EBSCN·2026-03-01 10:58Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the banking industry, indicating an expected investment return exceeding the market benchmark index by over 15% in the next 6-12 months [1]. Core Insights - The report discusses the implementation of a self-regulatory mechanism for interbank deposit pricing, which aims to manage liquidity and stabilize the banking sector's cost of liabilities. The focus has shifted from merely controlling the scale of interbank liabilities to regulating pricing behavior [4][5][6]. - The introduction of self-regulation for non-bank interbank demand deposit rates is expected to enhance the efficiency of monetary policy transmission and alleviate pressure on bank interest margins [6][9]. - The report highlights the historical evolution of interbank liability management, emphasizing the transition from risk prevention to cost control, and outlines the regulatory framework established over the past decade [4][5][6]. Summary by Sections Regulatory History Review - The regulatory framework for interbank liabilities has evolved through three main phases: establishing a risk prevention framework, deepening regulation to reduce leverage and prevent fund turnover, and focusing on cost control through pricing management [4][5][6]. Cost Management of Interbank Liabilities - The report notes that the cost of interbank liabilities remains relatively high, with significant room for further reduction. The average cost of interbank liabilities for state-owned banks was reported at 2.01%, compared to 1.52% for deposits, indicating a 48 basis point spread [13][20]. - The report emphasizes the need for enhanced management of interbank deposit pricing, particularly for time deposits, which currently do not fall under self-regulatory constraints [20][21]. Future Pathways for Self-Regulation - The report suggests that future regulatory measures may include setting upper limits on the scale of interbank demand deposits priced above self-regulatory levels and implementing self-regulation for time deposit rates [22][25]. - Preliminary estimates indicate that the self-regulation of interbank time deposits could lead to a reduction in interest expenses for banks, improving net interest margins by approximately 2 basis points [25][29]. Impact on Wealth Management Products - The report assesses the impact of interbank deposit self-regulation on wealth management products, indicating that the influence on net asset values is relatively limited due to the diverse nature of interbank deposit configurations [34][37]. - It highlights that wealth management products will continue to maintain a strong allocation to deposit-like assets, with expected fluctuations in allocation ratios [34][37].