Slower growth prospects likely for banks in 2H26
The banking sector enters the second half of financial year 2026 (2H26) on a strong footing and is undergoing a structural transition from consumption-led to investment-driven growth in system loans.
Singapore's DBS, Samsung Securities plan Asia wealth management tie-up
SINGAPORE: Singapore bank DBS and Samsung Securities said on Thursday they have signed a preliminary deal to explore a wealth management partnership aimed at giving clients wider access to investments in South Korea and global markets.
SME Bank appoints Samad Majid Zain as CEO
KUALA LUMPUR: Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Bhd (SME Bank), a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd (BPMB) group, has appointed Samad Majid Zain as chief executive officer effective July 1, 2026.
Attractive valuations an advantage for lenders
The banking sector's valuations remain compelling, while offering attractive dividend yields of 6% to 7% that will continue to provide support for the banking stock prices, analysts say.
Sound financial health forecast for lenders
Bank earnings are expected to remain resilient over the next two years despite moderating economic growth, with dividend strength, disciplined cost management and capital optimisation providing key support as lenders navigate narrower interest margins and evolving regional risks.
Booming capital markets give weak banks a pass
In the market for junior bank capital – where distinctions between strong and weak banks matter most – investors are becoming remarkably indifferent.
Maybank Indonesia secures approval to become financial conglomeration holding company
KUALA LUMPUR: PT Bank Maybank Indonesia has got the nod from its shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to acquire a majority interest in PT Maybank Asset Management, PT Maybank Sekuritas Indonesia, and PT Asuransi Etiqa Internasional Indonesia as part of the establishment of Maybank Indonesia as the operational financial conglomeration holding company.
Maybank raises sustainable finance target across Asean to US$73bil by 2030
JAKARTA: Maybank Group has committed to mobilise US$73 billion (US$1 = RM 4.06) in sustainable finance across ASEAN by 2030, raising its ambition as it continues to support what it describes as a responsible and orderly transition that drives long-term growth and resilience.
Malaysia's official reserve assets at US$130.63bil at end-May
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's official reserve assets amounted to US$130.63 billion at the end of May 2026, compared with US$129.73 billion at the end of April 2026.
Prabowo risks prompting global banks to pull cash out
Jakarta: The three biggest foreign banks in Indonesia have shipped around 11.5 trillion rupiah (US$640mil) of their earnings out of South-East Asia's largest economy since 2024 as they pare exposure amid President Prabowo Subianto's increasingly state-focused economic policies.
