Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the cost implications of membership fees associated with borrowing through the Xiaohua Wallet App, highlighting that while membership can reduce interest fees, the overall cost may still be significantly high when considering the membership fees as part of the borrowing cost [2][4][5]. Group 1: Membership Fees and Borrowing Costs - Xiaohua Wallet offers a loan of 7000 yuan with a default membership fee of 428 yuan per month, which reduces the monthly interest by 41.25 yuan, leading to an annualized cost of 24% if the membership is retained [2][4]. - If the membership is canceled, the annualized cost rises to 35.99%, and if the membership fee is included in the borrowing cost, the effective annualized cost could reach approximately 130% [4][7]. - The membership fee, when annualized, amounts to 5136 yuan for the 7000 yuan loan, raising questions about the true cost-effectiveness of the membership [4][5]. Group 2: Regulatory and Compliance Considerations - The article references a regulation that mandates full disclosure of key information to borrowers, including loan rates and any additional fees, which raises concerns about the transparency of the membership fees [9]. - There is an ongoing debate regarding the compliance of such membership fees with financial regulations and whether the value of the associated benefits justifies the costs [16]. - The article suggests that aligning membership fees with the value of the benefits is essential for long-term compliance and sustainability in the financial services industry [16]. Group 3: Company Background - Xiaohua Wallet is operated by Xiaohua (Shanghai) Internet Technology Co., Ltd., with significant ownership by CITIC Industrial Investment Fund Management Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries [12]. - The company collaborates with licensed financial institutions such as Daxinganling Bank and Xiaomi Consumer Finance, indicating a structured partnership within the financial ecosystem [12].