金融“反内卷”持续升温

Core Viewpoint - The financial industry in China is experiencing a significant shift towards "anti-involution," with regulatory measures being implemented to address issues of price distortion and non-market behavior in the bond issuance process [1][3]. Group 1: Regulatory Measures - The China Interbank Market Dealers Association issued a notice requiring lead underwriters to refrain from quoting underwriting fees below cost when participating in bond project bidding [1]. - The notice aims to tackle problems such as pricing distortions and artificial interference in the book-building process, mandating lead underwriters to establish internal management systems for fee quotations [1]. Group 2: Industry Self-Regulation - A self-regulatory investigation was initiated against six lead underwriters involved in a bond project for Guangfa Bank, triggered by extremely low underwriting service fees, with some institutions quoting as low as 700 yuan [2]. - The investigation revealed that Guangfa Bank may have influenced pricing, prompting further verification by the association [2]. Group 3: Institutional Responses - Major financial institutions, including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Guangfa Bank, have made "anti-involution" a key focus in their operational strategies, emphasizing the need to resist cutthroat competition and adhere to long-term business principles [3]. - Local regulatory bodies across various provinces have also taken steps to combat "involution," including issuing negative lists for unfair competition and developing self-regulatory agreements [3]. Group 4: Expert Analysis - Experts note that the "involution" in the financial sector is primarily driven by price competition and performance assessment pressures, creating a complex interwoven situation [4]. - Recommendations for addressing "involution" include collaborative efforts from regulators, banks, and self-regulatory organizations to establish clearer pricing standards and improve service differentiation through innovation [4].