财联社·2025-07-31 15:41Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing "anti-involution" measures in the banking industry, emphasizing the need for improved market competition and the regulation of chaotic competition among enterprises [2][3]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The anti-involution actions in the banking sector are expanding both regionally and across different industries, with major banks like ICBC taking the lead in addressing this issue [3]. - A significant factor contributing to the internal competition in the banking sector is the insufficient effective credit demand, leading banks to compete aggressively for high-quality clients [4][5]. - The People's Bank of China (PBOC) has noted that severe internal competition is affecting the effectiveness of monetary policy, with loan rates declining faster than deposit rates [5][10]. Group 2: Causes of Involution - The internal competition in the banking industry is driven by several objective factors, including economic adjustments and increased competition from non-bank financial institutions [3][5]. - The decline in consumer borrowing and the resulting lower interest rates on loans are indicative of the industry's struggle to maintain profitability amidst heightened competition [5][10]. Group 3: Regulatory Responses - Various regional banking associations are implementing self-regulatory agreements to combat internal competition, focusing on retail banking while also addressing corporate banking practices [6][7]. - The effectiveness of these self-regulatory measures may be limited if they are not supported by national policies and regulatory oversight [8][9]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The ongoing anti-involution efforts are seen as necessary for the long-term health of the banking sector, as excessive competition can undermine profitability and hinder talent attraction [9][10]. - The current environment presents both challenges and opportunities for smaller banks, prompting them to consider restructuring and focusing on niche markets [12].