Chinese bank stocks rise

SHANGHAI/HONG KONG, March 29 (Reuters): Chinese bank stocks climbed in Hong Kong on Friday after Reuters reported that regulators are considering easing shareholder restrictions to broaden options for lenders seeking to raise capital.

The National Financial Regulatory Administration may allow some bank shareholders to become major investors - defined as owning stakes of 5 per cent or more - in up to two additional banks, on top of a current limit of two, people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Thursday.