digihuman(BJ:835670) Bei Jing Shang Bao·2026-01-04 13:53Core Viewpoint - The digital renminbi is set to transition to version 2.0 on January 1, 2026, evolving from "digital cash" to "digital deposits," which will enhance consumer engagement and have significant implications for the financial market [1][4]. Group 1: Key Changes in Digital Renminbi 2.0 - The most significant change is that the balance in real-name digital renminbi wallets will earn interest at the rate of current deposits starting January 1, 2026 [4][5]. - Major banks, including ICBC, ABC, BOC, and others, have announced that the interest rate for digital renminbi will be 0.05%, similar to current deposit rates [4][5]. - Consumers can expect quarterly interest payments on their wallet balances, with specific dates for interest calculation [4][5]. Group 2: Consumer Benefits and Security - Only real-name wallets will earn interest, while anonymous wallets will not be eligible [5]. - Digital renminbi deposits will be covered by deposit insurance, providing a safety net of up to 500,000 yuan, similar to traditional bank deposits [5][8]. - The upgrade aims to enhance the attractiveness of funding digital wallets, as idle funds can now generate interest with no operational costs [4][5]. Group 3: Implications for Financial Institutions - The upgrade allows banks to actively manage digital renminbi as part of their asset-liability management, potentially leading to new financial services such as loans and investment products [8][10]. - Non-bank payment institutions will need to adapt to new regulations, including a requirement to deposit 100% of digital renminbi as collateral, which may impact their liquidity [9][10]. - The integration of digital renminbi into existing financial systems is expected to enhance customer retention and create a closed-loop system for financial services [10][12]. Group 4: Market Impact and Future Prospects - The digital renminbi's inclusion in general deposit assessments will shift banks from passive to active deposit acquisition strategies [10][12]. - The upgrade is seen as a milestone, marking a new phase in the standardization of digital currency operations, which will improve regulatory efficiency and enhance user experience [11][12]. - The potential for smart contracts and programmable currency capabilities is anticipated to drive future growth and innovation across various sectors [12].