WeBank Cuts Third-Party Collection Partners Nearly in Half

WeBank has reduced the number of third-party collection partners in its latest credit-business cooperation list to 167 from 320 previously, while marketing-acquisition partners rose to 22 from 18 and guarantee-enhancement partners increased to 62 from 44, according to Jiemian News. The bank said the update reflects regulatory requirements and more refined management. Jiemian News reported that most of WeBank’s current collection partners are law firms, with several mediation centers also included. The move comes as China’s banking industry tightens compliance around outsourced debt collection. In January, the China Banking Association issued trial guidelines for personal consumer-loan collection work, calling for prudent management of external collection agencies, a name-list system, and a rule that only one agency may be entrusted for a single debt at the same time. Jiemian News also noted that other private banks and consumer-finance firms have trimmed outsourced collection teams, including Xishang Bank, Jincheng Bank, Huarui Bank and Zhaolian Consumer Finance. The article said some institutions are also strengthening in-house collection capabilities, including through AI tools and large models, as regulators encourage firms to build internal teams and reduce reliance on external collectors. It cited WeBank’s 2025 annual report, which said its non-performing loan ratio fell to 1.41% at the end of 2025 from 1.44% a year earlier.