Core Viewpoint - The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) is adjusting its management of personal precious metals trading business to enhance investor protection and improve account management efficiency, particularly targeting dormant accounts with idle funds [1][5]. Group 1: Announcement Details - ICBC announced that clients with no positions, no inventory, and no debts, but with a balance in their margin accounts, should withdraw their funds by December 19, 2025, after which the accounts will be closed [4]. - The bank emphasized that existing clients with positions will not be affected by this adjustment and should monitor related announcements to manage their positions and mitigate market risks [5]. Group 2: Rationale Behind the Adjustment - The adjustment aims to clean up long-term dormant accounts that hold idle funds, which increases operational and compliance costs for the bank [5]. - The term "silent accounts" refers to those with no trading activity or withdrawals but still retain funds, which are typically deposits made by clients that have not been used for trading [5]. Group 3: Strategic Developments - In addition to compliance measures, ICBC is accelerating its layout in the gold industry infrastructure, having established designated gold warehouses in Sanya and Hezhou, enhancing its long-term development in the precious metals business [6]. - The bank's expansion includes plans for a gold warehouse at Hong Kong International Airport, aligning with the Hong Kong government's goal to establish an international gold trading market [6].

Core Viewpoint - The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) announced adjustments to its agency business for personal precious metals trading at the Shanghai Gold Exchange, aiming to enhance management and protect investor interests [1][4]. Group 1: Announcement Details - ICBC will transfer the balances of margin accounts with no positions, no inventory, and no debts to the linked settlement accounts starting from December 19, 2025, and will close related business functions [4]. - Customers with existing positions are not affected by this adjustment and are advised to monitor related announcements and manage their positions to mitigate market risks [4]. Group 2: Industry Context - ICBC is not the first national commercial bank to adjust its agency business for personal clients regarding precious metals trading this year; both Everbright Bank and China Construction Bank have made similar moves [5]. - The adjustment aims to clean up long-term inactive accounts that hold idle funds, thereby improving account management efficiency and reducing risks associated with dormant accounts [7]. Group 3: Strategic Developments - In addition to retail compliance, ICBC is accelerating its layout in the gold industry infrastructure, which is essential for the long-term development of its precious metals business [7]. - ICBC has established designated gold warehouses in Sanya and Hezhou, with plans to open a warehouse at Hong Kong International Airport, aligning with Hong Kong's goal to enhance its international gold trading market [8].