Chinese Banks Tighten Security Ahead of Lunar New Year
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A security guard patrols the self-service banking area at a bank branch in Nantong, Jiangsu province. Photo: VCG
Chinese commercial banks are ramping up security measures ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, which begins after the final working day on Feb. 14, following official guidance issued in response to recent violent incidents at bank facilities.
Financial institutions have been instructed to strengthen security protocols during the holiday period, ensure emergencies are handled promptly and properly, and strictly guard against violent incidents and safety accidents, Caixin has learned.
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- Chinese banks are increasing security for Lunar New Year after official guidance, due to recent violent ATM incidents.
- Measures include more patrols, upgraded monitoring, staff training, and coordination with police and fire services.
- Banks like Hanyin Rural Commercial Bank and Bank of Central China are reinforcing ATMs, checking equipment, and enhancing protocols for holiday safety.
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Who’s Who
- Hanyin Rural Commercial Bank
- Hanyin Rural Commercial Bank, located in Shaanxi province, is enhancing its security measures in response to a nationwide directive ahead of the Lunar New Year. The bank is upgrading both physical defenses, such as reinforced ATM enclosures and cash counters, and technological systems. They are also conducting comprehensive maintenance of surveillance, alarm, and access-control systems to ensure uninterrupted operation during the holiday.
- Bank of Central China
- A branch of the Bank of Central China (Zhongyuan Bank) in Zhumadian, Henan province, is enhancing security measures. This includes detailed inspections of key areas like lobbies and self-service banking zones. They are also reviewing all security equipment and tightening protocols for high-risk operations such as cash escorts and transit, in response to official guidance.
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What Happened When
- 2026：
- A series of alleged crimes targeting bank ATMs occur, including a knife attack in Guangdong (suspect apprehended) and an attempted ATM destruction with fireworks in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region (suspect arrested, no injuries reported).
- 2026：
- Financial institutions receive official guidance to strengthen security protocols during the holiday period, ensure emergencies are handled, and prevent violent incidents and safety accidents.
- 2026：
- Banks nationwide begin implementing enhanced security safeguards, including upgrades to physical and technological systems and comprehensive maintenance of surveillance, alarm, and access-control systems.
- 2026：
- A branch of Bank of Central China in Zhumadian, Henan, launches detailed inspections of key areas and reviews all security equipment, tightening protocols for high-risk operations.
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