China's Six State-Owned Banks to Pay Interest on Digital RMB Wallets Starting 2026
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 01 2026- Interest on Digital RMB Wallets: Starting January 1, 2026, China's six major state-owned banks will pay interest on real-name digital RMB wallet balances at prevailing deposit rates, marking a significant integration of the central bank digital currency (CBDC) into the traditional banking system and enhancing financial inclusion.
- Banking System Integration: This policy applies to Type I, II, and III wallets, ensuring that digital yuan balances are classified as deposit liabilities protected by deposit insurance, reflecting China's strategic push to modernize financial assets and support digital adoption.
- Muted Market Reaction: Despite the potential implications for banking sector regulation and asset management frameworks, market reactions have been muted, with no notable statements from significant stakeholders, indicating limited impact on decentralized cryptocurrencies.
- Growing Transaction Volume: In 2025, the cumulative transaction volume of the digital yuan reached 3.48 billion transactions, totaling approximately 16.7 trillion yuan ($2.37 trillion), highlighting its increasing significance in global financial transactions and further driving modernization of financial infrastructure.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
