Core Viewpoint - Ningbo Bank's recent marketing strategy involving the launch of a toy called "LABOBO" has sparked significant controversy, primarily due to concerns over compliance with regulatory standards for deposit solicitation and potential copyright infringement [2][3][6]. Group 1: Marketing Strategy and Regulatory Concerns - The introduction of LABOBO, a toy resembling the popular Labubu, aims to attract depositors amidst increasing pressure on the bank's deposit growth [2][3]. - Other banks, such as Ping An Bank, have faced scrutiny for similar promotional activities that involve giving away toys in exchange for deposits, leading to regulatory warnings [3][6]. - Ningbo Bank's marketing initiative has drawn public attention, with mixed reactions regarding its legality and ethical implications [6][3]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Growth Challenges - Ningbo Bank experienced rapid growth prior to 2022, with total assets exceeding 2 trillion yuan and consistent annual growth rates of over 20% in revenue and net profit [7][8]. - However, since 2022, the bank has seen a decline in growth rates across key financial metrics, with total asset growth rates dropping to 17.39% in 2022 and further declining in subsequent quarters [7][8]. - The bank's reliance on net interest income, which constitutes 65% to 70% of total revenue, has made it vulnerable to the narrowing interest margin due to decreasing loan market rates [8][10]. Group 3: Operational Pressures and Employee Feedback - Employees at Ningbo Bank face significant pressure to meet aggressive sales targets, leading to complaints about excessive phone solicitation to customers [11][12]. - Reports indicate that employees are required to make a high volume of calls daily, with penalties for not meeting these targets, contributing to a stressful work environment [12][13]. - The bank's focus on traditional retail banking has become a burden as market conditions change, leading to a mismatch between employee expectations and operational realities [10][11]. Group 4: Leadership and Strategic Direction - Chairman Lu Huayu has led Ningbo Bank for 20 years, overseeing its transformation and growth, but faces challenges in adapting to a changing financial landscape [14][19]. - Under Lu's leadership, the bank has embraced digital transformation and focused on serving small and micro enterprises, which has been crucial for its growth [19][20]. - The bank's future direction may be influenced by regulatory pressures regarding leadership tenure, as Lu's long-term position raises questions about governance and innovation [20].