-defined development strategy, perfected corporate governance, well developed banking network, advanced operation and management, quality banking service and sound financial status".

Besides Hong Kong Branch, the Bank has set up overseas Branches in New York, Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul, Frankfurt and Macau as well as a representative office in London.

Milestones

YearsDevelopment
1908 Founded in 1908, Bank of Communications (BOCOM) is one of four oldest banks in China and one of the early note-issuing banks of China.
1934 Hong Kong Branch is established
1959 Hong Kong Branch commences business and establishes the first representative office at Kowloon
1981 Bank of Communications Trustee Limited is established
1983 Hong Kong Branch joins BOC Group
1985 Hong Kong Branch moves to Wheelock House at Pedder Street
1987 BOCOM is restructured and begins operation anew. BOCOM becomes China's first state-owned shareholding commercial bank.
1991 Hong Kong Branch launches Phone Banking service
1998 Hong Kong Branch departs from BOC Group and returns to management of BOCOM Headquarter
1999

Hong Kong Branch's Mainframe system separates from BOC Group and operates independently.
BOCOM International Securities Ltd is established1

2001 China BOCOM Insurance Co., Ltd. is established2
Hong Kong Branch launches Internet Banking service
2002 Bank of Communications Charitable Foundation Ltd is established
2004 BOCOM successfully introduces HSBC as strategic investors
BOCOM Hong Kong Branch 70 Years Anniversary
2006 BOCOM is listed in Hong Kong, the first China based commercial bank of its kind to get listed outside of the Chinese mainland.
Hong Kong Branch launches BComBEST Services
2007 Hong Kong Branch launches BOCOM FORTUNE Services
BOCOM is listed in Shanghai
BOCOM becomes Hang Seng Index Constitute Stock
2008 BOCOM 100 Years Anniversary

 

Remarks:

  1. BOCOM International Securities Ltd is established. (Former BOCOM International Holdings Co., Ltd.)
  2. China Communications Insurance Co., Ltd. is established. (Former China BOCOM Insurance Co., Ltd.)