2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-12-31 06:42Core Viewpoint - The digital renminbi will officially end its "interest-free era" as of January 1, 2026, with major banks announcing that interest will be paid on the balances of real-name digital renminbi wallets based on the current deposit rates [1][6][10]. Group 1: Interest Payment Policy - Starting January 1, 2026, the balance in real-name digital renminbi wallets will earn interest according to the People's Bank of China's current deposit interest rate [6][7]. - The interest calculation will follow the same rules as regular savings accounts, with interest credited on the 21st of each quarter [6][10]. - Balances in anonymous wallets will not earn interest, maintaining a distinction between different wallet types [6][10]. Group 2: Transition to Digital Deposit Currency - The implementation of the interest payment policy marks the transition from "digital cash" to "digital deposit currency," indicating a significant evolution in the digital renminbi's role [7][10]. - The digital renminbi will now be considered a liability of commercial banks, allowing it to earn interest and be subject to deposit insurance, similar to traditional bank deposits [10]. - This change enhances the monetary elasticity of the digital renminbi, enabling it to support credit activities and deposit expansion mechanisms [10]. Group 3: Background and Development - The policy change is part of a broader initiative by the People's Bank of China to strengthen the management and service system for digital renminbi [7]. - The digital renminbi has been in development for over ten years, expanding its pilot programs from select cities to entire provinces [8]. - As of November 2025, the digital renminbi has processed 3.48 billion transactions, amounting to 16.7 trillion yuan, indicating significant adoption and usage [9].