Investment Rating - The report maintains a stable outlook for the banking industry, indicating a controlled decline in net interest margins and stable asset quality [4][7]. Core Insights - The banking sector in China has shown steady development in the first three quarters of 2025, with stable credit asset quality and sufficient provisions and capital [4][22]. - The People's Bank of China is expected to continue implementing a moderately loose monetary policy, ensuring ample liquidity in the banking system [4][22]. - The report highlights the challenges faced by commercial banks due to a declining net interest margin and the need for active management of asset quality [7][27]. Summary by Sections Industry Data - As of Q3 2025, the non-performing loan (NPL) rate for commercial banks was 1.52%, a slight increase from the previous year, while the ratio of attention loans decreased to 2.20% [9][27]. - The total amount of non-performing loans reached 35,224.78 billion yuan, with a provision coverage ratio of 207.15% [9][28]. - The net profit for commercial banks in the first three quarters of 2025 was 18,702.58 billion yuan, reflecting a 7.19% decrease year-on-year [9][31]. Regulatory Policies - The People's Bank of China has introduced measures to optimize the financial services for the real estate sector, although the market remains sluggish [8][12]. - Ongoing reforms for small and medium-sized banks are aimed at enhancing their risk resistance and operational quality [8][12]. Bond Issuance Statistics - By December 15, 2025, 100 commercial banks issued a total of 227 financial bonds, raising 14,566 billion yuan, a 44.38% increase from the previous year [15][16]. - The issuance of tier-2 capital bonds totaled 8,727.60 billion yuan, while perpetual bonds raised 8,218 billion yuan, indicating a diverse funding strategy among banks [15][17]. Credit Quality and Profitability - The report notes that while the asset quality remains stable, there are pressures from the real estate market and external trade uncertainties that could affect repayment capabilities [7][27]. - The net interest margin for commercial banks was recorded at 1.42% in Q3 2025, with a trend of narrowing expected to slow down [30][31].

Core Viewpoint - The digital renminbi will officially end its "interest-free era" as major state-owned banks announce that starting January 1, 2026, the balance in real-name digital renminbi wallets will earn interest based on the current deposit rate [1][4][5]. Group 1: Digital Renminbi Interest Policy - Six major state-owned banks, including ICBC, ABC, BOC, CCB, Bank of Communications, and Postal Savings Bank, will implement interest payments on digital renminbi wallet balances according to the current deposit rate [1][4]. - The interest payment policy is a result of the People's Bank of China's recent action plan aimed at enhancing the management and service system for digital renminbi [4][5]. - The new interest mechanism marks the transition of digital renminbi from a "digital cash" to a "digital deposit currency" [5][8]. Group 2: Digital Renminbi Overview - Digital renminbi is a legal digital currency issued by the People's Bank of China, applicable in various scenarios such as transportation, dining, shopping, and public services [6]. - The pilot program for digital renminbi has expanded from select cities to entire provinces, with applications in both consumer and governmental sectors [6]. - As of November 2025, digital renminbi has processed 3.48 billion transactions totaling 16.7 trillion yuan, with 230 million personal wallets opened [7]. Group 3: Future Implications of Interest Payments - The introduction of interest payments changes the liability nature of digital renminbi, making it a liability of commercial banks rather than the central bank, thus aligning it more closely with traditional bank deposits [8]. - This shift is expected to enhance the monetary elasticity of digital renminbi, allowing it to support credit activities and deposit expansion mechanisms [8]. - The future digital renminbi will be a modern digital payment and circulation tool, regulated by the central bank and possessing attributes of commercial bank liabilities [8].

Core Viewpoint - The digital renminbi will officially end its "interest-free era" as major state-owned banks announce that starting January 1, 2026, the balance in real-name digital renminbi wallets will earn interest based on the current deposit rate [1][4][10]. Group 1: Digital Renminbi Interest Policy - Six major state-owned banks, including ICBC, ABC, BOC, CCB, BOCOM, and PSBC, will implement interest payments on digital renminbi wallet balances according to the current deposit rate starting January 1, 2026 [1][4]. - The interest will be calculated based on the People's Bank of China's regulations for current deposits, with interest credited quarterly [3][4]. - The introduction of this interest policy is part of the People's Bank of China's action plan to enhance the management and service system for digital renminbi [4][10]. Group 2: Transition to Digital Deposit Currency - The implementation of the interest policy marks the transition of digital renminbi from a "digital cash" model to a "digital deposit currency" model [10]. - Previously, digital renminbi was classified as M0, similar to cash, and did not earn interest, limiting its attractiveness compared to bank deposits [10]. - With the new policy, digital renminbi will be treated as a liability of commercial banks, allowing it to support credit activities and deposit expansion mechanisms, thus enhancing its monetary elasticity [10][11]. Group 3: Current Status and Future Prospects - As of November 2025, digital renminbi has processed 3.48 billion transactions with a total transaction amount of 16.7 trillion yuan [8]. - The digital renminbi is being tested in various scenarios, including daily consumption and government services, and is expanding into cross-border payment initiatives [7][8]. - The future digital renminbi will be a modern digital payment and circulation tool, supported by the central bank and possessing attributes of commercial bank liabilities [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - The Ningbo Agricultural Expo serves as a platform for China Bank Ningbo Branch to deliver financial services directly to farmers and agricultural enterprises, enhancing accessibility to financial products and consumer rights protection [1] Group 1: Financial Services Initiatives - China Bank Ningbo Branch utilizes the expo to provide on-site financial services, including detailed introductions to inclusive financial products tailored for farmers and agricultural cooperatives [1] - The bank promotes its online loan product "Zhongyin Sudai" and operational loans aimed at supporting agricultural development, facilitating a seamless online application process for clients [1] Group 2: Consumer Rights Protection - A dedicated "Consumer Rights Protection Promotion Zone" is established, where staff distribute informational brochures and engage in interactive Q&A sessions to educate the public on consumer rights and fraud prevention [1] - Special services are provided for elderly clients, focusing on safeguarding their financial interests and enhancing their understanding of financial security [1] Group 3: Future Collaboration and Commitment - The bank plans to strengthen collaboration with the Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, focusing on inclusive finance and rural revitalization to support high-quality agricultural development [1]

Group 1 - From January 1, 2026, digital RMB real-name wallet balances will earn interest based on the current demand deposit rate set by the banks [1] - The current demand deposit rate is 0.05% as per the announcements from major banks [1] - Digital RMB wallets are categorized into four types, with only real-name wallets (Type 1, 2, and 3) eligible for interest, while anonymous wallets (Type 4) do not earn interest [1] Group 2 - There are currently 10 designated operating institutions for digital RMB, including six state-owned commercial banks, two joint-stock commercial banks, and two internet banks [2] - The People's Bank of China is working on expanding the number of operating institutions for digital RMB [2] - A new action plan has been issued by the central bank to enhance the management service system and financial infrastructure for digital RMB, set to be implemented on January 1, 2026 [2]

Core Viewpoint - Several major banks in China, including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Bank of Communications, and Postal Savings Bank, announced that starting January 1, 2026, they will pay interest on the balances of digital RMB real-name wallets at the same rate as current deposit rates, with interest calculation rules consistent with those for current deposits [1] Group 1 - The announcement involves multiple major banks in China [1] - Digital RMB real-name wallets will earn interest starting from January 1, 2026 [1] - Interest will be calculated according to the current deposit rate [1]

Group 1 - The six major state-owned banks in China will start paying interest on the balances of real-name digital RMB wallets at the same rate as demand deposits from January 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in the digital currency landscape [1][2] - The People's Bank of China has introduced a new action plan to enhance the management and service system for digital RMB, which will officially launch on January 1, 2026, transitioning digital RMB from a "digital cash era" to a "digital deposit currency era" [1][4] - The definition of digital RMB has been updated to include the payment system and clarify the dual-layer operational structure, where the central bank issues digital RMB to operating institutions, which then exchange it with the public [3][4] Group 2 - The new digital RMB will have characteristics of commercial bank liabilities, transitioning from being a direct liability of the central bank to a liability of commercial banks, thus allowing wallet balances to earn interest and be covered by deposit insurance [4][5] - The action plan optimizes the dual-layer operational structure, assigning responsibilities to the central bank for rule-making and infrastructure, while commercial banks will manage customer wallets and ensure compliance, thus transforming their role from cost centers to profit centers [5][6] - The action plan integrates digital RMB into the traditional monetary control system, allowing bank-operated digital RMB to be included in the reserve requirement framework, which will enhance liquidity in the banking system [6][7] Group 3 - As of November 2025, the digital RMB pilot has processed 3.48 billion transactions with a total value exceeding 16.7 trillion yuan, indicating strong adoption and usage [7]

Core Viewpoint - Starting from January 1, 2026, interest will be paid on the balances of real-name digital RMB wallets, as announced by six major state-owned commercial banks in China [1][3]. Group 1: Interest Payment Arrangement - Customers with real-name digital RMB wallets at the specified banks will receive interest based on the banks' published demand deposit rates, with interest calculation rules consistent with traditional demand deposits [3]. - For example, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) will settle interest quarterly, with the interest credited on the 21st of each quarter's last month [3]. - The interest payment arrangement applies only to real-name wallets, while anonymous wallets will not earn interest [3]. Group 2: Regulatory Framework - This adjustment is part of the People's Bank of China's recent action plan aimed at enhancing the management and service system for digital RMB, which will officially launch on January 1, 2026 [3]. - The plan stipulates that banks must pay interest on real-name digital RMB wallet balances and adhere to self-discipline agreements on deposit interest rate pricing [3]. Group 3: Transition to Deposit Currency - The new system marks a transition of digital RMB from a cash-like version 1.0 to a deposit currency version 2.0, allowing banks to manage digital RMB wallet balances as liabilities [4]. - Digital RMB wallets will be insured similarly to traditional deposits, providing customers with equivalent safety guarantees [4]. - Currently, there are ten designated operating institutions for digital RMB, including the six major state-owned banks and several other commercial and internet banks [4].

Group 1 - The six major state-owned banks in China will start paying interest on the balances in customers' real-name digital RMB wallets at the same rate as current deposit rates, which is currently set at 0.05% [2][4] - Digital RMB, issued by the People's Bank of China, is a legal digital currency that can be used in various scenarios such as transportation, dining, shopping, and utility payments [4] - The pilot program for digital RMB has expanded from select cities to entire provinces, including major municipalities and several provinces like Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang [4] Group 2 - The People's Bank of China has introduced an action plan to enhance the management and service system for digital RMB, effective from January 1, 2026, which includes interest payments on wallet balances and inclusion in deposit insurance [4] - Digital RMB wallets are categorized into four types based on the level of identity verification, with varying limits on account balances; the first three types are real-name wallets, while the fourth type is an anonymous wallet [5][6] - Currently, ten commercial banks are authorized to open digital RMB wallets, including the six major state-owned banks and four other banks [7]

作者 | 第一财经 杜川 本文字数：913，阅读时长大约2分钟 2025.12. 31 这意味着，四类钱包不属于各家银行计息的"实名钱包"范畴。 对社会公众来说，自2026年1月1日起，数字人民币实名钱包的余额将享有利息收益。 12月31日，中国银行、工商银行、农业银行、建设银行、交通银行、邮储银行六家国有大行相继发 布公告称，2026年1月1日起，将为开立在该行的数字人民币实名钱包余额按照该行活期存款挂牌利 率计付利息，计结息规则与活期存款一致。 从几家大行官网来看，当前活期存款挂牌利率为0.05%。 从数字人民币钱包分类来看，目前数字人民币分为四类钱包。其中，一类、二类、三类钱包为实名钱 包，四类钱包为匿名钱包。 （注：我们会对线索进行核实。您的隐私将严格保密。） 推荐阅读 湖北一地官宣：生娃"奖房子" 例如，工商银行称，2026年1月1日起，数字人民币实名钱包（一类、二类、三类钱包）中的钱包余 额按照中国人民银行规定的活期存款结息规则计付利息，并由钱包运营机构依法代扣代缴利息税（如 有），钱包运营机构将为客户的钱包余额计付利息，按结息日我行挂牌活期利率计息，每季末月的 20日结息，21日入账。 工商银行 ...