【西街观察】银行反内卷要先破同质化

Core Viewpoint - Recent developments in the retail banking sector highlight a dual trend of banks halting unprofitable high-interest car loan rebate businesses while simultaneously engaging in "mutual lending" among employees to meet performance targets, reflecting intense internal competition within the industry [1][2] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Some banks are suspending loss-making car loan rebate businesses to cut costs amid narrowing interest margins, indicating unsustainable practices in the automotive finance market [1] - The phenomenon of "mutual lending" and employees covering interest costs illustrates the pressure of performance assessments and the resulting risks from data manipulation and cost misallocation [1][2] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - The intensifying competition among banks has led to a lack of differentiation in financial products, resulting in resource wastage and diminished innovation and service quality [2] - The People's Bank of China has noted that severe internal competition has caused a rapid decline in loan rates while deposit rates remain stagnant, affecting the efficiency of interest rate transmission and monetary policy [2] Group 3: Regulatory and Structural Recommendations - The banking industry should establish self-regulatory agreements to mitigate harmful competition and enhance regulatory oversight of market behaviors [3] - Expanding non-interest income sources can reduce reliance on interest margin income, improving banks' diversification and risk resilience [3] - Banks should focus on unique development positioning and optimize internal management mechanisms to foster innovation and customer satisfaction, moving away from inefficient competition [3]