Zhong Guo Ji Jin Bao·2026-01-07 02:15Group 1 - Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) announced an increase in the risk tolerance level for personal customers to C3-balanced and above for its accumulation gold business starting January 12, 2026, making it the first major state-owned bank to raise the entry threshold this year [1][3] - Customers must complete a risk assessment through ICBC's channels and obtain a C3 or higher rating to engage in new accumulation gold business, while existing customers can continue operations without re-assessment [1][3] - Other banks, such as CITIC Bank and Zhongyuan Bank, have also raised their risk tolerance levels for accumulation gold business, requiring customers to meet similar C3 or higher ratings for transactions [4] Group 2 - The increase in risk tolerance levels by banks is seen as a protective measure for investors amid rising gold price volatility, aligning with regulatory requirements for investor suitability management [5] - As of January 5, 2026, international gold prices have rebounded, with spot and futures prices exceeding $4,400 per ounce, indicating a positive market trend [5] - Analysts predict continued support for rising gold prices, with Goldman Sachs forecasting a price of $4,900 per ounce by December 2026, and UBS projecting a potential rise to $5,000 per ounce by September 2026 [7]