Core Viewpoint - The banking industry is initiating preparations for the 2026 "Opening Red" campaign earlier than usual, focusing on deposit acquisition, credit issuance, and customer expansion to secure market share and establish a performance baseline for the upcoming year [1][5]. Group 1: Industry Trends - Multiple banks, including regional and rural banks, have already held mobilization meetings for the 2026 "Opening Red" campaign, indicating a proactive approach to securing customer resources [3][4]. - The current banking environment is characterized by asset scarcity and intense competition on the liability side, prompting banks to prioritize early volume increases to stabilize annual performance amid narrowing net interest margins and weak credit demand [5][8]. Group 2: Specific Actions by Banks - Banks like Pudong Development Bank and Huaxia Bank have organized meetings to set clear goals and strategies for the "Opening Red" campaign, including signing responsibility agreements among operational units [3][4]. - Hubei Bank has launched promotional activities such as "Deposit Enjoy Goodies," offering competitive interest rates and gifts for new and existing customers to encourage deposits [7][8]. Group 3: Marketing Strategies - Some banks are utilizing social media to promote deposit products and engage potential customers ahead of the official campaign launch [6][7]. - Training sessions have been conducted by banks to refine marketing strategies, focusing on retaining existing customers and attracting new ones through targeted approaches [4][8]. Group 4: Long-term Considerations - Analysts suggest that while short-term strategies like high deposit rates and promotional gifts may attract customers, they could lead to increased liability costs and pressure on net interest margins in the long run [8][9]. - The banking sector is encouraged to shift from a focus on scale to high-quality development, emphasizing customer insights and differentiated services to enhance customer loyalty and reduce reliance on aggressive marketing tactics [8][9].