FINANCE

China Banker Given Suspended Death Sentence in $2.4 Million Bribery Case

Published: Mar. 19, 2026 6:07 p.m. GMT+8

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Xu An.

Xu An, a former president of Hong Kong-listed Bank of Guizhou Co. Ltd., has been given a suspended death sentence for taking more than 168 million yuan ($2.4 million) in bribes, marking another high-profile case in China’s crackdown on financial-sector corruption.

A court in Guizhou on Wednesday also convicted Xu of embezzlement and money laundering, ordering the confiscation of all personal assets and stripping him of political rights for life.

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Xu An, ex-president of Bank of Guizhou, received a suspended death sentence for taking over 168 million yuan ($2.4 million) in bribes.
He was also convicted of embezzling 8.3 million yuan and laundering 2 million yuan; all assets were confiscated, and political rights stripped for life.
Xu’s confession, return of gains, and voluntary disclosures led to leniency; his case is part of China’s broader finance-sector anti-corruption drive.

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Who’s Who

Bank of Guizhou Co. Ltd.: Bank of Guizhou Co. Ltd. is a Hong Kong-listed bank. Its former president, Xu An, received a suspended death sentence for bribery, embezzlement, and money laundering totaling over 168 million yuan. This case is part of China's ongoing financial corruption crackdown. Another former chairman, Li Zhiming, was also previously sentenced for bribery.

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What Happened When

Between 2005 and 2023：: Xu An abused senior roles at local lenders to help companies and individuals secure loans and project contracts in exchange for illicit payments.

March 2024：: Xu An resigned as president of Bank of Guizhou Co. Ltd.

2024：: Xu An was placed under investigation.

2025：: Former Chairman Li Zhiming was sentenced to 16 years and six months in prison for bribery and illegal lending.

March 19, 2026：: Xu An was convicted of bribery, embezzlement, and money laundering, given a suspended death sentence, all personal assets confiscated, and political rights stripped for life.

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