April

2026

Ping

Bank

<p>The People’s Bank of China said on Aug. 17, 2026 that the bank-class e-CNY operator network “已扩容至30家” after adding eight banks <a href="https://www.pbc.gov.cn/goutongjiaoliu/113456/113469/2026081714114337358/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">(PBOC)</a>. Earlier in 2026, on Apr. 2, the network rose to 22 from 10 <a href="https://english.scio.gov.cn/pressroom/2026-04/03/content_118417695.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">(SCIO)</a>. The acceleration landed in the first year after e-CNY moved toward deposit money that can bear interest on Jan. 1, 2026 <a href="https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202512/29/content_WS69526d4ec6d00ca5f9a08511.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">(State Council)</a>. The eight lenders are now designated operating institutions. This count tracks operators, not users, balances or transaction volumes.</p>
<h2 id="data-snapshot">Data Snapshot</h2>
<p>MetricCurrentPreviousChangePeriodAs ofSourcePBOC statement on total number of bank-class digital RMB (e-CNY) operating institutions“数字人民币业务运营机构已扩容至30家” (network expanded to 30 institutions).——As of PBOC announcement2026-08-17<a href="https://www.pbc.gov.cn/goutongjiaoliu/113456/113469/2026081714114337358/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">People's Bank of China – official announcement (中国人民银行官网)</a>PBOC statement after April 2, 2026 expansion (bank-class e-CNY operators)“数字人民币业务运营机构扩容至22家” (network expanded to 22 institutions).“此前……共10家” (previously there were 10 designated operators).—After PBOC announcement on Apr. 2, 20262026-04-02<a href="https://finance.sina.com.cn/wm/2026-04-02/doc-inhtcnft7677833.shtml" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Sina Finance (reporting PBOC announcement)</a>PBOC / State announcement on e-CNY accounting and interest treatment (policy change)"The upgraded framework for digital yuan management will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, moving the e-CNY beyond a cash-like instrument toward a form of digital deposit money."——Policy effective date2026-01-01 (announced 2025-12-29)<a href="https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202512/29/content_WS69526d4ec6d00ca5f9a08511.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">The State Council (english.www.gov.cn) summarizing PBOC policy</a></p>
<h2 id="domestic-operator-footprint-goes-from-10-to-30-in-2026">Domestic operator footprint goes from 10 to 30 in 2026</h2>
<p>The Aug. 17 notice named eight new operating banks: Ping An Bank, Hengfeng Bank, Bohai Bank, Shanghai Bank, Hangzhou Bank, Huishang Bank, Changsha Bank and Guangxi Beibu Gulf Bank <a href="https://www.pbc.gov.cn/goutongjiaoliu/113456/113469/2026081714114337358/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">(PBOC)</a>. With these additions, the operator network reached 30 institutions in 2026.</p>
<p>The April expansion set the pace. On Apr. 2, the PBOC lifted the roster to 22 from 10 by adding 12 banks, including CITIC Bank, China Everbright Bank, Huaxia Bank, China Minsheng Bank, CGB/Guangfa, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, Zhejiang Commercial Bank and five city commercial banks <a href="https://english.scio.gov.cn/pressroom/2026-04/03/content_118417695.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">(SCIO)</a>. The figure reflects designated bank-class operating institutions. It does not indicate wallet activity or payment flows.</p>
<h2 id="policy-reset-in-2026-from-cash-like-to-deposit-money-with-interest">Policy reset in 2026: from cash-like to deposit money with interest</h2>
<p>A PBOC framework that took effect on Jan. 1, 2026 moved the e-CNY beyond a cash-like setup toward digital deposit money. Wallet balances held with authorized commercial banks count toward deposit and reserve metrics, and the e-CNY can bear interest under this framework <a href="https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202512/29/content_WS69526d4ec6d00ca5f9a08511.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">(State Council)</a>. The 2026 operator additions landed in the first year under this structure. The policy sets roles and accounting, not adoption or volume targets.</p>
<h2 id="international-rails-advance-alongside-domestic-build-out">International rails advance alongside domestic build-out</h2>
<p>China also progressed on cross-border links. In mid-2026, the e-CNY Centre International and CBETS signed up 26 direct participants to support transfer and settlement rails for the digital yuan <a href="https://english.scio.gov.cn/chinavoices/2026-06/17/content_118552798.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">(SCIO)</a>. The sign-ups indicate an international track developing while the domestic bank-operator network expanded.</p>
<p>The current counts sit at 30 domestic bank-class operators as of Aug. 17, 2026 and 26 international direct participants signed in mid-2026.</p>
<p>Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.</p>

China Triples e-CNY Bank Network From 10 to 30 in 2026

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