The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

After the Spring Festival, affected by the "Mingde Bank run" (the court had approved the bankruptcy application), bank runs began to spread. The second one to suffer was Guangdong Trust and 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.

Subsequently, the crowding trend quickly spread to Hang Seng, Guang On, Dao Heng, Wing Lung and other banks; traffic jams in the Central District were serious, and the police had to be called in to maintain order. Even after banking hours closed, the line to withdraw money refused to disperse.

However, this round of run was extinguished by the Hong Kong government in conjunction with HSBC and Standard Chartered a week later, and no more banks fell.

However, the market calm 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 major customers quietly canceled their accounts one after another during the 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!"

Afterwards, Lin Zhichao saw He Shanheng walk in a little tired, and when he saw Lin Zhichao, he smiled again.

"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 he will help as much as he can.

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

As a man, what he wants is a clear conscience!

He Shanheng put down his teacup and said, "Sir Lin, you have a fixed deposit of 50 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 50 million deposits? The total deposits of Hang Seng Bank are only 750 million Hong Kong dollars; while the loans issued are about 500 million Hong Kong dollars.

Lin Zhichao leaned on the sofa, and said in a relaxed and trusting tone: "I know that Hang Seng Bank is 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 it. also."

He Shanheng breathed a sigh of relief. Recently, some big clients have quietly canceled their accounts one after another, which made him extremely nervous. Now it is a very good thing to keep Lin Zhichao, a big customer.

"Sir Lin is right. Our Hang Seng Bank has absolutely no problems and can guarantee 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.

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

Fourth, the way things have developed to this day is definitely not caused by the conspiracy of 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.

He Shanheng naturally did not dare to underestimate Lin Zhichao. In terms of social status and business achievements, this person was higher than him.

So, he said seriously: "But please advise me, 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 was shocked and said quickly: "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 runs will happen again. I want to ask, can your Hang Seng Bank suffer three days of runs?"

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

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 adds insult to injury; second, Hang Seng Bank is a very good asset. No matter how bad the situation is, there are people who are willing to take it. If someone wants it, it means someone is responsible."

He Shanheng was suddenly heartbroken and couldn't help but said angrily: "Does Lin Sheng still want to take advantage of Hang Seng Bank?"

If it weren't for the fact that he was a friend of many years and Sir Lam from Hong Kong, he would have thrown up his sleeves and left.

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. Universal Bank is American-owned and cannot handle 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 am just guessing, there is no way to solve it. Moreover, things have not developed to that extent. Maybe I am unfounded!"

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 specifically stated that I planned to invest the money in Singapore. Now that this kind of thing happens, I can discuss it with the Bank of East Asia and see if I can get the Bank of East Asia to come up with 30 to 50 million, and I will deposit it into your account. Also, I don't mind if you spread the news, Show that I support Hang Seng Bank. Of course, just don’t mention my name directly!”

Anyway, HSBC didn’t say hello to Lin Zhichao, so he could certainly help more.

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

Lin Zhichao's deposit in the Bank of East Asia was HK$100 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, the Bank of East Asia will not release the money. After all, it has not been transferred to a fixed term and does not require interest.

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: "Now everyone knows how wise what Mr. Jian did back then was. During this bank run wave, Bank of East Asia remained motionless, which can be regarded as a positive teaching material for Chinese banks."

The Bank of East Asia also suffered a run in the 1930s, so it has 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 understandable that labor pains are inevitable, otherwise these Chinese-owned banks will always regard depositors' money as their own money; this also indirectly leads to Hong Kong citizens increasingly trusting HSBC, which eventually leads to almost all deposits flowing into HSBC's hands. inside.

Jian Yueqiang said: "Sir Sir Lin, thank you! To be honest, we are walking on thin ice now. Although our deposits and loans are relatively high, it is simply unreasonable to do things like bankruptcies."

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

Lin Zhichao was a little surprised, and then he said: "My 100 million deposit is 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 I believe you have already prepared it. Bar!"

Jian Yueqiang said immediately: "We are indeed ready! I just want to intercede with Sir Lin. You also know that these are extraordinary times and everyone in the bank is in danger. Although the Bank of East Asia has a deposit-to-loan ratio of more than 40%, it still hopes that if 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 100 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 40%, once a run occurs, even a loan-to-deposit ratio of 60% may not be able to withstand it.

Therefore, Jian Yueqiang and Feng Bingfen made up their minds to let Lin Zhichao 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 it in Hang Seng Bank. As you know, Hang Seng Bank is in the most serious situation. Since He Sheng asked me for help, there is no way I would not help. . Well, I plan to transfer HKD 50 million 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 U.S. stocks. Since my friend is in trouble, I decided to help him first! I won't use the remaining 50 million from Bank of East Asia for the time being."

Being able to do this is already showing 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 30 million feasible?"

Lin Zhichao was stunned. He is really a dead Taoist friend but not a poor Taoist. 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 into trouble. 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 now, they obviously don't have enough face.

However, Lin Zhichao still said: "In this way, the 50 million funds will remain unchanged, but if something happens to the Bank of East Asia, I can promise that I will definitely stand up to support you, and I can also raise some funds. 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, Bank of East Asia has been handling capital transactions for Yangtze River Industries for so many years. Although it doesn't know the profit rate, it also knows 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 Holdings as an example. Although it has made a lot of money over the years, in the eyes of others, it also feels that it invests a lot in commercial real estate and land, so it must not have much cash, or even a lot of loans.

Lin Zhichao finally decided to provide another 50 million yuan in aid to Hang Seng Bank, which added up to 100 million yuan in funds. I wonder if it can really help Hang Seng Bank?

However, Lin Zhichao did not have high hopes. After all, the loan of 500 million yuan could not be recovered in a short time. Even if it’s a squeeze

It's late March, and there are still unfavorable rumors about Chinese-owned banks in the market; but at the same time, there are also some voices - the Chinese boss Sir Lin supports Hang Seng Bank, and instead of canceling his account, he deposits huge sums of money again. Stabilize Hang Seng Bank.

These messages were spread deliberately, and it is unknown whether they are true or false.

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.

Perhaps in their view, even if Hang Seng Bank goes bankrupt, 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, the Yangtze River Industrial Group must be a very profitable company. Even the real estate of the Yangtze River Industrial Group has made a lot of gains.

"Lin Sheng, can you be considered friends?"

When Lin Zhichao saw Sang Da Shi's expression, he knew that things were not simple. The relationship between the two is indeed very good. After all, it involves private matters such as giving gifts, so it is not a simple cooperative relationship.

"This is natural! If Chairman Sandus has anything to say, he can speak directly. Our relationship is a true friend, and I am very happy to have cooperated with HSBC over the 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 500 million. Once a run occurs, what can I do to save them? I can take out tens of millions, but I can't do anything more. Our relationship has not reached that point, so I have to spend all my wealth to save them." What's more, if Hang Seng Bank really needs to be rescued, I believe that only HSBC can do it. The most important thing is the guarantee of reputation."

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 HSBC's turn; if it is hundreds of millions, this person may not be able to save it; what's more, once Hang Seng Bank suffers a run, it will no longer be HSBC's largest bank. Competitors, after all, have their reputation damaged.

At this time, the senior executives of HSBC were thinking that damage to the reputation of Hang Seng Bank, or even bankruptcy, would be beneficial to HSBC. After all, it would 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.”

Sandus was stunned because he found that Lin Zhichao was very confident. He soon thought that Lin Zhichao might have a cash flow of 300 to 400 million Hong Kong dollars. After all, Cheung Kong Industries and Cheung Kong Industries were so profitable. Even if it is 200 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 are no promises, 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 enjoy working together!"

Both parties reached a tacit understanding.

Although Lin Zhichao deposited another 50 million in Hang Seng Bank last week, after all, it happened before. After HSBC acquires it, he will not say anything during the audit, which will quickly prove that Lin Zhichao is capable.

He exchanged interests with HSBC, but in fact he did nothing. Originally, he had no right to save Hang Seng Bank.

The two parties are also verbal transactions, and no one will get any handle!

Let things develop as normal!