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Does government dual-target management affect local bank credit structure? Evidence from China

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  • Li, Shouxing
  • Ding, Lili
  • Zhao, Xin

Abstract

This study empirically examines the impact of government dual-target management of economic growth and environmental constraints on bank credit structure, by taking 231 local commercial banks in China from 2008 to 2022 as the sample. It was found that although economic growth target increases the similarity of bank loans’ industrial structure, the introduction of environmental constraint target significantly weakens this impact. Mechanism analysis suggests that the implicit guarantee role of the government and intensifying competition among banks are important influencing mechanisms. Furthermore, the effect exhibits heterogeneity due to differences in economic cycles, city development levels, and bank capital adequacy ratios. The findings have important implications for government target setting and management, as well as for preventing banking financial risks.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Shouxing & Ding, Lili & Zhao, Xin, 2025. "Does government dual-target management affect local bank credit structure? Evidence from China," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:97:y:2025:i:c:s1059056024007524
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2024.103760
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Government dual-target management; Bank credit structure; Economic growth; Environmental constraints; Local commercial bank;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government

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