Caixin: Digital RMB plan upgraded; wallet balances will accrue interest starting in 2026.

According to Odaily Planet Daily, the digital yuan is about to undergo a significant upgrade. Starting January 1, 2026, the balance in a digital yuan wallet will be officially included in the interest calculation mechanism. Without changing the "two-tier operating structure," digital yuan issued by banking institutions will be moved from off-balance-sheet assets to on-balance-sheet management, and the reserve requirement system will change from 100% reserves to partial reserves; non-bank payment institutions will still be required to implement a 100% digital yuan margin system.

The report points out that banking institutions can pay interest on customers' real-name digital RMB wallet balances and must comply with the self-regulatory agreement on deposit interest rate pricing. They can also independently manage their assets and liabilities based on these digital RMB wallet balances. These balances will be included in the deposit insurance coverage in accordance with the law, enjoying the same security protection as deposits. For non-bank payment institutions, the nature of their digital RMB guarantee funds is no different from existing customer reserve funds. (Caixin.com)