A Transformative Journey: The Digital and Sustainable Evolution of China's Banking Sector

Since the economic reforms of the 1980s, China’s banking sector has undergone a spectacular transformation. The country now boasts over 4,000 financial institutions, rapidly transitioning towards digitisation and technological innovation, particularly in the fields of intelligent financial services and sustainable, responsible finance. During this visit, students were introduced to the Bank of Jiangsu's Institute of Intelligent Data Research, founded in 2022, where they observed the latest innovations in FinTech.

"Chinese banks are digitalised and transition-focused"

The institute draws on the financial expertise of the bank to drive digital transformation and develop intelligent financial services. “I am impressed, as are my students, by the rapid progress of Chinese banks. In 1978, there was only the PBOC—the People’s Bank of China. Today, Chinese banks are digitalised and oriented towards ecological transitions. Thanks to the example and visit of the Bank of Jiangsu, SKEMA is able to offer a hands-on education aligned with the local reality,” explains Dhafer Saidane, Professor of Finance.

Welcomed by the President of the Bank

The visit culminated in a welcoming ceremony, during which Jiang Xuezhong, President of the Suzhou branch, and Matthieu Dumont, Director of SKEMA China, delivered speeches highlighting "the potential for collaboration between SKEMA and the bank". President Jiang emphasised how this visit has deepened mutual understanding and could pave the way for future partnerships in financial cooperation and cultural exchange between China and France.

CSR and Sustainability Initiatives on the Agenda

During their discussions, students engaged with Bank of Jiangsu officials on the topics of social responsibility and sustainable development. The bank shared its efforts in CSR and ESG, particularly in the fields of green finance and environmental protection. The bank’s achievements in these areas have been widely recognised, providing students with a valuable learning experience. "This week marks the conclusion of an enriching seminar with Professor Dhafer Saidane, where we delved into currency, banking, international and sustainable finance. One of the highlights was our visit to the Bank of Jiangsu, where we gained valuable insights into their growth strategy and the use of the e-CNY," says Malek Hachicha, a student in the MSc Corporate Financial Management programme in Suzhou.

Learn More About the Suzhou Campus

MSc Corporate Financial Management
MSc Sustainable Finance and Fintech