Core Viewpoint - Major commercial banks in China, including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, and China Construction Bank, have collectively withdrawn five-year large-denomination certificates of deposit (CDs) in response to the ongoing pressure of narrowing net interest margins [1][2] Group 1: Bank Adjustments - Several large state-owned banks have shifted their focus from long-term to short-term deposit products, offering only three-year, two-year, one-year, and six-month large-denomination CDs [1] - The withdrawal of five-year CDs is seen as a rational choice to address the historical low levels of net interest margins, allowing banks to shorten the average maturity of liabilities and enhance repricing flexibility [1][2] Group 2: Impact on Small and Medium Banks - Small and medium-sized banks are also adjusting their deposit product structures due to increasing net interest margin pressures, moving away from high-interest long-term deposits [2] - The prevalence of interest rate inversion, where short-term deposit rates exceed long-term rates, has diminished the attractiveness of medium to long-term deposits, prompting these banks to focus on short- to medium-term products [2] Group 3: Investor Behavior - As deposit rates decline, there is a resurgence of "savings migration," with bank wealth management products gaining popularity due to their lower volatility [2] - A survey indicates that 62.3% of urban residents prefer to save more, a decrease of 1.5 percentage points from the previous quarter, while the number of investors holding wealth management products has increased by 12.70% year-on-year [2] Group 4: Recommendations for Banks - Banks are advised to enhance asset yields by optimizing credit structures and improving risk pricing capabilities, while also focusing on non-credit asset management [3] - On the liability side, banks should strengthen their core deposit absorption capabilities and optimize customer segmentation strategies to enhance the retention of low-cost funds [3]

Core Viewpoint - Major state-owned banks in China, including Industrial and Agricultural Banks, have collectively removed five-year large time deposits, shifting focus to shorter-term products due to ongoing pressure on net interest margins [1][2]. Group 1: Changes in Deposit Products - Six major commercial banks have adjusted their deposit products by removing five-year large time deposits, leaving only shorter-term options available for investors [1]. - This move is seen as a rational response to the continuous decline in net interest margins, which are currently at historical lows [1][2]. Group 2: Impact on Small and Medium Banks - Small and medium-sized banks are also accelerating adjustments to their deposit product structures in response to increasing net interest margin pressures [2]. - These banks, which typically have weaker deposit-raising capabilities compared to large banks, are shifting from high-interest long-term deposits to short- and medium-term products to mitigate the impact of narrowing net interest margins [2]. Group 3: Investor Behavior and Market Trends - As deposit rates decline, there is a resurgence of "savings migration," with bank wealth management products gaining popularity due to their low volatility [2]. - A survey indicates that 62.3% of urban savers prefer to save more, a decrease of 1.5 percentage points from the previous quarter, while the number of investors holding wealth management products has increased by 12.70% year-on-year [2]. Group 4: Recommendations for Banks - Banks are advised to enhance asset yields by optimizing credit structures and improving risk pricing capabilities while also focusing on non-credit asset management [3]. - On the liability side, banks should strengthen their core deposit absorption capabilities by exploring service, product, and channel potentials to enhance low-cost funding [3].

Core Viewpoint - Blue Ocean Bank has marked all its deposit products as "sold out" during the year-end deposit gathering season, a rare occurrence in the industry [1][9]. Group 1: Deposit Products Status - All deposit products of Blue Ocean Bank, including various term deposits, are currently showing as "sold out" on their mobile banking app [1][3]. - The bank's customer service confirmed that the subscription quotas for term deposits have been full for several months, particularly for 3-year and 5-year deposits [3][4]. - A specific product named "Blue Baby," which offers terms from 3 months to 2 years, also shows as "sold out" despite being highlighted for potential availability [4]. Group 2: Interest Rate Adjustments - Blue Ocean Bank has frequently lowered its deposit interest rates, with eight rate cuts occurring in the first half of the year alone [7]. - Recent adjustments have seen rates for certain products drop significantly, such as the "Blue Baby B7 Days" product, which was reduced from 2.4% to 2.2% [7]. Group 3: Market Context and Implications - The unusual "sold out" status of deposit products is interpreted as a strategy to reduce high-cost liabilities rather than a response to increased deposit demand [9][10]. - The bank is facing challenges with declining revenue and net profit, with reported figures showing a 39.42% decrease in revenue and a 47.86% drop in net profit year-on-year [9]. - The net interest margin has also decreased to 2.35%, down 1.99 percentage points from the previous year, indicating pressure on profitability [9]. Group 4: Industry Trends - Other small and medium-sized banks are also withdrawing long-term deposit products, reflecting a broader trend in the banking sector [10][11]. - Analysts suggest that the high interest rates on long-term deposits are unsustainable in the current economic environment, leading banks to pause deposit gathering to manage costs [11].

Core Viewpoint - Blue Ocean Bank has marked all its deposit products as "sold out" during the year-end deposit season, a rare occurrence in the industry, indicating a strategic move to manage high-cost liabilities rather than a typical increase in deposit marketing efforts [2][11]. Summary by Sections Deposit Products Status - As of November 28, all deposit products, including 7-day notice deposits and various term deposits, are showing a "sold out" status on Blue Ocean Bank's mobile banking app [3][5]. - The bank's customer service confirmed that the subscription quotas for all term deposit products are full, particularly for the 3-year and 5-year deposits, which have not been available for several months [5][9]. Interest Rates and Adjustments - The bank's unique deposit product, "Blue Baby," which offers terms from 3 months to 5 years, has also shown a "sold out" status despite previously advertised interest rates ranging from 1.35% to 2% [5][7]. - Blue Ocean Bank has frequently lowered its deposit rates, with eight rate cuts in the first half of the year alone. For instance, on November 1, the rates for certain products were adjusted to 1.25% [9][11]. Market Context and Implications - The unusual "sold out" status of deposit products at Blue Ocean Bank has drawn significant market attention, with analysts suggesting it reflects a broader trend among small and medium-sized banks to reduce high-cost liabilities due to narrowing net interest margins [11][12]. - Financial performance data indicates that Blue Ocean Bank is facing challenges, with a reported revenue of 1.452 billion yuan, down 39.42% year-on-year, and a net profit of 415 million yuan, down 47.86% [11][12]. - The bank's net interest margin has decreased to 2.35%, a drop of 1.99 percentage points from the previous year, highlighting the financial pressures it faces [11][12]. Industry Trends - Other small and medium-sized banks are also withdrawing long-term deposit products, with several banks, including those in Inner Mongolia, announcing the cancellation of 5-year fixed deposits [12][13]. - Analysts attribute this trend to the high interest rates on long-term deposits, which pressure banks' net interest margins, and a lack of high-yield assets to match high-cost liabilities in a weak credit demand environment [13].

Core Viewpoint - The trend of five-year fixed deposits disappearing from banks' offerings indicates a shift in the banking sector towards optimizing liability structures and reducing costs in response to narrowing net interest margins [1][4][6]. Group 1: Changes in Deposit Products - Several small and medium-sized banks have recently removed five-year fixed deposit products and lowered interest rates across various terms to optimize their liability structures and reduce costs [2][4]. - Notably, banks such as SuShang Bank, HuaRui Bank, and XinAn Bank have been particularly active in adjusting their deposit offerings, with some banks completely omitting five-year fixed deposit rates from their listings [2][4]. - While major banks still offer five-year ordinary fixed deposit products, the interest rates for large fixed deposits have converged with those of ordinary deposits, diminishing the appeal of high-threshold large fixed deposits [3][4]. Group 2: Impact on Banking Sector - The adjustments reflect the banking industry's response to pressures from narrowing net interest margins, which have reached historical lows, with the current net interest margin at 1.42% [4][6]. - The dual impact of declining loan rates and rigid deposit costs has compelled banks to proactively manage their liability costs, with five-year fixed deposits being a primary target for cost reduction [4][6]. - Experts suggest that the trend of reducing high-cost deposit products may continue, as banks aim to stabilize their net interest margins and adapt to changing market conditions [5][6]. Group 3: Implications for Depositors - The gradual phase-out of five-year fixed deposits signals a shift away from traditional "passive interest" strategies, urging depositors to reconsider their asset allocation strategies [5][6]. - Depositors are encouraged to diversify their investments and consider various financial products, such as funds and bank wealth management products, to balance returns and liquidity [6][7]. - The current environment suggests that depositors should adapt to a more flexible and diversified approach to financial management, moving away from reliance on long-term high-interest savings [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - Several banks, including private banks, are discontinuing long-term deposit products and adjusting interest rates to manage funding costs in response to narrowing net interest margins [1][4]. Group 1: Discontinuation of Long-Term Deposits - Meizhou Commercial Bank announced the cessation of automatic renewal services for five-year term deposits due to policy adjustments, indicating a broader trend among banks [1][2]. - Many private banks have removed long-term deposit products, with some reporting interest rate inversions where five-year deposit rates are lower than three-year rates [2][3]. Group 2: Interest Rate Adjustments - Current interest rates for various term deposits at banks like Anhui Xin'an Bank are as follows: 1.45% for three months, 1.65% for six months, 1.85% for one year, 2.35% for two years, and 2.20% for three years, with a minimum deposit of 50 yuan [2]. - Some banks, such as Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, have also stopped offering five-year large denomination certificates of deposit (CDs), reflecting a shift in product availability [3]. Group 3: Cost Management Strategies - The primary reason for banks discontinuing long-term deposit products is to actively reduce funding costs in light of narrowing net interest margins [4][5]. - Bank executives have indicated a focus on lowering deposit rates and managing high-cost deposits as part of their strategy to stabilize net interest margins [4].

Core Viewpoint - The recent adjustments by small and medium-sized banks to long-term fixed deposit products reflect the banking industry's efforts to optimize deposit structures and reduce liability costs amid narrowing net interest margins [2][5]. Group 1: Changes in Deposit Products - Many small and medium-sized banks have recently announced the removal of five-year fixed deposit products and have simultaneously lowered interest rates across various deposit terms [3][4]. - The adjustments are particularly pronounced among private banks and rural banks, with institutions like SuShang Bank and HuaRui Bank leading the changes [3]. - Major state-owned banks and several joint-stock banks are also tightening the supply of long-term deposit products, making five-year large-denomination certificates of deposit increasingly rare [3][4]. Group 2: Impact on Net Interest Margin - The banking sector is facing significant pressure on net interest margins, which have fallen to historical lows, currently at 1.42% as of the end of Q3 [5]. - The decline in net interest margins is attributed to both falling loan rates and the rigid costs associated with deposits, prompting banks to take proactive measures to manage costs [5]. - Small and medium-sized banks, with relatively weaker funding capabilities, are leading the way in removing five-year fixed deposit products to optimize their liability structures and reduce costs [5]. Group 3: Future Outlook for Depositors - The trend of reducing high-cost deposit products is expected to continue, with potential further declines in deposit rates as banks adjust to the current interest rate environment [6]. - Depositors are encouraged to shift their investment strategies away from traditional long-term high-interest savings models towards more flexible and diversified asset allocation strategies [6][7]. - Financial experts suggest that individuals should consider a mix of different deposit terms and explore other investment products such as funds and bank wealth management products to enhance expected returns [7].

Core Viewpoint - The announcement from Meizhou Commercial Bank indicates a trend among banks to discontinue five-year fixed deposit products due to policy adjustments and to manage funding costs in response to narrowing net interest margins [1][6]. Group 1: Bank Actions - Several small and medium-sized banks have begun to remove long-term deposit products, particularly five-year fixed deposits, from their offerings [2][5]. - Meizhou Commercial Bank has specifically stated that it will no longer provide automatic renewal services for five-year deposits, requiring customers to manually manage their funds upon maturity [1]. - Other banks, such as Anhui Xin'an Bank, have also confirmed the absence of five-year fixed deposits, with the longest available term being three years [2]. Group 2: Interest Rate Trends - There is a noticeable decline in interest rates for fixed deposits, with many banks offering lower rates than previously available; for instance, the highest rate for a five-year deposit has dropped from 4% to 1.80% [2][3]. - Some banks are experiencing an inverted interest rate scenario, where the interest rate for three-year deposits exceeds that of five-year deposits, as seen with Liaoning Zhenxing Bank [2][5]. Group 3: Industry Context - The overall strategy of banks to reduce funding costs is primarily driven by the pressure of narrowing net interest margins, prompting them to adjust their deposit product offerings [6]. - High-level executives from various banks have indicated a commitment to reducing high-cost deposits and adjusting the issuance plans for large-denomination certificates of deposit and fixed-term deposits [6].

Core Viewpoint - The reform and risk mitigation of small and medium-sized banks must go beyond passive measures like mergers and capital supplementation, requiring a fundamental shift in development models and the rebuilding of core competitiveness [1][2]. Group 1: Current Challenges - The number of banking financial institutions in China has decreased to 4,295 by the end of 2024, a net reduction of 195 from the end of 2023, with over 90% being small and medium-sized institutions [1]. - Many small banks are facing severe survival crises, as evidenced by the complete acquisition of Jinzhou Bank by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China [1]. - The capital adequacy ratio of several small banks is approaching or even below the regulatory minimum of 8%, indicating a critical risk to their operational sustainability [3]. Group 2: Economic and Industry Context - The traditional economic growth model in China, reliant on investment and real estate, is undergoing significant changes, leading to a slowdown in bank asset growth and an increase in non-performing loan rates [3][6]. - The deep integration of small banks with local economies and industries has heightened their risk exposure, particularly in the real estate sector, where some banks have reported non-performing loan rates exceeding 40% [6][9]. - The competitive landscape of the banking industry is shifting, with large state-owned banks gaining market share at the expense of smaller banks, as evidenced by a 4 percentage point increase in the asset share of large banks from 2019 to 2025 [7][8]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Profitability - The net interest margin of commercial banks has shrunk significantly, from over 3% a decade ago to a historical low of 1.42% by mid-2025, while the non-performing loan rate remains high at 1.49% [11][12]. - Small banks, particularly rural and urban commercial banks, are experiencing a more pronounced impact from narrowing net interest margins due to their inadequate pricing capabilities and higher non-performing loan rates [12][14]. - The reliance on traditional interest income is becoming increasingly untenable for small banks, necessitating a shift towards non-interest income sources, which they struggle to develop due to resource constraints [14][15]. Group 4: Strategic Recommendations - Small and medium-sized banks need to embrace digital transformation and collaborate with third-party institutions to enhance their technological capabilities and expand their business scope [2][15]. - There is a need to shift from a reliance on large clients and economic growth to a more nuanced approach that leverages local data for refined service offerings [16]. - Policy support should be more equitable, extending to small banks to ensure they can compete effectively against larger institutions [17]. Group 5: Conclusion - The current environment presents a critical window for reforming small and medium-sized banks, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive transformation in their operational models to survive and thrive in a changing landscape [17][18].

Core Viewpoint - Recent adjustments by various banks to long-term deposit products have sparked widespread market attention, with some small and medium-sized banks canceling or suspending five-year fixed deposits, while state-owned and joint-stock banks are also halting five-year large-denomination certificates of deposit, indicating a synchronized tightening trend in the industry [1][2]. Group 1 - Several village and town banks have simultaneously lowered interest rates on multiple term fixed deposit products, with the maximum reduction reaching 10 basis points [2]. - The current round of adjustments across various banks reflects the direct impact of sustained net interest margin pressure on the liability side and the banking system's proactive "correction" of interest rate transmission issues [2]. - The net interest margin, a critical indicator of bank profitability, has dropped to a historical low of 1.42%, highlighting the severe profitability pressures faced by the banking sector [2]. Group 2 - Banks are under pressure to lower loan rates to benefit the real economy while facing a growing trend of "regularization" in deposits, making it difficult to reduce liability costs [2]. - The discontinuation or reduction of five-year fixed deposits, viewed as a "high-cost" liability option, is a primary target for optimization adjustments, allowing banks to "lighten their load" in response to narrowing net interest margins [2]. - From a regulatory perspective, the People's Bank of China aims to guide commercial banks in lowering deposit rates through a self-discipline mechanism, not to eliminate certain deposit products but to address bottlenecks in interest rate transmission [2][3]. Group 3 - The asynchronous decline of loan and deposit rates has weakened the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission, and promoting the orderly exit of high-cost long-term deposits can help banks build a more reasonable liability structure [3]. - This adjustment is expected to enhance policy transmission efficiency and reserve necessary policy space for future rate cuts, ensuring that macroeconomic control can more accurately and effectively reach the real economy [3]. - The decline of five-year fixed deposits should not be seen merely as "shrinkage of savings" but as a signal for optimizing wealth allocation during a declining interest rate cycle, with the banking wealth management market returning to 32 trillion yuan and public fund total scale surpassing 36 trillion yuan [3].