Jin Rong Shi Bao·2025-12-22 09:45Core Viewpoint - The banking sector is tightening regulations on personal precious metals trading, with multiple banks enhancing management of their agency services for the Shanghai Gold Exchange since December 2023 [1][3]. Group 1: Recent Bank Announcements - Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) announced that starting December 19, it will transfer the balances of margin accounts with no positions, inventory, or debts to the clients' settlement accounts and close related business functions [1]. - China Construction Bank (CCB) stated that from December 15, it will also transfer similar account balances and automatically close related business functions [1]. - Other banks, including Agricultural Bank of China, Postal Savings Bank, Everbright Bank, Citic Bank, and Ningbo Bank, have made similar announcements regarding the management of personal precious metals trading [3]. Group 2: Business Adjustments and Historical Context - The adjustments primarily target existing accounts, with banks having previously restricted new account openings and other operational changes since 2022 [4]. - The adjustments are seen as a continuation of a trend that began in July 2022, where major banks halted new account openings for leveraged derivative products related to precious metals trading [4]. - The recent changes are also linked to significant fluctuations in precious metal prices, with gold prices rising by 60% and silver prices increasing by over 120% this year [4]. Group 3: Market Implications and Investor Guidance - The adjustments aim to encourage investors to recognize the risks associated with market volatility and to shift from short-term speculation to long-term investment strategies [5]. - Banks have raised the thresholds for accumulating gold and issued market risk warnings, advising investors to enhance their risk awareness and manage their positions prudently [5].