Zheng Quan Ri Bao·2025-07-09 16:19Core Viewpoint - Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank has received approval from the China Securities Regulatory Commission for its securities investment fund custody qualification, marking it as the first financial institution to obtain this qualification in 2023 and the 37th commercial bank overall [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Custodian Expansion - The bank will strictly adhere to regulations and the approval document to conduct securities investment fund custody business, ensuring the integrity and independence of fund assets while protecting the legal rights of fund shareholders [3]. - As of May, there are 68 financial institutions listed as securities investment fund custodians, with commercial banks accounting for over 52% of this group [3]. - Among the qualified commercial banks, state-owned banks and national joint-stock banks dominate, with only a few rural commercial banks like Guangzhou Rural Commercial Bank and Shanghai Rural Commercial Bank having custody qualifications [3]. Group 2: Positive Impacts on Banking Operations - Obtaining the fund custody license can expand the bank's intermediary business income, enhancing revenue diversification and risk resilience through fees from custody and account services [4]. - The custody qualification can improve customer loyalty and comprehensive financial service capabilities, allowing the bank to serve various asset management institutions and connect with high-net-worth and institutional clients [4]. - The custody business can lead to increased fund settlement and retention, optimizing the bank's asset-liability structure and enhancing overall profitability [4]. Group 3: Quality Enhancement in Business Development - Commercial banks must enhance their operational quality in fund custody, addressing issues such as compliance and internal controls, as evidenced by recent regulatory warnings against certain banks [5]. - There is a need for banks to invest in IT systems to support custody operations, including valuation and clearing systems, to ensure compliance and operational stability [5]. - Banks should focus on professional talent development, IT infrastructure improvement, risk management, and building cooperative relationships with fund companies to enhance the quality of custody services [6].