Zhong Guo Zheng Quan Bao·2025-05-21 21:58Core Viewpoint - The fund distribution market is undergoing a significant reshuffle, with fund companies increasingly terminating sales partnerships with banks due to competitive pressures and regulatory compliance requirements [1][2][3]. Group 1: Termination of Partnerships - Ping An Fund announced the termination of its sales cooperation with Xiamen Bank effective April 28, 2024, meaning investors can no longer conduct various fund transactions through the bank [1]. - Hua An Fund also announced it would end its sales cooperation with Bohai Bank by December 31, 2024, to protect investor rights [2]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - Despite banks holding nearly half of the market share in fund distribution, third-party sales institutions and brokerages are rapidly gaining market share, prompting banks to implement fee discounts to attract investors [1][3]. - As of the end of 2024, banks accounted for approximately 45% of the non-monetary fund holdings among the top 100 distribution institutions, but their dominance is being challenged by the rise of third-party sales platforms [3]. Group 3: Revenue Impact - The revenue from fund distribution for banks is under pressure, with significant declines reported. For instance, China Merchants Bank's fund distribution income fell by 19.58% year-on-year to 4.165 billion yuan in 2024 [4]. - The decline in income is attributed to reduced fund fees and a drop in the holdings of equity funds, leading to a decrease in commission income across various banks [4]. Group 4: Strategic Shifts - Banks are shifting from a "price war" strategy to a "value war," focusing on creating differentiated competitive advantages through customized products and services [5][6]. - Smaller banks are increasingly collaborating with various financial institutions to offer diversified distribution products, leveraging regional advantages to meet local customer needs [6]. Group 5: Regulatory Environment - Regulatory scrutiny on bank fund distribution is intensifying, with new guidelines requiring banks to enhance compliance management and risk assessment processes [7][8]. - Instances of regulatory penalties for banks due to violations in fund sales practices highlight the need for improved compliance and risk management frameworks [8].