Bank of Ningbo(SZ:002142) Zhong Guo Zheng Quan Bao·2026-02-12 00:25Core Viewpoint - The banking sector is experiencing a renewed wave of deposit attraction strategies as the Spring Festival approaches, with many small and medium-sized banks raising deposit rates and introducing innovative products to enhance their asset management scale in response to the upcoming maturity of fixed deposits in 2026 [1][4]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Adjustments - Several banks have raised their 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 [2]. - Banks are implementing differentiated adjustments for various term deposits, with some offering rates up to 30 basis points above the listed rates for large deposits [2]. - The trend of increasing deposit rates is particularly pronounced among city commercial banks, rural commercial banks, and village banks, while larger state-owned banks maintain stable rates [4]. Group 2: Innovative Deposit Incentives - In addition to raising rates, banks are launching promotional activities such as offering gifts like rice, oil, and shopping vouchers to attract depositors [3]. - A notable initiative includes a "Deposit for Travel Expenses" program, where depositors can receive reimbursements for travel costs when making fixed deposits above a certain amount [3]. Group 3: Asset Management Focus - Some banks are shifting their focus from merely attracting deposits to increasing their overall asset management scale (AUM) by offering rewards for maintaining or increasing financial assets [5][6]. - The financial assets include a range of products such as deposits, wealth management, funds, and insurance, indicating a broader strategy to enhance customer engagement and retention [6]. Group 4: Future Trends in Deposits - The impending maturity of deposits in 2026 is expected to lead to a significant shift in where these funds will be allocated, with potential movements towards short-term savings, low-risk asset management products, and a small portion into equity markets [6][7]. - The growth of asset management products is seen as a response to the market's evolving dynamics, with a notable increase in the total assets of these products reaching 120 trillion yuan, a 13.1% year-on-year growth [7][8]. Group 5: Implications for Banking Sector - The shift in deposit flows towards asset management products is not expected to create a liquidity gap but rather reflects a rebalancing of the liability structure within the banking system [8]. - Different banks may experience varying impacts on their funding costs and stability due to their unique customer structures and the effects of wealth management product alternatives [8].