Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-08-13 08:26Core Viewpoint - The competition among banks in fund distribution is intensifying, leading to a significant reduction in fee rates, with some banks offering discounts as low as 0.1% to attract customers [1][3][5]. Group 1: Fee Discounts and Promotions - Shenzhen Rural Commercial Bank announced a 0.1% discount on certain open-end funds, a move mirrored by Changshu Bank, which also offers similar discounts on over 120 funds until the end of the year [1][3]. - The fee structure for the funds includes a significant reduction; for example, a fund with a standard 1.5% fee would drop to 0.15% for a 100,000 yuan investment, resulting in a fee of only 15 yuan [3]. - Other banks, such as Minsheng Bank and China Merchants Bank, have also implemented fee reductions, with many large banks maintaining a minimum discount of 1% [4][5]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Smaller banks are struggling to compete with larger banks in terms of channels and services, leading them to lower fees to maintain stability in their scale [1][5]. - The market is experiencing a "Matthew Effect," where larger banks gain more recognition and customer flow, while smaller banks face challenges due to weak customer bases and outdated systems [5][6]. Group 3: Revenue Pressure and Strategic Shifts - The reduction in fees is putting pressure on the intermediary income of banks, with major banks like China Merchants Bank and China Construction Bank reporting significant declines in their fund distribution income [6][7]. - Banks are urged to rethink their strategies in wealth management to offset the loss in income from fund distribution, with some already moving towards more customized and tailored wealth management solutions [8].