Study On The Mei Feng Bank Of Szechuen(1922-1950)

From the achievement have been gained in academic circles, the research on banks in Chongqing region in the Republic of China is still not been attached enough importance. Choosing the Mei Feng Bank of Szechuen as study object, this dissertation analyzes the archives holdings in Chongqing Municipal Archives, Kang Xinru’s memoirs as well as some raw data, such as economic literature and newspapers. The research is aimed at making a contribution to the study of Chongqing regional banks.From1922to1950, the Mei Feng Bank of Szechuen operated28years. As a private-owned commercial bank, the basic operating purpose was to gain maximum profit. During the period of Sino-US joint venture, the Mei Feng Bank of Szechuen copied American bank’s management system. The business philosophy that "keep laws, obey rules, love and trust employers" was highly valued. The institutionalized and humane management laid the foundation for the bank’s long-term development. In the management process, the Mei Feng Bank of Szechuen adjusted its operating mode. Based on the nature of the joint venture bank, it printed banknote. Meanwhile, it improved business operations by combing Chinese and Western elements. With these efforts, the Mei Feng Bank of Szechuen gained a firm foothold in Chongqing’s financial sector. During the solo proprietorship period, under the leadership of president Kang Xinru, the Mei Feng Bang of Szechuen allied with warlords,sheltered and pribileged. Under the shade of the political power, it developed and grew. After the outbreak of war, as the domestic situation changed, the Mei Feng Bank of Szechuen actively adjusted business focus to adapt market situation. Moreover, to respond to national call, it operated capital reasonably. Therefore, the Mei Feng Bank of Szechuen had played a positive role in the economic construction in the Anti-Japanese War period in Southwest area. The reason why the Mei Feng Bank of Szechuen closed finally had two aspects. For one thing, the financial policies drafted by national government were limited, and the inflation destroyed the bank, too. For another thing, improper operation was an internal close reason. The establishment of the Mei Feng Bank of Szechuen system, changing nature and the adjustment of the business adopt to the needs of the domestic political situation at that time. These measures met the domestic market demand, and reflected the commonality shared by the private commercial banks during the Republic of China period. Therefore, the study on the Mei Feng Bank of Szechuen has a great significance to the research on southwest financial history during the Republic of China period.We can obtain enlightenment through the analysis of the Mei Feng Bank of Szechuen. Bank operation must be based on the understanding of the financial market, grasping the domestic policy as well as rational management ways of running business. Before the war, the national government management effort on the southwest financial market was limited. The financial market disordered, and private financial institutions made use of national policy space to get profit. After the war, the national government moved to island. The government took timely control policies and guidance, which promoted the standardized operation of the financial industry in rear area. However, the policy of hyperinflation accelerated the decline of the national government. Some private banks died, too. Maintaining free market competition is helpful, while the moderate government guidance is conducive to the national economic development. How to maintain the balance between them two? It is a worth-thinking question.