ICBC(SH:601398) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-12-16 09:03Core Viewpoint - Commercial banks are accelerating their exit from the personal precious metals trading business at the Shanghai Gold Exchange due to significant fluctuations in precious metal prices, with major banks like Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) announcing changes to their operations [1][2][4]. Group 1: Actions by Major Banks - ICBC announced that starting December 19, 2025, it will transfer the balances of margin accounts with no positions, no inventory, and no debts to the linked settlement accounts and close related business functions [1]. - China Construction Bank and Agricultural Bank of China have also taken steps to terminate agreements with clients who have not engaged in trading for a month, with the latter starting this process on October 29 [2][3]. - Postal Savings Bank announced on September 30 that it would cease its personal precious metals business, requiring clients to close their positions by October 31 [2][4]. Group 2: Broader Industry Trends - The recent adjustments in precious metals business by banks are closely related to the significant price volatility in the precious metals market, which has been evident since 2022 [4]. - Other banks, including Citic Bank and Ningbo Bank, have also implemented measures to clean up accounts with no trading activity, indicating a broader trend among both state-owned and joint-stock banks [3][4]. - The World Gold Council has indicated that while 2025 may see strong performance in precious metals, uncertainties will persist in the gold market moving into 2026 [4].