Core Viewpoint - The banking industry is undergoing significant changes due to the consensus against "involution" competition, which has been emphasized since the Central Economic Work Conference at the end of last year [1] Group 1: Regulatory Actions - The Guangdong Banking Association has initiated a comprehensive rectification of "involution" competition based on a "1+3+N" system, which includes a negative list from regulatory authorities, self-regulatory agreements, and various industry self-discipline measures [1] - The Ningxia Banking Association has also held discussions regarding the situation of "involution" competition in the banking sector [1] Group 2: Market Dynamics - On the deposit side, banks are experiencing a "cannot lower" interest rate trend, leading to practices such as "high-interest deposits" and "buying indicators" at the end of performance assessment periods [2] - Some banks are engaging in practices like manual interest compensation, resulting in actual interest rates that are "lower in name but higher in reality" [2] - On the loan side, there is significant downward pressure on interest rates, with some banks offering loans at rates below the yield of government bonds, particularly for large enterprises [2] - The consumer loan market has seen intense price competition, with rates dropping below 2.5%, leading to market disorder and potential misuse of funds [2] Group 3: Implications of Involution - The practices associated with "involution" are squeezing banks' profit margins and threatening the healthy development of the industry [3] - There is a risk of increased bad debts and adverse selection due to relaxed risk assessments by some banks trying to capture market share [3] - The distortion of market signals caused by "involution" can hinder macroeconomic regulation [3] Group 4: Strategic Recommendations - Banks should shift from "losing money to gain market share" to focusing on quality and sustainable development [3] - It is recommended that banks adjust their business structures based on their resources and explore differentiated development strategies [3] - Banks should enhance their service capabilities instead of competing solely on interest rates, which can lead to a more diverse and stable financial institution system [3] - Expanding non-interest income and understanding customer needs are crucial for diversifying and strengthening risk resilience [3] Group 5: Internal Management - Banks should establish reasonable incentive mechanisms and performance evaluation systems to avoid short-term behaviors driven by deposit and loan scales [4] - Increasing the diversity of performance indicators can stimulate employee motivation and innovation [4]

Core Viewpoint - The banking industry is facing significant challenges due to "involution" competition, which has been exacerbated by a low interest rate environment and a lack of differentiation in products and services [1][3]. Group 1: Involution Competition in Banking - The Guangdong Banking Association has initiated a comprehensive rectification of "involution" competition, implementing a "1+3+N" system to address the issue [1]. - The "1" refers to a negative list for involution competition issued by regulatory authorities, "3" includes self-regulatory agreements and initiatives from the association, and "N" encompasses various self-regulatory measures across different business areas [1]. - Similar actions have been observed in other regions, such as the Ningxia Banking Association organizing discussions on the state of involution competition [1]. Group 2: Impact on Deposit and Loan Rates - On the deposit side, banks are struggling with a "cannot lower" interest rate situation, leading to practices like "high-interest deposits" and "buying indicators" to meet performance targets [2]. - Some banks are engaging in practices to artificially maintain higher effective interest rates, such as manual interest compensation and offering rates significantly above market levels [2]. - On the loan side, there is a notable trend of rapidly declining interest rates, with some banks offering loans at rates below the yield of government bonds, particularly for large enterprises [2]. Group 3: Consequences of Involution - The involution behaviors, while seemingly beneficial to consumers, are severely squeezing banks' profit margins and threatening the healthy development of the industry [3]. - There is an increased risk of regulatory violations as banks may relax risk assessments to gain market share, leading to higher bad debt risks and adverse selection [3]. - The distortion of market signals due to involution can also hinder macroeconomic regulation efforts [3]. Group 4: Recommendations for Sustainable Development - The banking industry needs to shift from "losing money for visibility" to "quality-driven survival," focusing on sustainable development paths [3]. - Banks should adjust their business structures based on their resource endowments and explore differentiated development strategies [3]. - Enhancing service capabilities instead of competing solely on interest rates can help create a multi-layered and diverse financial institution system [3]. - Banks should also explore potential customer needs and diversify income sources to strengthen their risk resilience [3]. - Internally, banks should establish reasonable incentive mechanisms and performance evaluation systems to reduce short-term, volume-driven behaviors [4].