Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-12-18 11:21Core Viewpoint - Recent tightening of banks' precious metals business coincides with a near return of international gold prices to previous highs, indicating a shift in risk management strategies within the banking sector [1][5]. Group 1: Price Movements - London gold spot prices reached a peak of $4,350 per ounce, just shy of the historical high of $4,381 per ounce [1]. - Gold prices have seen a cumulative increase of approximately 65% in the year, while silver and platinum have experienced even greater rises, with silver up 128% and platinum up 118% [6]. Group 2: Bank Policy Changes - Banks are increasingly tightening their policies on personal precious metals accounts, including the termination of agency relationships for long-term inactive accounts [1][3]. - Major banks like Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and China Construction Bank have announced plans to transfer balances from inactive accounts and close related business functions starting in December [3][4]. - The tightening measures began as early as March 2020, following the "oil treasure" incident, leading to a gradual withdrawal from high-risk leveraged products [5]. Group 3: Risk Management - Banks are enhancing risk management for precious metals investments by raising entry thresholds and risk ratings for various products, including increasing the minimum investment amounts and requiring additional risk assessments for investors [5][6]. - The adjustments also include a shift in risk ratings for accumulation gold products, which will be classified as medium risk, restricting conservative clients from participating [4]. Group 4: Regulatory Environment - The regulatory environment for commodity and precious metals trading is expected to become stricter, reflecting ongoing concerns about risk management in the banking sector [7].