清华金融评论·2025-12-02 08:23Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a significant shift in the structure of bank deposit products in China, with a notable decline in long-term large-denomination certificates of deposit (CDs) due to multiple operational pressures and policy directions faced by banks [2]. Group 1: Changes in Deposit Products - Major banks in China have removed 5-year large-denomination CDs from their offerings, indicating a trend towards shorter-term deposit products [2]. - The current available terms for large-denomination CDs at Industrial and Commercial Bank of China are limited to 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years [2]. - Several banks, including joint-stock banks and city commercial banks, have discontinued their 3-5 year large-denomination CD products this year [2]. Group 2: Reasons for the Shift - The primary reason for this shift is the continuous narrowing of net interest margins, which has created survival pressure for banks [2]. - As of Q3 2025, the net interest margin for commercial banks remains low at 1.42%, with private banks experiencing a further decline [2]. - The reduction in loan rates has led to shrinking asset-side returns for banks, making long-term large-denomination CDs, which are high-cost liabilities, less viable as the interest expense approaches the breakeven point [2]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The trend of pressure on net interest margins is expected to persist, leading to further adjustments in long-term deposit products by more banks [2]. - The deposit market is likely to normalize with characteristics of short-term, low-interest rates, and strict controls [2].