Zheng Quan Shi Bao·2025-08-29 19:49Core Viewpoint - The banking industry has reached a consensus on "anti-involution," transitioning from a slogan to actionable measures, as highlighted in recent semi-annual performance briefings [1]. Group 1: Industry Consensus and Policy - The 2024 Central Economic Work Conference and the 2025 Government Work Report have called for a "comprehensive rectification of 'involutionary' competition" [1]. - The sixth meeting of the Central Financial Committee emphasized the need to "legally and reasonably govern low-price and disorderly competition" [1]. Group 2: Impact on Banking Operations - Ping An Bank's president, Ji Guangheng, stated that competition that does not cover costs is detrimental and poses a potentially disruptive risk to the industry [1]. - Hangzhou Bank's vice president, Zhang Jianfu, noted that irrational price wars negatively affect normal banking development, leading to situations where business growth does not translate into revenue or profit [1]. - The long-term impact of such competition could weaken banks' ability to serve the real economy and accumulate risks that affect macroeconomic development [1]. Group 3: Benefits of "Anti-Involution" - Ping An Bank's vice president, Xiang Youzhi, believes that "anti-involution" will create a fairer and more vibrant market, enhance the effective allocation of financial resources, and maximize the interests of financial entities and society [1]. - The policy is expected to promote long-term, high-quality development in the financial industry and protect the legitimate rights of financial customers [1]. Group 4: Stabilization of Net Interest Margin - Citic Bank's president, Lu Wei, indicated that "anti-involution" policies and neutral monetary policies will help stabilize the banking industry's net interest margin [2]. - Zhang Jianfu echoed this sentiment, suggesting that combating irrational pricing will contribute to stabilizing bank interest margins [2]. Group 5: Addressing Malicious Competition - Industrial Bank's financial planning department general manager, Lin Shu, noted that "anti-involution" helps regulate malicious and disorderly competition in loan pricing, alleviating downward pressure on bank asset returns [2]. - However, Lin also pointed out potential inconsistencies in the implementation of "anti-involution" policies across different regions and banks [2]. Group 6: Focus on Customer Needs - As price competition diminishes, banks will need to compete based on their ability to meet customer needs, emphasizing the importance of enhancing professional service capabilities and optimizing business processes [2]. - Huaxia Bank's president, Qu Gang, stated the importance of adhering to regulatory and self-discipline requirements, shifting focus from price competition to value-based services centered around customer needs [2]. - Zhejiang Merchants Bank's president, Chen Haiqiang, mentioned the shift from price-based competition to differentiated comprehensive services, focusing on the entire customer lifecycle [2].