China’s targeting of shipping lenders in a probe into financial corruption threatens to leave shipping facing a lending shortfall if it affects their ability to operate.

Earlier this month, TradeWinds reported how Chinese anti-corruption authorities detained two leading domestic shipping bankers — Bank of Communications Financial Leasing (Bocomm Leasing) head of shipping Fang Xiuzhi and Minsheng Financial Leasing head of shipping Fan Qiyong — in a widening probe of the country’s state-owned financial leasing houses.