[microfinance industry slimming down and improving quality by 2670 in five years] it is understood that at present, the small loan industry is facing two major situations: first, the number of companies in the industry has "shrunk"; second, the Internet leader continues to integrate its small loan licenses. Throughout the country, the number of small loan companies and the number of employees have declined in recent years. According to central bank data, there were 5801 small loan companies in the country by the end of March 2023, down by 2670 from 8471 at the end of March 2018. Industry insiders believe that at present, with stricter supervision and industry differentiation, small loan companies urgently need to strengthen their internal management and risk management, "intensive cultivation" to expand their business, and establish a sustainable profit and business model in order to survive the fierce competition. (Shanghai Securities News)