Zhong Guo Ji Jin Bao·2025-04-03 15:16Core Viewpoint - The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) is revising the "Securities Investment Fund Custody Business Management Measures" to address industry issues and promote the standardized and professional development of the custody industry, thereby supporting the high-quality development of the capital market [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Issues - The current custody industry is highly concentrated, with national commercial banks and a few securities companies holding approximately 80% to 90% of public and private securities investment funds [2]. - Some institutions are engaging in activities outside the core business of "securities investment fund" custody, necessitating a clarification of business boundaries [3]. - Certain custody institutions are failing to fulfill their responsibilities adequately, as evidenced by private fund default incidents, highlighting the need for enhanced regulatory requirements [3]. - The existing market exit mechanism is inadequate, lacking clear standards for "non-business" activities, which leads to risks of unauthorized operations [4]. - The current regulations do not fully align with the needs of industry innovation, indicating a need for specific policies for specialized custody subsidiaries [5]. Group 2: Key Measures for Development - The revised measures will enhance entry thresholds by strengthening requirements for substantial operational capabilities and compliance risk management [6]. - There will be a focus on substantial operations and risk isolation, requiring applicants to commit to core responsibilities and ensuring the separation of fund assets from other custody assets [7]. - Custodians will be held accountable for verifying information provided by fund managers and must disclose risks adequately, with clear responsibilities for reporting and settlement [7]. - The exit mechanism will be improved by adding conditions for license cancellation, ensuring an orderly market mechanism [7]. - High-quality custody institutions will be allowed to establish wholly-owned subsidiaries dedicated to custody business, subject to relevant financial regulatory requirements [8]. Group 3: Industry Context and Growth - As of the end of the first quarter of this year, there are 73 institutions with custody qualifications, and the total assets under custody for public funds exceed 33 trillion yuan [9]. - The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China leads with a custody scale of 4.48 trillion yuan, holding a market share of 13.78% [9]. - The overall principle of the revision is to ensure stringent entry, focus on core business, enforce responsibilities, and promote innovation, aiming to enhance the custody industry's standardization and professionalism [9].