The People's Bank of China convened its 2026 Research (Counsellor) Work Conference, reviewing the research and counsellor work carried out in 2025 and setting the key tasks for 2026. Vice Governor Lu Lei attended and delivered remarks. The review highlighted work in 2025 to support major central bank reform initiatives, advance research and drafting for the 15th Five-Year Plan, dynamically assess and refine priorities linked to building the “six core elements”, and accelerate efforts related to the Shanghai International Financial Centre. For 2026, the agenda includes continuing 15th Five-Year Plan work, deepening research on major structural and sudden issues, coordinating regional financial reform and financial support for coordinated regional development, and strengthening the role of counsellors and financial research in translating findings into practical measures.