The Birth of the Hong Kong Island Family.

Chapter 309 [Benefit Exchange]

After the Spring Festival, affected by the "Mingde bank run" (the court has approved the bankruptcy application), the bank run began to spread, and the second sufferer was Guangdong East Trust Commercial Bank.

At the beginning, a run occurred at the Aberdeen branch of Guangdong Trust and Commercial Bank. More than a thousand people, most of whom were fishermen, were waiting to withdraw money. The run lasted from 2 pm to 9 pm.

Afterwards, the bank run quickly spread to Hang Seng, Kwong On, Dao Heng, Wing Lung and other banks; the traffic in the Central District was seriously congested, and the police had to be called to maintain order.Even after banking hours closed, the line to withdraw money refused to disperse.

However, this round of bank runs was extinguished by the Hong Kong government, HSBC and Standard Chartered a week later, and no more banks were brought down.

However, the calm in the market is only temporary.

Although the bank run subsided for a short time, some irresponsible newspapers published news that was detrimental to unnamed local banks. Hang Seng was widely considered to be one of them; conduct malicious attacks.

Because of this, some large customers quietly canceled their accounts during this period.

In mid-March, Cheung Kong Holdings.

The assistant knocked on the door and reported: "Boss, Mr. He Shanheng, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hang Seng Bank is here!"

Lin Zhichao stood up and said, "Please!"

Later, Lin Zhichao saw He Shanheng walking in a little tiredly, and his smile returned to Lin Zhichao's face.

"Sir Lin, excuse me!"

"Brother Shan, what are you talking about, I welcome you to come to me!"

Later, Lin Zhichao invited He Shanheng to sit on the sofa and drink tea with him.

"Brother Shan is here this time, but what can I do for help?" Lin Zhichao asked proactively.

He is not afraid of trouble. After all, he is very open-minded and will help as much as he can.

If he can't help to the end, he won't insist on it!

What he wants in life is a clear conscience!
He Shanheng put down his teacup and said, "Sir Lin, you have a fixed deposit of 5000 million Hong Kong dollars in our Hang Seng Bank, and it is due now. I want to ask you what you mean!"

What is the concept of a large customer with 5000 million deposits? The total deposits of Hang Seng Bank are only 7.5 million Hong Kong dollars; and the loans extended are about 5 million Hong Kong dollars.

Lin Zhichao leaned on the sofa and said in a relaxed and trusting tone: "I know that Hang Seng Bank has been affected by rumors, and it is more or less affected at this time. However, I trust Hang Seng Bank very much, so I have no idea of ​​withdrawing money and switching to regular payment. also."

He Shanheng breathed a sigh of relief. Recently, some big customers had quietly closed their accounts, which made him extremely nervous.Now it is finally a very good thing to retain Lin Zhichao, a big customer.

"Sir Sir Lin is right. We at Hang Seng Bank have absolutely no problem and can ensure the safety of depositors' funds!"

Lin Zhichao smiled, then sat up straight suddenly, and said seriously: "Brother Shan, I have dealt with your Hang Seng Bank for many years, and I don't know if I can say something face-to-face?"

At this time, Lin Zhichao had two souls in his heart, one was a businessman and the other was a Chinese.The soul of a businessman attaches great importance to self-interest, while the soul of a Chinese attaches importance to the nation and compatriots.

So he struggled for a while, and decided to try to see if he could save Hang Seng Bank.

In fact, these can never be the conspiracy of HSBC, the reason could not be simpler:
First, although Hang Seng Bank has become the biggest competitor of HSBC Bank, the people and the media who spread those rumors are all Chinese and Chinese newspapers;

Second, when most banks fail, they are taken over by the Hong Kong government, and the court finally declares bankruptcy; even if this step is not taken, Hang Seng Bank can turn to Citigroup for help, not necessarily HSBC; since everything is uncertain, It is naturally impossible for HSBC to play such a big game of chess.

Thirdly, if Hang Seng Bank goes bankrupt, HSBC may be affected next, which is why HSBC was willing to rescue Hang Seng Bank in the previous life.

Fourth, the development of the matter to today is definitely not something that can be done by a conspiracy by a certain person or group.Even if it is, these Chinese-funded banks and real estate developers are responsible for their own faults, and they don't take the interests of ordinary citizens into consideration. In the end, it is the depositors who suffer the most.

Naturally, He Shanheng did not dare to take a peek at Lin Zhichao. In terms of social status and business achievements, this person is higher than him.

So, he said seriously: "But please advise, I believe good words are bitter!"

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "Hong Kong's Chinese banks are probably in doom this time, and I don't know how many will fall!"

He Shanheng's heart was shocked, and he quickly said: "Lin Sheng, please continue to teach me!"

He knew that everyone would be in trouble, but he didn't expect Lin Zhichao to be so serious!
Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Now the two industries of real estate and banking have entered a vicious circle. Over the years, any bank that has lent too much money to real estate has faced difficulties, that is, insufficient cash. There are endless media and rumors outside. Once it breaks out, Then the run will happen again. Let me ask, can your Hang Seng Bank suffer a three-day run?"

It's very straightforward, I might run out of cash in one day, after all, many people have already closed their accounts before this.

He Shanheng's heart is very complicated, he can't believe that kind of thing happened, but now it is possible for that kind of thing to happen again.

He said: "Then why does Lin Sheng still trust Hang Seng Bank?"

He thinks that Lin Zhichao is somewhat contradictory. Since he is not optimistic about Hang Seng Bank, why does he still put funds in Hang Seng Bank.

Lin Zhichao said: "First, I am not a person who makes trouble. Second, Hang Seng Bank is a very good asset. No matter how bad the situation is, someone is willing to take it. If someone wants it, it means someone is responsible."

He Shanheng's heart was pierced immediately, and he couldn't help but said in a low voice, "Could it be that Lin Sheng still wants to make an idea of ​​Hang Seng Bank?"

If it wasn't for the long-time friend and Sir Lin from Hong Kong in front of him, he would have walked away with his sleeves thrown up.

Lin Zhichao shook his head and said: "I am far from that powerful. I have a lot of debt myself and am the largest lender to HSBC. How can I covet Hang Seng, a giant and the largest Chinese-funded bank?"

He Shanheng was stunned for a moment, and then he understood what Lin Zhichao meant.In Hong Kong, the only ones that can eat up Hang Seng Bank are HSBC, Standard Chartered and Universal Bank.

Standard Chartered's strength is slightly insufficient, and Citicorp is a US-owned company, so it can't compete with HSBC in Hong Kong.

After a long time, He Shanheng said: "Can Lin Sheng give me some advice on how to avoid disaster?"

Lin Zhichao shook his head and said, "I'm just guessing, and there's no way to solve it. Moreover, the matter hasn't developed to that extent, maybe I'm worrying too much!"

He said this to see if He Shanheng and others could prepare for a rainy day and make a desperate effort to reverse the situation at the last moment.But the method is beyond what he can imagine, and he is not a professional banker.

He Shanheng then said: "Can Lin Sheng borrow some funds? You know, our Hang Seng Bank has no problems and we can certainly afford it."

After thinking for a while, Lin Zhichao said: "I have a large deposit in the Bank of East Asia, which is also due! I remember that the loan-to-deposit ratio of the Bank of East Asia is very high, and I specially confessed that the money was intended to be invested in Singapore. Now that this kind of thing happens, I can discuss it with the Bank of East Asia to see if I can ask the Bank of East Asia to take out 5000 to [-] million, and I will deposit it into your account. Also, I don’t mind if you spread a message to show that I'm supporting Hang Seng Bank. Of course, just don't call me by name!"

Anyway, HSBC didn't say hello to Lin Zhichao, so he can naturally help out more.

He Shanheng was overjoyed and said immediately: "Thank you so much Sir Lin!"

Lin Zhichao's deposit in the Bank of East Asia was HK$1 million. He deliberately let it mature at the end of last year without transferring it to a fixed term. At the same time, he also reminded Jian Yueqiang (Chairman of the Board) and Feng Bingfen (General Manager) that he might at any time Expenditure is needed to allow them to prepare sufficient cash flow in Hong Kong dollars.

In this way, Bank of East Asia will not release the money. After all, it has not been transferred to a fixed term and no interest is required.

After doing this, if Hang Seng Bank still didn't escape, Lin Zhichao would be benevolent.

The next day, Lin Zhichao came to the Bank of East Asia. Jian Yueqiang and Feng Bingfen seemed to know something and met him together.

Lin Zhichao first praised: "Jane's actions in the past, now everyone knows how wise it is. In this bank run trend, the Bank of East Asia has not moved like a mountain, which can be regarded as a positive teaching material for Chinese banks." Bank of East Asia in the 30s I have also suffered a run, so I have always been cautious in lending.When Jian Dongpu was in office, the bank’s loan-to-deposit ratio was always above 40%, similar to that of HSBC and Standard Chartered.At this point, Huazi Bank has not been able to do it.

In fact, the Hong Kong government stipulates that the loan-to-deposit ratio of banks is 25%, while the loan-to-deposit ratio of Hang Seng Bank is 30%, which is also higher than the Hong Kong government's regulations.But obviously, the "free economic idea" of the Hong Kong government seems to be more harmful to Chinese capital.

Of course, it is also understandable that labor pains are inevitable, otherwise these Chinese-funded banks will always regard depositors’ money as their own money; it also indirectly leads to the increasing trust of Hong Kong citizens in HSBC Bank, which eventually leads to almost all deposits flowing into HSBC Bank’s hands. inside.

Jian Yueqiang said: "Sir Lin, you have won the prize! To be honest, we are also walking on thin ice. Although our deposits and loans are relatively high, it is simply unreasonable to squeeze such a thing."

Feng Bingfen also quickly said: "Sir Lin has cooperated with the Bank of East Asia for more than ten years, and he has also been friends with his father-in-law in the past years. He is well aware of the style and reputation of our Bank of East Asia. Therefore, please be assured of the safety of your funds."

Lin Zhichao was a little surprised, and then he said: "My 1 million deposits are in the Bank of East Asia, so I am very relieved. But I also told you last year that I may need cash this year, and you must have already prepared it. Bar!"

Jian Yueqiang immediately said: "We are indeed ready! I just want to intercede with Sir Lin. You know that this is an extraordinary period, and everyone in the bank is in danger; although the Bank of East Asia has a loan-to-deposit ratio of over 40%, I still hope that Mr. Lin It’s not urgent, don’t withdraw funds yet. Of course, this is just a suggestion, we must be ready for cash flow!”

It was planned to withdraw 40 million at once, but now the situation outside has changed, and they are also worried that it will affect the Bank of East Asia. So what if the loan-to-deposit ratio is more than 60%, once a run occurs, even a loan-to-deposit ratio of [-]% may not be able to withstand it.

Therefore, Jian Yueqiang and Feng Bingfen made up their minds to ask Lin Zhichao to take care of them.

In fact, they all knew that Lin Zhichao was very rich, and it was impossible for him to have deposits in the Bank of East Asia.After all, many of the capital transactions of the Yangtze River Industry Group are handed over to them.

Lin Zhichao hesitated for a moment, and said: "Actually, the reason why I plan to withdraw some funds is to deposit them in Hang Seng Bank. As you know, Hang Seng Bank is in the most serious situation. Since He Sheng asked me for help, it is impossible for me not to help .Well, I plan to transfer 5000 million Hong Kong dollars to Hang Seng Bank."

Jian Yueqiang and Feng Bingfen were a little surprised, very surprised!
"Don't Sir Lin need money?"

"I originally planned to speculate in US stocks. Since my friend is in trouble, I will help out first! I will not use the remaining 5000 million from the Bank of East Asia for the time being."

To be able to do this is to show the style of a 'Hong Kong Chinese leader'.

Unexpectedly, Jian Yueqiang and Feng Bingfen looked at each other, and then Jian Yueqiang said: "Sir Lin, is 3000 million feasible?"

Lin Zhichao was stunned for a moment, he really is a dead fellow who never dies poor, these Chinese are really not united enough.

Feng Bingfen quickly explained: "There is definitely no problem with our funds, but in the current situation, we are also afraid of getting caught up in the fire. Sir Lin has cooperated with our Bank of East Asia for so long and has a close relationship, so..."

This was moral kidnapping. If Jian Dongpu was here, Lin Zhichao would have to help without saying a word.

But right now, they obviously don't have enough face.

However, Lin Zhichao still said: "In this way, the 5000 million funds will remain unchanged, but if something happens to the Bank of East Asia, I can promise that I will definitely stand up and support you, and some funds will be raised. How about it?"

When Jian Yueqiang saw this, he immediately said happily: "No problem, thank you Sir Lin for taking care of me!"

Although outsiders don’t know how much money Lin Zhichao has, the support of Hong Kong Chinese leaders is still very valuable!
What's more, Jian Yueqiang believes that maybe Lin Zhichao can still raise funds.

After all, the Bank of East Asia has managed funds for Changjiang Industry for so many years. Although they don't know the profit rate, they also know that Lin Zhichao's wealth is more than that.

No one knows the complete wealth of Lin Zhichao. After all, what is his profit margin and whether he has diverted it into the 'big hole' of Global Shipping? What's more, these companies are not listed on the market, so how can anyone know that he has a lot of cash flow.

Take Cheung Kong as an example. Although they have made a lot of money over the years, in the eyes of others, they also feel that investing in a lot of commercial real estate and land must be because they don't have much cash and even have a lot of loans.

Lin Zhichao finally decided to give another 5000 million yuan to Hang Seng Bank, which adds up to 1 million yuan.I don't know if it can really help Hang Seng Bank?

However, Lin Zhichao did not report too much hope, after all, the loan of 5 million yuan could not be recovered for a while.Even if it's a squeeze
When the time came to the end of March, there were still unfavorable rumors about Chinese-funded banks in the market; but at the same time, there were also some voices-the Chinese tycoon Sir Lin supported Hang Seng Bank, not only did not cancel the account, but deposited huge sums of money again, Stabilize Hang Seng Bank.

These news were spread on purpose, and it is unknown whether they are true or not.

You don’t need to get too involved in this kind of thing!
This weekend, Lin Zhichao received an invitation from Sandas to play together at Fanling Golf Course.

Lin Zhichao suddenly felt that HSBC seemed to be planning to take advantage of this opportunity to do something.It may not be the Chinese-funded bank run crisis that they detonated, but they definitely thought of taking advantage of the fire.

Maybe in their view, even if Hang Seng Bank fails, they will have one less competitor; if they can acquire it, that would be great.

Sure enough, Sandas tentatively said after finishing a shot: "What does Sir Lin think about the recent run on Chinese banks?"

Lin Zhichao took aim and said: "Among Chinese banks, I only trust Bank of East Asia and Hang Seng Bank, so I only do business with them. Generally speaking, these two banks are very healthy, so I am not too worried. "

After Sandas listened, he thought to himself, according to the secret discussion of their HSBC executives, Lin Zhichao's wealth must be very huge.Even if some of the funds are invested in shipping and commercial real estate developers, it will definitely be no problem to spend two or three billion Hong Kong dollars.

After all, Changjiang Industrial Group must be a very profitable enterprise, even the real estate of Cheung Kong Industrial has gained a lot.

"Lin Sheng, you two are friends, right?"

Seeing Sandas's expression, Lin Zhichao knew that things were not easy.The relationship between the two is indeed very good. After all, it also involves private matters such as gift giving, and it is not a simple cooperative relationship.

"It's natural! If Chairman Sanders has something to say directly, our relationship is a true friend, and I am very happy to have cooperated with HSBC for these years."

Sandus nodded and said, "Okay, I'll tell you directly! If there is a run on Hang Seng Bank, will Lin Sheng do his best to save them?" After saying that, he looked at Lin Zhichao seriously.

"Hang Seng Bank has a loan of 5 million. Once there is a run, what can I do to save them! I can afford tens of millions, but I can't do anything more. The relationship between everyone has not reached that level. Let me use up my family's wealth to save them. What's more, if Hang Seng Bank really needs to be rescued, I believe that only HSBC can do it, and the most important thing is its reputation as a guarantee."

Sandus smiled. He didn't need to say too much, but he already got the answer he wanted from Lin Zhichao.

Indeed, if tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars can save Hang Seng Bank, it will not be the turn of HSBC; Competitors, after all, have lost reputation.

At this time, the executives of HSBC Bank are thinking that the reputation of Hang Seng Bank will be damaged, or even go bankrupt, which will be beneficial to HSBC Bank. After all, it will lose a competitor.

Sandus was still a little worried and said bluntly again: "Lin Sheng, in business, Hang Seng Bank is our competitor of HSBC. I still don't want you to devote all your efforts to save a bank that is not healthy enough." . I guess you are capable."

In order to be safe, he still decided to confess as a friend.

Lin Zhichao pondered, and then he said: "Actually, if I help Hang Seng Bank with all my strength, I can also acquire it. But the consequence of this is that after I become a banker, I will inevitably compete with HSBC, and the shipping industry will be greatly affected by that time. , It’s definitely not cost-effective. I know that if Hang Seng Bank turns to HSBC for help, you will definitely be able to annex them. In this way, HSBC will have no rivals in Hong Kong.”

Sandas was taken aback, because he found that Lin Zhichao was very confident, and soon he thought that Lin Zhichao might have a cash flow of [-] to [-] million Hong Kong dollars, after all, Cheung Kong and Cheung Kong are so profitable.Even if it is [-] million Hong Kong dollars, it may be able to save Hang Seng Bank, because as long as it shows its strength, many fixed depositors will dispel their doubts.

"Lin Sheng said this because he wanted to get some promise from our HSBC Bank?"

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "There is no promise, I just hope you remember that in order to cooperate with HSBC, I gave up the best opportunity to enter the banking industry. So, please take care of me in the future!"

It's meaningless to say it, and Lin Zhichao didn't rely on HSBC for the acquisition of a British foreign company. He prefers to rely on himself.

"No problem! We are happy to work together!"

The two sides reached a tacit agreement.

Although Lin Zhichao deposited another 5000 million in Hang Seng Bank last week, it was a previous matter after all. After the acquisition by HSBC, he would not say anything when checking the accounts. It will be sooner to prove that Lin Zhichao is capable.

He exchanged interests with HSBC, but in fact he did nothing. Originally, he had no idea of ​​​​rescuing Hang Seng Bank with rights.

The two parties also made a verbal transaction, and no one would get any leverage!
Let things develop as normal!
(End of this chapter)