Core Viewpoint - Banks are increasingly adopting creative and unconventional methods to attract deposits, such as offering internships and promotional gifts, in response to declining deposit interest rates [1][2][8]. Group 1: Innovative Deposit Attraction Strategies - Industrial banks are launching unique initiatives like offering internships for clients who deposit significant amounts, such as 10 million yuan for new clients and 5 million yuan for existing private banking clients [1]. - Promotional activities include giving away popular collectible toys, such as Labubu blind boxes, to new customers who open savings accounts and deposit over 50,000 yuan [1][13]. - Other banks are providing various incentives, such as movie tickets for children’s savings accounts and health services for clients who meet certain deposit thresholds [3][4]. Group 2: Public Reaction and Employee Pressure - The public's response to these promotional strategies is mixed, with some finding them innovative while others are confused or critical of the need for such tactics [2][9]. - Despite the vibrant marketing campaigns, the pressure to meet deposit targets falls heavily on bank employees, who face significant stress and scrutiny during key assessment periods [9][10]. - Employees often resort to unconventional methods to meet their targets, including offering personal incentives or engaging in practices that may not comply with regulations [11][12]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment and Future Considerations - Regulatory bodies are beginning to impose restrictions on banks' promotional activities, emphasizing the need for compliance while still allowing for innovative approaches to attract deposits [13]. - The banking industry faces the challenge of balancing deposit attraction strategies with regulatory compliance and genuine customer needs, highlighting the importance of developing effective incentive mechanisms [12][13].

Core Viewpoint - Recent regulatory changes have led to a halt in the practice of banks offering gifts to attract depositors, shifting the focus back to interest rates as the primary competitive factor in deposit acquisition [2][3]. Regulatory Changes - Local financial regulatory authorities have issued directives prohibiting banks from using gifts or collaborating with internet platforms to attract deposits, requiring immediate cessation of such practices and a phased withdrawal of existing products by the end of 2025 [2][3]. - The ban on "fancy deposit solicitation" includes restrictions on offering physical gifts, member benefits, and practices like manual interest supplementation [3][5]. Industry Practices - Historically, banks have relied on gift-giving as a strategy to attract deposits, especially as interest rates have declined and alternative investment products have gained popularity [3]. - The practice of offering gifts has been deemed non-compliant, with previous regulations established as early as 2018 prohibiting banks from using improper means to attract deposits [5]. Expert Opinions - Experts suggest that banks should focus on enhancing product design, service quality, and risk management rather than resorting to improper methods for deposit acquisition, promoting a healthier and more sustainable banking environment [4][6]. - The transition from a "gift war" to a "value war" is recommended, emphasizing the need for banks to innovate products tailored to different customer segments and improve overall service experiences [6][7].