China cuts red tape for foreign banks

BEIJING -- China's banking regulator has cut red tape for foreign banks.

The China Banking Regulatory Commission has revised rules for foreign banks, scrapping approval procedures for four items including overseas wealth management products and portfolio investment funds. Banks only need to report their services to authorities rather than obtaining approval in advance.

Procedures were also simplified for foreign lenders to set up new branches, appoint executives and issue bonds.

The new policies became effective on Feb 13.

The revision also clarified procedures and application materials for foreign-funded banks to invest in domestic banking institutions.

"The document provides clear legal ground for foreign-funded banks to make equity investment," the commission said in a statement.

China has been gradually opening up its financial sector, with authorities pledging to ease caps on foreign ownership in Chinese banks and financial asset management companies.

"We will briskly push forward revisions in laws and regulations to propel the opening up of banking sector," the commission said.

The commission said it would continue to support foreign banks to enter the Chinese market, promising a fair and transparent policy environment.

The banking regulator said earlier it would broaden the business scope of foreign banks, including measures to ease restrictions on renminbi retail banking.