Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the "2025 Elite Internship Program" launched by Industrial Bank highlights the ethical concerns of linking internship opportunities to high financial thresholds, raising questions about employment fairness and resource allocation in the private banking sector [1][3][9]. Summary by Sections Program Details - The "2025 Elite Internship Program" required non-private banking clients to deposit over 10 million yuan and existing clients to add 5 million yuan to qualify for internship recommendations from top companies like JPMorgan Chase and Google [1][3][6]. - The program was marketed as a value-added service for high-net-worth clients, but the financial barriers sparked public debate about equity in resource distribution [3][4]. Company Response - Following public backlash, Industrial Bank issued an apology and suspended the program, clarifying that the final decision on internship opportunities rests with the hiring companies [3][4]. - The bank emphasized that the program was intended to provide career assessment and job information through third-party channels, not a guarantee of placement [4][5]. Market Context - The private banking sector has seen significant growth, with Industrial Bank's private banking clients increasing by 11.36% year-on-year, reaching an average of 77,017 clients [6]. - The total financial assets of private banking clients also grew by 12.40%, indicating a robust demand for private banking services [6]. Ethical Considerations - The linkage of internship opportunities to financial deposits raises ethical questions about fairness in employment, as it may create a privileged pathway for wealthy clients [9][10]. - Legal experts suggest that while private banks can offer differentiated services, they should balance commercial value with social equity to avoid exacerbating social inequalities [9][10]. Industry Trends - Other banks, such as Ping An, have also introduced similar programs, indicating a trend where financial institutions are increasingly tying internship opportunities to their private banking services [7][10]. - The competitive landscape in private banking is intensifying, with institutions exploring diverse value-added services to attract high-net-worth clients [8][10].