Two types of story dominated the chatter in the newsroom this week.The watercooler favourite? The antics of high-profile CEOs, with the departure of Nestle's boss over an undisclosed affair with a subordinate and the resignation of Suntory's CEO over the possible purchase of illegal substances both causing a stir in the London and Singapore newsrooms.But what kept the news desks busiest was bond market volatility, which could well spill over into next week. Over the last few days, we've had a slew of guests ...

Core Viewpoint - The retail banking sector is facing significant challenges in achieving high-quality and sustainable transformation due to market volatility and economic cycles, as evidenced by the rising non-performing loan (NPL) rates among listed banks in China [1][2]. Group 1: Non-Performing Loan Trends - Among 42 listed banks, 28 disclosed personal loan NPL rates, with only 3 banks showing a decrease in NPL rates from the end of 2024 to mid-2025 [1]. - The overall trend indicates that 24 banks experienced an increase in personal loan NPL rates, highlighting a concerning risk environment [2]. Group 2: Factors Contributing to Risk - Factors such as economic slowdown, declining real estate market, and reduced household income are contributing to the rising risk in retail credit [2][3]. - The credit card sector is particularly vulnerable, with a significant increase in NPL rates, driven by a down-market shift in customer demographics and heightened sensitivity to risk [3][5]. Group 3: Bank Responses and Strategies - Some banks, like Industrial Bank and Ping An Bank, have successfully reduced their credit card and personal housing loan NPL rates, indicating effective risk management strategies [5]. - Banks are advised to innovate their risk control systems, moving away from over-reliance on collateral and adopting new data-driven approaches to enhance credit assessment [6][7]. Group 4: Future Directions - The key to overcoming challenges in retail banking lies in improving both quality and efficiency, focusing on high-value customer segments, and integrating financial services into everyday life [6][7]. - The industry is encouraged to adopt a "service-data-ecosystem" model, leveraging consumer data to enhance business services and reduce customer acquisition costs [7].

Core Viewpoint - Jincheng Bank is leveraging big data and artificial intelligence to enhance its financial services, focusing on cross-border RMB settlement and digital financial services, with a target of exceeding 20 billion RMB in cross-border settlements by 2024 [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Innovation and Digital Services - Jincheng Bank has established a cross-regional financial service network, utilizing digital technology to support small and micro enterprises while exploring diversified business development [2]. - The bank has created a cross-border RMB settlement network across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia, supporting key projects like the China-Europe Railway Express [2]. - The bank's digital capabilities allow for fully online cross-border RMB payment services, achieving global settlement networks with second-level clearing [3]. Group 2: Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives - In preparation for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin Summit, Jincheng Bank upgraded its cross-border financial digital system to enhance data processing and transmission efficiency [4]. - The bank has partnered with a major study abroad service provider to launch a "Youth Study Support Program," aiming to provide low-cost payment services for 100,000 students over three years [4]. Group 3: Operational Framework and Risk Management - Jincheng Bank has developed five key systems to ensure the smooth operation of cross-border financial services, including customer management, payment settlement, risk control, data reporting, and intelligent operations [5]. - The bank integrates its core system with international and domestic clearing networks to create a high-availability, low-latency cross-border payment capability [6]. - The bank employs advanced technologies like big data and artificial intelligence for real-time monitoring and risk management, ensuring data security and stable operations [6].

Core Viewpoint - The expiration of savings cards does not equate to account cancellation or fund freezing, ensuring the safety of user funds [2][3] Group 1: Account and Fund Safety - Expired savings cards do not affect the status of the account or the safety of funds, allowing users to continue accessing their deposits and investment services [2] - The expiration serves as a mechanism for banks to identify and manage inactive accounts, optimizing operational efficiency and resource allocation [3] Group 2: Inconveniences of Expired Cards - Expired cards can disrupt daily transactions, such as point-of-sale purchases and ATM withdrawals, as well as interrupt automatic payment services [3] - The specific limitations imposed by expired cards may vary by bank, depending on their management rules [3] Group 3: Card Replacement Process - Users are advised to monitor the expiration date on their cards and replace them promptly to avoid payment disruptions [5] - Major banks offer convenient card replacement services, including online applications and local branch support, ensuring a seamless transition to new cards [6] - Community banks are encouraged to enhance local services, such as mobile service units and home visits for elderly clients, to facilitate card replacement [6]

Core Viewpoint - The financial regulatory authority has issued the largest fine of the year, totaling 87.25 million yuan, against Huaxia Bank for multiple violations in loan, bill, and interbank business management [2][3]. Group 1: Regulatory Actions - Huaxia Bank was fined 87.25 million yuan due to non-compliance in risk management and internal control effectiveness, following an on-site inspection by the financial regulatory authority [2][3]. - Zhejiang Merchants Bank was fined 11.308 million yuan for imprudent management of internet loan-related businesses, with a warning issued to a responsible individual [3]. - China Construction Investment was fined 850,000 yuan for imprudent practices in debt-to-equity swap projects and non-compliance in service fee pricing procedures [4]. Group 2: Personnel Penalties - Two former employees of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) received bans from the banking industry for 5 and 7 years, respectively, due to serious violations of prudent operation rules [5]. - The former general manager of ICBC's asset management department, Gu Jian Gang, faced severe disciplinary actions for corruption and misconduct, including being expelled from the party and public office [6]. Group 3: Financial Performance of Huaxia Bank - In the first half of 2025, Huaxia Bank reported a revenue of 45.522 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 5.86%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 11.47 billion yuan, down 7.95% [3]. - The bank's total assets reached 4.5496 trillion yuan, reflecting a growth of 3.96% compared to the end of the previous year [3]. - The non-performing loan balance was 38.67 billion yuan, an increase of 756 million yuan from the end of the previous year, with a non-performing loan ratio of 1.6%, unchanged from the previous year [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implications of strict background checks in the hiring process within the financial industry, highlighting how such practices can lead to indirect discrimination against job seekers who have previously engaged in labor disputes [1][2]. Group 1: Background Check Practices - Companies often employ a "one-size-fits-all" approach during background checks, where any record of labor arbitration or litigation is viewed as a potential risk, regardless of the context [1][2]. - This practice can discourage employees from pursuing their legal rights in labor disputes, creating a culture where job seekers feel they must choose between employment and asserting their rights [2]. Group 2: Legal and Ethical Considerations - Current labor laws allow employers to inquire about information directly related to the employment contract, but there is a lack of clear guidelines on what constitutes "basic information," leading to an expansion of background check parameters by many companies [2]. - The article argues that even if a candidate has signed an authorization for background checks, unreasonable inquiries can still infringe on personal rights [2]. Group 3: Changing Perspectives in Employment - Companies need to shift their perspective regarding labor arbitration, as viewing candidates with such backgrounds as "troublemakers" reflects a lack of confidence in their own management practices [3]. - Understanding the context of labor disputes is essential for companies to foster a more humane and effective management approach, rather than simply trying to eliminate those who raise concerns [3].

Group 1 - The core point of the news is that Huaxia Bank received the largest financial penalty of the year, amounting to 87.25 million yuan, due to multiple violations in loan, bill, and interbank business management [2][3] - The penalty was imposed following a risk management and internal control effectiveness inspection conducted by the financial regulatory authority [2] - Huaxia Bank acknowledged the penalty and stated it would analyze the causes of the issues, implement corrective measures, and hold responsible personnel accountable [2][3] Group 2 - In the first half of 2025, Huaxia Bank reported an operating income of 45.522 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 5.86%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 11.47 billion yuan, down 7.95% year-on-year [3] - The bank's total assets reached 4,549.625 billion yuan, an increase of 3.96% compared to the end of the previous year, while the non-performing loan balance rose to 38.67 billion yuan, an increase of 0.756 billion yuan [3] - The non-performing loan ratio remained stable at 1.6%, and the provision coverage ratio decreased by 5.22 percentage points to 156.67% [3] Group 3 - Other financial institutions, such as Zheshang Bank and Jianxin Investment, also faced penalties for various violations, with Zheshang Bank fined 11.308 million yuan for imprudent management of internet loans [3] - Two former employees of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) received bans from the banking industry for five and seven years, respectively, due to serious violations of prudent operation rules [3][4] - The former ICBC asset management department general manager, Gu Jian gang, was implicated in corruption and was expelled from the party and public office [4][5]

Core Insights - The mobile banking app has become a core platform for commercial banks to serve users, optimize experiences, and enhance competitiveness in the context of national digital transformation and financial technology innovation [1] - The market for mobile banking apps is entering a stage of stock competition, with user flow stabilizing between 650 million and 700 million from 2023 to 2025, indicating saturation [2] - User engagement with mobile banking apps is declining, necessitating refined operational strategies for banks to retain customers [4][6] User Flow and Behavior - The overall user flow of mobile banking apps in China is projected to fluctuate between 650 million and 700 million, with a change rate of -1.2% to 4.6% from 2023 to 2025, indicating market saturation [2] - User stickiness has significantly decreased, with average daily effective usage time dropping from 4.93 minutes to 2.70 minutes and daily usage frequency from 4.54 times to 2.86 times [4] Operational Strategies - Refined operations are essential for banks to break through in a saturated market, focusing on precise user insights and intelligent technology applications [6][7] - The strategy involves three layers: foundational user insights, scenario-based and differentiated operations, and establishing emotional connections with users [7] AI Integration - AI technology is recognized for its potential value across industries, aiding banks in refining operations by enhancing interactive experiences, risk management, and data efficiency [9] Rankings and Performance - The top 50 rankings show that state-owned banks dominate, with Agricultural Bank of China leading with an average MAU of 24.8 million, followed by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and China Construction Bank [11][12] - Among joint-stock commercial banks, China Merchants Bank leads with over 7 million average MAU, while other banks face declining user engagement [16][17] - City commercial banks have shown strong performance, with Jiangsu Bank leading at 3.5 million MAU, and some banks achieving significant growth rates [19][20] Case Studies of Successful Apps - Agricultural Bank of China integrates financial services with daily life scenarios, achieving a 4.8% growth in MAU [28][29] - China Merchants Bank continues to innovate its app to meet customer needs and leverage AI advancements [31] - Jiangsu Bank focuses on merging digital capabilities with wealth management, enhancing user experience [33] - Beijing Bank emphasizes a digital transformation strategy that combines technology, scenarios, and services [35]

Core Viewpoint - Citic Bank's Shenzhen Nanshan Branch has relocated to a new address, enhancing its service capabilities and operational efficiency [1] Group 1: Relocation Details - The Shenzhen Nanshan Branch has moved to 286 Nanguang Road, Shui Mu Yi Fang Building, Shops 101, 1901, and 1902, effective September 4, 2025 [1] - The original location will cease operations simultaneously [1] Group 2: Business Scope - The branch will continue to offer a range of services including RMB deposits, loans, settlement services, bill discounting, and the issuance of financial bonds [1] - Additional services include foreign exchange deposits, loans, remittances, currency exchange, international settlements, and foreign exchange trading through the head office [1] Group 3: Customer Engagement - The bank expresses gratitude to its customers for their ongoing support and encourages both new and existing clients to visit the new location for banking services [1] - A contact number is provided for customer inquiries: 0755-86213841 [1]

需要注意，储蓄卡过期并不等同于账户注销或资金冻结。中国邮政储蓄银行研究员娄飞鹏介绍，卡片过 期不会影响账户本身状态或资金安全，用户无需过度焦虑。储蓄卡仅是银行账户的使用媒介，其有效期 限制通常不影响账户功能。只要账户无异常，资金不会因此被冻结或注销，存款、理财等业务仍可照常 进行。 热爱旅行的张丽近期与家人度假，购物刷储蓄卡结账失败，即便收银员更换POS机仍无法完成交易。经 查看，收银员提醒她："您的卡过期了。"张丽很纳闷，储蓄卡里资金充足，也会过期吗？ 像这样因未留意卡片有效期而导致支付受阻的情况并不少见。除无法在POS机刷卡消费外，储蓄卡过期 还会影响多项业务办理。 银行业内人士提醒，一旦储蓄卡到期，在ATM机取款、转账等需验证介质的交易将受到限制。此外， 如自动偿还房贷、扣缴水电费等业务，以及境外汇款等也可能因卡片过期导致失败。具体限制因银行管 理规则而异，以发卡行规定为准。 娄飞鹏提醒，虽然账户不会因储蓄卡过期而受影响，但为避免支付中断，用户可通过银行网点或手机 APP申请换卡，银行通常设有绿色通道，流程简便、高效易操作。 （文章来源：经济日报） 银行为何要为储蓄卡设置有效期？中国银行研究院研究员李一 ...