Core Viewpoint - The securities industry is experiencing a severe "price war" in the margin financing and securities lending business, with average financing rates plummeting from a historical high of 8.35% to a range of 5%-5.5%, and some brokers offering rates below 4%, which is approaching their comprehensive funding cost line. Despite this, the overall scale of margin financing is steadily increasing, highlighting a significant disconnect between volume growth and price reduction, representing a typical symptom of the industry's transformation pains [1][2]. Group 1: Current Challenges - The financing rates in the securities industry are on a downward trend, with rates expected to continue decreasing from 8.35% in 2015 to 5%-5.5% by 2024, and some firms offering rates below 4% to high-net-worth clients, intensifying competition [2][3]. - The price war is rooted in structural contradictions and homogeneous competition, with 150 securities firms in the market, leading to fierce resource competition and forcing firms to rely on price cuts to gain market share [3]. - The mismatch between the growth in margin financing balance, which reached 18,505 billion with a year-on-year increase of 24.95%, and the revenue from financing interest, which only grew by 10%, indicates the limitations of the price war [3]. Group 2: Negative Impacts - The price war is hindering industry innovation, as firms are focusing resources on traditional business lines rather than exploring new models, which limits their ability to meet the diverse needs of the real economy [4][5]. - The competitive environment has led to a degradation of service capabilities, with the value of professional services being underestimated and talent retention becoming increasingly difficult due to declining profit margins [6]. - The adverse effects of the price war may result in a misallocation of social economic resources, undermining the financial sector's ability to serve the real economy effectively [7]. Group 3: Systemic Risks - The low financing rate environment is likely to amplify market volatility, as high leverage can lead to forced liquidations during market downturns, negatively impacting liquidity [8]. - The interconnectedness of risks among financial institutions is heightened, as difficulties in short-term financing can lead to asset sell-offs by securities firms, triggering broader market declines [8]. Group 4: Policy and Structural Solutions - The central government has initiated a series of anti-involution policies to regulate market order, emphasizing the need for industry self-discipline and the prevention of "involutionary" competition [11][12]. - A shift in development philosophy is necessary, moving from a focus on scale to value creation, with a comprehensive evaluation system that prioritizes long-term indicators such as customer satisfaction and innovation investment [13]. - Establishing a multi-tiered competitive system based on professional capabilities is essential, allowing firms to transition from price competition to value creation [14]. Group 5: Technological and Regulatory Enhancements - Digital transformation is crucial for reconstructing the business value chain, with firms deploying AI systems and enhancing risk management through big data [15]. - Regulatory guidance and industry self-discipline must work in tandem to establish a healthy market ecosystem, including reasonable interest rate determination and the prohibition of malicious competition [16]. Conclusion - To overcome the challenges posed by the "involutionary" competition in the securities industry, a balance between market efficiency and industry order is required, alongside a strategic focus on long-term value creation [17].