Core Viewpoint - The implementation of the new regulations on internet lending by commercial banks, effective from October 1, 2025, significantly alters the lending landscape, particularly by capping interest rates and enforcing stricter management of collection practices [1][2][13]. Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The new regulations, referred to as "助贷新规," establish a "white list" system for financial institutions engaging in lending, reducing the maximum interest rate from 24%-36% to below 24% [1][2]. - The regulations compel financial institutions to disclose their cooperative partners, with a notable emphasis on collection service providers, which constitute over 30% of the listed partners [1]. Group 2: Impact on Collection Practices - The new regulations have led to a significant reduction in profit margins for lending products, forcing platforms to focus on risk control and optimizing customer structures [2][12]. - Despite the regulations, aggressive collection practices, including threats and harassment, remain prevalent, with numerous complaints reported by borrowers [3][4][8]. - The collection process has become more complex, with platforms facing challenges in managing overdue accounts due to reduced willingness to repay among borrowers [1][5]. Group 3: Industry Response and Adaptation - The industry is witnessing a shift towards more civilized and compliant collection methods, moving away from aggressive tactics to negotiation and collaboration with borrowers [14][15]. - Platforms are increasingly focusing on establishing comprehensive risk management systems that integrate collection processes into the overall business strategy [15]. - The overall collection rate for overdue accounts, particularly those overdue for three months (M3), is reported to be as low as 3%-5%, indicating significant challenges in recovering debts [12]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The new regulations are expected to reshape the customer base of lending platforms, with a decline in willingness to lend to high-risk borrowers [13]. - The industry is under pressure to enhance compliance and improve the selection of collection agencies, ensuring they adhere to legal and regulatory standards [15].

Core Viewpoint - The implementation of the new regulations on internet lending by commercial banks, effective from October 1, 2025, significantly restricts the profit margins of lending platforms and compels them to optimize risk control and pricing strategies [1][2]. Summary by Sections Regulatory Changes - The new regulations establish a "whitelist" system for financial institutions engaging in lending, with a cap on interest rates set below 24%, reducing the previous range of 24%-36% [1]. - The regulations have prompted financial institutions to accelerate the cleanup of their partnerships, with 31 licensed consumer finance companies disclosing their cooperative institutions by the deadline [1]. Collection Practices - Despite the new regulations, aggressive collection practices, including verbal abuse and threats, remain prevalent in the industry, leading to high levels of consumer complaints [4][8]. - A case study highlights a borrower receiving threatening messages that included personal information and intimidation tactics, indicating a continuation of violent collection methods [5][6]. Financial Impact - The new regulations have compressed the profit margins of lending products, forcing platforms to shift their focus towards risk management and optimizing customer structures [2][13]. - The industry is experiencing a decline in recovery rates, particularly for loans overdue by three months (M3), with current recovery rates estimated between 3% to 5% [9][12]. Industry Response - Lending platforms are increasingly focusing on negotiation and collaboration with overdue customers to find reasonable repayment solutions, moving away from aggressive collection tactics [14]. - The industry is witnessing a shift towards a more compliant and technology-driven approach to collections, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive risk management system [15]. Challenges and Recommendations - The presence of "black market" debt restructuring services complicates the collection landscape, as these services target distressed borrowers for high fees [14]. - Experts recommend that lending platforms enhance their compliance mechanisms and improve the selection process for collection agencies to ensure adherence to legal standards [15].