Chinese banks saw their market risk-weighted assets (RWAs) hit a record 2.97 trillion yuan in Q1 2026, an increase of 310 billion yuan. Eleven of thirteen lenders reported higher RWAs, with the five global systemically important banks contributing over half of the rise.
The record increase in market RWAs for Chinese banks indicates a potential shift in risk appetite or regulatory adjustments, which could impact their lending capacity and overall financial stability.
Chinese banks have reported a record high in market risk-weighted assets (RWAs) for the first quarter of 2026. The aggregate total across thirteen major lenders reached 2.97 trillion yuan, marking an increase of 310 billion yuan, or 11.7%, from the previous period. This surge saw market RWAs rise at eleven of the thirteen banks surveyed.
The country’s five global systemically important banks (G-Sibs) were significant contributors to this increase, accounting for just over half of the total rise in market RWAs during the quarter.