Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-12-16 10:10Core 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 [2][3][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, inventory, or debts to the linked settlement accounts and close related business functions [2]. - 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 notifications sent to clients regarding the transfer of funds [3][4]. - Postal Savings Bank announced the cessation of its personal precious metals business, requiring clients to liquidate their positions by October 31 [3][4]. Group 2: Broader Industry Trends - 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 banks to withdraw from the precious metals trading sector [4][5]. - The adjustments in precious metals business by banks are closely linked to the significant price volatility in recent years, with many banks previously halting gold and silver trading during the commodity price fluctuations in 2022 [6]. - The World Gold Council has indicated that while 2025 may see strong performance in precious metals, uncertainties will persist into 2026, suggesting a cautious outlook for the market [6].