中小银行开年激战揽储 变相贴息抢单是否踩线？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by small and medium-sized banks in attracting deposits amid declining market interest rates, leading to innovative strategies such as adjusting deposit rates and offering incentives to customers [1][2][9]. Group 1: Deposit Strategies - Small and medium-sized banks are adopting a "long rise, short drop" strategy for interest rates, increasing rates for longer-term deposits while decreasing rates for shorter-term deposits [1][3]. - As of January 2026, the bank where the client manager works has seen fluctuations in deposit rates, with the 3-year fixed deposit rate initially rising to 2.20% before being reduced to 1.80% [3][4]. - Some banks, like Hubei Macheng Rural Commercial Bank, have raised rates for specific deposit products, while others, like Hebei Wangdu Zhongcheng Village Bank, have lowered rates for short-term deposits [4][5]. Group 2: Incentives and Promotions - With most small and medium-sized banks offering deposit rates below 2%, customer managers are resorting to out-of-pocket expenses for gifts and subsidies to attract deposits [2][7]. - Incentives such as cash rebates, shopping vouchers, and other gifts are being used to enhance the appeal of deposit products, with some banks offering rates exceeding 2% when including these incentives [7][8]. - The article highlights that during the "opening red" period, banks often provide various gifts, but customers prefer higher-value items, leading to additional costs for bank staff [8]. Group 3: Regulatory Concerns - The practice of offering cash rebates and gifts to attract deposits raises regulatory concerns, as it may violate guidelines set by financial authorities aimed at maintaining fair competition in the deposit market [8][9]. - The article notes that the pressure on front-line employees to meet deposit targets can lead to non-compliance with regulations, creating a cycle of challenges for small and medium-sized banks [9].