China regulator clamps down on lending to small investors who want to trade stocks

China's securities regulator is tightening control over lending to small investors trading stocks.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission has banned a type of financing called an umbrella trust, tightened control over other financing and told brokerages to limit potential risks, the commission said in a statement Friday.

The statement cited comments by the commission's deputy chairman, Zhang Yujun, to a gathering of brokerage executives.

China's stock market has doubled over the past year as more small investors shift money into stocks. Tighter control over lending might reflect concerns that investors are taking on too much risk.

Zhang was cited as saying the commission plans to intensify inspection and law enforcement efforts.