PRESS RELEASE
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2007
Media Contact:
Andrew Gray (202) 898-7192
Congress created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1933 to restore public confidence in the nation's
banking system. It promotes the safety and soundness of these institutions by identifying, monitoring and addressing
risks to which they are exposed. The FDIC receives no federal tax dollars — insured financial institutions fund its
operations.
FDIC press releases and other information are available on the Internet at www.fdic.gov, by subscription electronically
(go to www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html) and may also be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information
Center (877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200). PR-66-2007
FDIC Chairman Discusses Memorandum of Understanding
Between the FDIC and the People's Bank of China
Press Conference Follows Two Weeks of Meetings and Discussions
With Banking and Government Leaders in China
BEIJING, CHINA -- FDIC Chairman Sheila C. Bair held a press conference to discuss a
memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed today by the FDIC and the People's Bank
of China (PBC). The MOU is designed to forge a formal international working
relationship between the two entities, with the purpose of developing expanded
methods of interaction on economic and financial issues. The Chairman also discussed
her experiences in China after meeting with Chinese financial and political leaders over
the past two weeks, including stops in Beijing, Shanghai and the Hunan and Shanxi
provinces.
Chairman Bair said: "I'm very pleased and honored to support the work of the PBC and
the China Bank Regulatory Commission (CBRC), which have taken the lead in
establishing a deposit insurance system in China. The MOU is a very positive and
important step toward making a deposit insurance system in China a reality. The FDIC
has a proud history of protecting the savings of Americans, while serving an important
regulatory function involving more than 5,200 banks. The work of the Chinese to create
a deposit insurer is critical for China's continued progress in building the financial
infrastructure necessary to sustain economic growth, particularly in rural areas where
community-based lending and banking relationships are so critically important.
"The PBC and the FDIC also share many other related areas of common interest,
including those of economic inclusion, small-dollar financing and financial literacy. On
many fronts, these important issues can be successfully addressed through an
established banking sector that includes a deposit insurance system.
"I would also like to note our important discussions with the CBRC, which has made
great strides in the supervision of China's banking industry. Our meetings with the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2007
Media Contact:
Andrew Gray (202) 898-7192
Congress created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1933 to restore public confidence in the nation's
banking system. It promotes the safety and soundness of these institutions by identifying, monitoring and addressing
risks to which they are exposed. The FDIC receives no federal tax dollars — insured financial institutions fund its
operations.
FDIC press releases and other information are available on the Internet at www.fdic.gov, by subscription electronically
(go to www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html) and may also be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information
Center (877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200). PR-66-2007
FDIC Chairman Discusses Memorandum of Understanding
Between the FDIC and the People's Bank of China
Press Conference Follows Two Weeks of Meetings and Discussions
With Banking and Government Leaders in China
BEIJING, CHINA -- FDIC Chairman Sheila C. Bair held a press conference to discuss a
memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed today by the FDIC and the People's Bank
of China (PBC). The MOU is designed to forge a formal international working
relationship between the two entities, with the purpose of developing expanded
methods of interaction on economic and financial issues. The Chairman also discussed
her experiences in China after meeting with Chinese financial and political leaders over
the past two weeks, including stops in Beijing, Shanghai and the Hunan and Shanxi
provinces.
Chairman Bair said: "I'm very pleased and honored to support the work of the PBC and
the China Bank Regulatory Commission (CBRC), which have taken the lead in
establishing a deposit insurance system in China. The MOU is a very positive and
important step toward making a deposit insurance system in China a reality. The FDIC
has a proud history of protecting the savings of Americans, while serving an important
regulatory function involving more than 5,200 banks. The work of the Chinese to create
a deposit insurer is critical for China's continued progress in building the financial
infrastructure necessary to sustain economic growth, particularly in rural areas where
community-based lending and banking relationships are so critically important.
"The PBC and the FDIC also share many other related areas of common interest,
including those of economic inclusion, small-dollar financing and financial literacy. On
many fronts, these important issues can be successfully addressed through an
established banking sector that includes a deposit insurance system.
"I would also like to note our important discussions with the CBRC, which has made
great strides in the supervision of China's banking industry. Our meetings with the
Ministry of Finance also provided useful perspectives on China's developing banking
sector and the role of deposit insurance.
"Touching on safety and soundness issues, consumer protection, international financial
stress and other regulatory issues, our meetings were a productive exchange of
common interests and experiences. Given the pace of globalization and the continuing
integration of our respective financial systems, we also discussed the importance of
preparing for the eventuality of one or more troubled institutions operating in both
jurisdictions simultaneously.
"I would like to thank our Chinese hosts, particularly the officials at the People's Bank of
China, for accommodating the delegation from the FDIC.
"In addition to the generous hospitality, I deeply appreciate the honest and open
dialogue that has been possible throughout our meetings here in China. It is clear that
we have much to learn from each other in a number of economic and financial areas.
For example, in a discussion on savings, it became clear to me that one of the reasons
for the high savings rate among the Chinese is the cultural upbringing of taking
responsibility for the education and improved lives of their children. As many American
strive to save more and borrow less, we should also be motivated by the betterment and
security of our future generations.
"In addition to the MOU, I would like to continue discussions in the area of rural finance
in China. I believe there are opportunities that can greatly benefit both countries.
"I look forward to continuing these exchanges and fostering the healthy relationship we
have forged between the U.S. and Chinese financial policy officials."
sector and the role of deposit insurance.
"Touching on safety and soundness issues, consumer protection, international financial
stress and other regulatory issues, our meetings were a productive exchange of
common interests and experiences. Given the pace of globalization and the continuing
integration of our respective financial systems, we also discussed the importance of
preparing for the eventuality of one or more troubled institutions operating in both
jurisdictions simultaneously.
"I would like to thank our Chinese hosts, particularly the officials at the People's Bank of
China, for accommodating the delegation from the FDIC.
"In addition to the generous hospitality, I deeply appreciate the honest and open
dialogue that has been possible throughout our meetings here in China. It is clear that
we have much to learn from each other in a number of economic and financial areas.
For example, in a discussion on savings, it became clear to me that one of the reasons
for the high savings rate among the Chinese is the cultural upbringing of taking
responsibility for the education and improved lives of their children. As many American
strive to save more and borrow less, we should also be motivated by the betterment and
security of our future generations.
"In addition to the MOU, I would like to continue discussions in the area of rural finance
in China. I believe there are opportunities that can greatly benefit both countries.
"I look forward to continuing these exchanges and fostering the healthy relationship we
have forged between the U.S. and Chinese financial policy officials."