China's consumer finance firms report growing client base

Consumer finance companies refer to non-banking financial institutions approved by the regulator to offer consumer loans to individuals. They are not allowed to absorb public deposits. - AFP

BEIJING (Xinhua): China's consumer finance firms reported a steady expansion in their client base as small-sum and convenient loans continued to gain popularity, according to an industry report.

By the end of June, China had 26 consumer finance firms serving some 140 million clients, up from 24 companies serving 100 million in September last year, according to a report released by the China Banking Association (CBA).