Digital Yuan Stocks Surge as China Approves Interest-Bearing Wallets for 2026
China's digital yuan transformation sparked a market rally as the People's Bank of China unveiled its 2026 'Action Plan,' converting the e-CNY from static digital cash into interest-bearing deposit money. Payment processors and fintech firms saw immediate gains, with Lakala Payment Co. leading the charge at a 12% stock surge.
The policy shift creates a symbiotic ecosystem: merchants and consumers gain yield-bearing accounts, while commercial banks receive incentives for digital yuan adoption. Hardware wallet manufacturers like Hengbao and Cuiwei joined the rally, posting double-digit gains as offline payment solutions gain institutional favor.
Market analysts describe the overhaul as a structural win—a rare convergence of monetary policy innovation and private sector profitability. The MOVE signals China's strategic pivot toward monetizing its CBDC infrastructure while maintaining tight control over its digital currency framework.