华瑞银行异地揽储调查：标榜“仅限本地客户” 却为异地客户开“存款后门”

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ongoing issue of private banks in China engaging in cross-regional deposit solicitation despite regulatory restrictions, particularly focusing on Huari Bank's practices that allow non-local customers to access higher interest rates [1][2][5]. Summary by Sections Regulatory Environment - Regulatory authorities have emphasized the need for local banks to adhere to regional deposit solicitation rules, with specific guidelines established in 2021 to limit online deposit activities to local customers [4][5]. - The regulatory framework aims to prevent cross-regional deposit solicitation to maintain financial order and mitigate risks [5][6]. Huari Bank's Practices - Huari Bank offers a three-year fixed deposit product with a 2.35% interest rate, explicitly stating it is for Shanghai residents only, yet allows non-local customers to deposit through staff assistance [2][3]. - Reports indicate that multiple customers have successfully completed deposits from outside Shanghai, suggesting a loophole in the bank's compliance with regional restrictions [2][3]. Compliance Issues - Huari Bank has faced previous penalties for improper deposit solicitation methods, including a fine of 6.8 million yuan for various regulatory violations [3]. - The bank's practices raise concerns about compliance risks and potential liquidity issues, as cross-regional deposit solicitation can lead to concentrated withdrawals in specific areas [7][8]. Industry Trends - The article notes that while some private banks strictly enforce regional deposit rules, others, like WeBank and MyBank, are permitted to solicit deposits nationwide due to their internet banking status [4][5]. - The competitive landscape is pushing some banks to take risks in deposit solicitation, driven by the need to attract customers in a challenging market [9]. Legal and Operational Risks - Engaging in cross-regional deposit solicitation exposes banks to legal risks, including regulatory penalties and challenges in risk management due to the separation of operational and registration locations [7][8]. - The potential for increased competition may lead banks to raise deposit rates, further complicating liquidity management and operational stability [7][9].