The rating "watershed" is becoming apparent, and the credit tier structure of small and medium-sized banks is gradually taking shape.

Recently, several rating agencies have intensively released tracking rating reports for banks for 2026. As of August 11, credit ratings for seven small and medium-sized banks, including Chongqing Three Gorges Bank, Shaanxi Qinong Rural Commercial Bank, and Zhejiang Fuyang Rural Commercial Bank, have been upgraded, with Chongqing Three Gorges Bank and Shaanxi Qinong Rural Commercial Bank entering the AAA credit tier. At the same time, the ratings for four institutions, including Hubei Xiaogan Rural Commercial Bank and Shanxi Changzi Rural Commercial Bank, have been downgraded. The ups and downs in bank credit ratings reflect a divergence among small and medium-sized banks in terms of operational efficiency, asset quality, and capital strength. The credit watershed for small and medium-sized banks is becoming apparent. Industry insiders believe that against the backdrop of a continuing narrowing net interest margin, the credit stratification of small and medium-sized banks will become a long-term trend, and different banks need to identify their own paths to breakthrough and solidify their operational foundations.