Finally crossing the bridge
Taiwan banks have entered a new era with the amended cross-strait banking rules allowing them to set up branches in China and directly make equity investments in Chinese banks. Future prospects appear even brighter since the signing of the ECFA, as further relaxations of cross-strait restriction are expected by the Taiwanese banking community
Issue: July/August 2010
Keywords (click to search):
ECFA
Taiwan
China
banking
LCS
In the past several years, Taiwan banks faced an extremely competitive environment as over 50 banks sought business from a shrinking customer base in Taiwan. Numerous Taiwanese businesses, most notably in manufacturing, relocated their operations to China for further business expansion and development. Opening up the cross-strait financial market between Taiwan and China will be critical for the growth and development of the banking sector in Taiwan. This article provides a summary of some recent changes in law, the current market reaction by Taiwan banks and Chinese banks to such amendments, and possible future changes in applicable law and policy.
Amended regulations governing cross-strait banking
On November 16 2010, the financial supervisory bodies of Taiwan and China signed a memorandum of understanding (the MOU) on cross-strait cooperation in banking, insurance, and securities brokerage services, which became effective 60 days after signing. Widely seen as necessary to promote the interchange of...
Please login or register below to read this article.