Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-10-08 23:47Core Viewpoint - Banks are increasing the threshold for transaction SMS notification services in response to rising profit pressures and the deepening of digital transformation, indicating a trend towards refined management of service models and cost expenditures [1][8]. Group 1: Service Adjustments - Several banks, including Guangdong Huaxing Bank and Hubei Bank, have announced increases in the minimum transaction amount for SMS notifications, with Guangdong Huaxing Bank set to stop sending notifications for transactions below 500 yuan starting September 16, 2025 [2][4]. - Hubei Bank will raise the default threshold for SMS notifications to 100 yuan for transactions starting March 27, 2025, up from a previous threshold of 10 yuan [2][6]. - China Bank will adjust its SMS notification service for existing customers from a zero yuan threshold to 100 yuan starting April 17, 2025 [2][6]. Group 2: Rationale Behind Changes - The adjustments are framed as efforts to enhance customer service quality, with banks citing the need to optimize service levels and customer experience [3][7]. - The changes reflect a broader trend in the banking industry towards cost management and the impact of digital transformation, as mobile banking and WeChat services become more prevalent [7][8]. Group 3: Cost Management and Efficiency - The banking sector is increasingly focusing on refined management to drive high-quality development of liability businesses and enhance revenue from intermediary services amid narrowing net interest margins [8][9]. - Data shows that the cost-to-income ratio for 39 out of 42 listed banks has declined in the first half of the year compared to the previous year, indicating a trend towards improved operational efficiency [9].