China Has Approved the Exit of 134 Rural Banks in 2026, Cutting Total to 1,048

China has approved the exit of 134 rural banks so far in 2026, reducing the total number of such institutions to 1,048 as of July 9, 2026, according to 36Kr. The data indicate that restructuring and consolidation among China’s rural banks has accelerated this year, continuing a faster cleanup trend that began in 2025. Industry observers said the county-level financial ecosystem is being reshaped, and that streamlining the number of rural banks could improve the quality and efficiency of financial services in county areas.