China Probes Former Securities Chief Yi Huiman in Anti-Corruption Drive
Yi Huiman, ex-chairman of China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), is being investigated for alleged corruption. Yi, 60, was reportedly taken into custody last week. He served as CSRC chairman from January 2019 until February last year. Previously, Yi had a long career at Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. (ICBC), including as its chairman from 2016 to 2019. His dismissal from CSRC came amid a significant stock market selloff, with Chinese markets losing about $5 trillion in value since their 2021 peak. This investigation is part of President Xi Jinping's broader anti-corruption campaign targeting various sectors, including finance and energy.

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In a significant development in China's ongoing anti-corruption campaign, Yi Huiman, the former chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), is under investigation for alleged corruption. This move marks another high-profile case in President Xi Jinping's sweeping efforts to root out corruption in key sectors of the Chinese economy.
Investigation Details
Yi Huiman, 60, was reportedly taken into custody last week as part of the corruption probe. The former CSRC chairman, who held the position from January 2019 until February of the previous year, is now among the growing list of financial officials and executives targeted in the anti-corruption drive.
Background and Career
Prior to his role at the CSRC, Yi had a long-standing career in China's banking sector:
- Spent most of his career at Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. (ICBC)
- Served as ICBC's chairman from 2016 to 2019
- Appointed as CSRC chairman in January 2019
- Replaced as CSRC chairman in February of the previous year
Context of Yi's Dismissal
Yi's dismissal from the CSRC came at a crucial time for Chinese markets:
- Authorities were grappling with a significant stock market selloff
- Chinese markets had lost approximately $5 trillion in value since their 2021 peak
- Yi was replaced by a former close colleague of Premier Li Qiang
Broader Implications
This investigation into Yi Huiman is part of a larger anti-corruption campaign led by President Xi Jinping:
- The campaign has pledged to deepen its focus across various sectors, including finance and energy
- It underscores the government's commitment to addressing corruption at high levels of China's financial system
- The move may have implications for investor confidence and regulatory stability in Chinese markets
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact China's financial regulatory landscape and its efforts to stabilize and reform its capital markets. The case of Yi Huiman serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and changes within China's financial sector governance.