Zhong Guo Zheng Quan Bao·2026-02-11 20:23Core Viewpoint - The banking sector is experiencing a new wave of deposit acquisition strategies as the Spring Festival approaches, with many small and medium-sized banks raising deposit rates and introducing innovative products to attract customers. This is a response to the upcoming maturity of fixed-term deposits in 2026, prompting banks to enhance their wealth management offerings and optimize their liability structures [1][5]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Adjustments - Several banks have raised deposit rates, with some offering rates as high as 1.95% for three-year fixed deposits, reflecting a 10 basis point increase from previous rates [1]. - Banks are implementing differentiated adjustments for various term deposits, with some products seeing rate increases of 5 to 30 basis points depending on the deposit amount and term [2]. - The trend of increasing deposit rates is primarily observed in city commercial banks, rural commercial banks, and village banks, while larger state-owned banks maintain stable rates [3]. Group 2: Innovative Deposit Acquisition Strategies - Some banks are offering additional benefits such as gifts and reimbursement for travel expenses to attract depositors, with initiatives like "Deposit for Travel Expenses" aimed at migrant workers returning home for the New Year [2][3]. - The reimbursement scheme allows customers to claim back a percentage of their deposit amount for travel expenses, with specific conditions on the types of receipts accepted [3]. Group 3: Asset Under Management (AUM) Focus - Many banks are shifting their focus from merely acquiring deposits to increasing their overall asset management scale (AUM) through diversified financial products and customer incentives [4]. - Banks are implementing programs that reward customers for increasing their average financial assets, indicating a strategic move towards enhancing customer engagement and loyalty [4]. Group 4: Future Trends in Deposit Flows - Analysts predict a significant outflow of deposits in 2026, with potential shifts towards short-term savings, low-risk asset management products, and a small portion moving into equity markets [5][6]. - The growth of asset management products is expected to continue, with a notable increase in total assets reaching 120 trillion yuan by year-end, reflecting a 13.1% year-on-year growth [6]. Group 5: Implications for Banking Sector - The changes in deposit flows and the rise of asset management products are seen as a rebalancing of the banking sector's liability structure, which may impact banks' funding costs and interest margin management [7]. - The differentiation in banks' liability costs and stability is likely to become more pronounced, affecting their competitive positioning in the market [7].