MAINLAND commercial banks may have to accept lower growth this year, experts say, after a successful 2007 when most saw big rises in net profits.

Of the 14 Chinese listed banks, eight commercial banks have estimated or reported around 50 percent profit surges in 2007, according to financial data provider Wind Info.

China's top lender, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China last Friday estimated a net profit of 78 billion yuan (US$10.8 billion), a rise of more than 60 percent year on year.

China Construction Bank, the nation's third largest lender, said its 2007 net profit would rise 48 percent to 68.6 billion yuan due to higher fees and interest rates.