China Construction Bank - Ccb Bank

China Construction Bank Corporation (CCB; simplified Chinese: 中国建设é"¶è¡Œ; traditional Chinese: 中國建設銀行; pinyin: Zhōngguó Jiànshè Yínháng; often abbreviated as 建行; SSE: 601939, SEHK: 0939, OTC Pink: CICHY) is one of the "big four" banks in the People's Republic of China. In 2011 CCB was the second largest bank in the world by market capitalization and 13th largest company in the world. The bank has approximately 13,629 domestic branches. In addition, it maintains overseas branches in Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, New York, Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo, Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland, and a wholly owned subsidiary in London. Its total assets reached CNÂ¥ 8.7 trillion in 2009. Its headquarters is in Xicheng District, Beijing.

History

China Construction Bank - China Construction Bank is one of the WPP, BrandZ Top 50 Most Valuable Chinese Brands 2013. Each brand has its own individual story and to tell them we ...

CCB was founded on 1 October 1954 under the name of People's Construction Bank of China (Chinese: 中国人æ°'建设é"¶è¡Œ; pinyin: Zhōngguó Rénmín Jiànshè Yínháng), and later changed to China Construction Bank on 26 March 1996.

In January 2002, CCB Chairman Wang Xuebing resigned from the bank after being charged with accepting bribes while he was employed with Bank of China; he was sentenced to 12 years in prison. In March 2005, his successor, Zhang Enzhao, resigned for "personal reasons". Just prior to his resignation, he had been charged in a lawsuit with accepting a US$1 million bribe. He was later sentenced to 15 years in jail in connection with the case.

China Construction Bank Corporation was formed as a joint-stock commercial bank in September 2004 as a result of a separation procedure undertaken by its predecessor, China Construction Bank, under the PRC Company Law. Following the China Banking Regulatory Committee's approval on 14 September 2004, the next day the bank (Jianyin) became a separate legal entity, owned by the Chinese government holding company, Central Huijin Investment Company or simply Huijin.

During the 2013 Korean crisis, the China Construction Bank halted business with a North Korean bank accused by the United States of financing Pyongyang's missile and nuclear programs.

In 2014, China Construction Bank ranks the 2nd in Forbes’ 11th annual Global 2000 ranking of the biggest, most powerful and most valuable companies in the world.

Investment by Bank of America

In 2005, Bank of America acquired a 9% stake in China Construction Bank for US$3 billion. It represented the company's largest foray into China's growing banking sector. Bank of America currently has offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Guangzhou and sought to expand its Chinese business as a result of this deal.

On or about 5 June 2008, Bank of America purchased 6 billion H-shares for approximately HK$2.42 per share using call options under a formula in the initial acquisition agreement. Bank of America now holds about 25.1 billion H-shares, representing about 10.75% of CCB's issued shares. Bank of America may not sell the 6 billion shares that it purchased from Huijin using the call option before 29 August 2011 without prior consent of CCB. Bank of America still has the option to purchase additional shares.

In May 2009, speculation was raised that US$7.3 billion worth of CCB shares had been sold by BoA, to help bolster capital during stress testing.

On August 29, 2011, Bank of America announced it would sell approximately half its stake in CCB (13.1 billion shares worth about US$8.3 billion) to an undisclosed group of investors.

In September 2013, Bank of America sold its remaining stake in the China Construction Bank for as much as $1.5 billion.

International expansion

In 2006, CCB acquired Bank of America (Asia), which started in 1912 in Hong Kong as Bank of Canton, and had a subsidiary in Macao.

CCB opened a London office on 2 June 2009.

In 2008, CCB submitted an application to the New York State Banking Department and the Federal Reserve Board to establish a branch in New York City. CCB officially opened its New York branch on 6 June 2009.

In 2013, CCB opened its European Headquarters in Luxembourg.

China Construction Bank is a member of the Global ATM Alliance, a joint venture of several major international banks that allows customers of the banks to use their ATM card or check card at another bank within the Global ATM Alliance with no transaction fees when traveling internationally. However, handling costs and VISA processing fees may be applied. Other participating banks are:

• Barclays (United Kingdom),
• Bank of America (United States),
• BNP Paribas (France),
• Deutsche Bank (Germany),
• Santander Serfin (Spain and Mexico),
• Scotiabank (Canada) and
• Westpac (Australia and New Zealand).

Health fund

China Construction Bank investment division launched a CN¥5 billion (US$731.3 million) fund called China Healthcare Investment Fund to focus on investments in China's rapidly growing healthcare sector. The fund focuses on investments in healthcare related sectors including pharmacy, medical equipment manufacturing, medical institutions and services. It is the first domestic investment fund specializing in investments in China's healthcare industry.

Stock exchange listing

In late 2005, China Construction Bank made an initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (SEHK: 0939). Since its listing, the share price has risen about 50% (since February 2006). In late 2007, it made China's second-largest initial public offering of CN¥57.12 billion (US$7.6 billion) on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE: 601939).

See also

• List of Chinese companies
• List of asset management companies of the People's Republic of China

References

External links

• China Construction Bank official website - ccb.com
• China Construction Bank official website - ccb.com (simplified Chinese)
• China Construction Bank New York ccbny.com
• China Construction Bank Singapore
• China Construction Bank Frankfurt ccbff.de
• China Construction Bank Johannesburg ccbjhd.com
• China Construction Bank Korea ccbseoul.com