The double-edged sword effect of diversified operation on pre- and post-loan risk in the government-led Chinese commercial banks

摘要

Under the background of China's deregulation of financial institutions since 2004, Chinese commercial banks have undergone remarkable change from traditional lending activities to universal fee-based activities. This paper explores the effect of diversified operation on bank credit activities. We find that diversification can reduce pre-loan risk but increase post-loan risk. Besides, enhanced disclosure requirement of other comprehensive income can mitigate pre- and post-loan risk under diversified operation. Additionally, in the state-owned commercial banks where government function is primary, diversification reduces both pre- and post-loan risk. This paper aims to reveal the double-edged sword effect of diversification in the Chinese commercial banks which are more government-led.