China’s State Council has approved Bank of Communications’ (BoCom) reform plan to optimize its ownership structure through the introduction of private shareholders and an employee stock ownership plan.

BoCom, China’s fifth largest lender by assets, in an exchange filing said reform won’t weaken the central government’s control over the bank.

The bank also said that it will pursue incentive shemes for employees through stock options, which will allow the bank to hike pay of its senior executives following big pay cuts implemented across China’s banking sector in 2015.

BoCom is the first of China’s five state-owned banks to start reforms under Beijing’s two-year-long overhaul of its state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

With a 19% stake, HSBC is currently the largest foreign shareholder in BoCom.

When queried about the development, HSBC told Reuters it currently had no plans to change is shareholding in BoCom.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

"BoCom is a long-term strategic partner," the publication quoted HSBC senior media relations manager Vinh T Tran as saying.