证券时报·2026-01-26 23:55Core Viewpoint - Agricultural Bank of China (ABC) is increasing the risk tolerance assessment requirements for personal clients participating in gold accumulation transactions to enhance consumer protection and comply with regulatory demands [1][2]. Group 1: Changes in Risk Assessment Requirements - Starting from January 30, 2026, personal clients must complete a risk tolerance assessment and achieve at least a cautious level to engage in gold accumulation services [1]. - Existing clients with valid assessment results are exempt from re-evaluation for certain operations like selling or withdrawing [1]. Group 2: Industry Trends and Market Conditions - ABC is the second state-owned bank to adjust investment thresholds for gold accumulation since 2026, following Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) which raised the risk assessment level from C1 to C3 [2]. - The increase in investment thresholds is attributed to the high volatility of gold prices, which recently surpassed $5,100 per ounce [2]. - Experts indicate that the shift in gold's market perception from a stable savings alternative to a high-risk asset is driving these regulatory changes [2][3]. Group 3: Investor Behavior and Risks - There are concerns about investors potentially misrepresenting their risk tolerance during assessments, which could lead to mismatched risk profiles and inadequate investor protection [4]. - Such behavior undermines the integrity of the investor suitability framework, exposing investors to significant risks and complicating their ability to seek recourse in case of losses [4].