ECB's Lagarde says she can't rule out early departure
FRANKFURT: European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said it was still possible she could leave before her term ends in late 2027 to weigh in on French politics in the run up to next year's French presidential election.
DBS China unit to raise US$295mil from bond sale, term sheet shows
SINGAPORE: DBS Bank (China) Ltd, the mainland China unit of Singapore's DBS Group, plans to issue 2 billion yuan ($295 million) of onshore Tier 2 capital bonds, according to a term sheet on Tuesday.
RM1 interbank ATM withdrawal fee waiver takes effect
KUALA LUMPUR: The RM1 fee waiver for interbank ATM cash withdrawals took effect smoothly on July 1, 2026, as part of the banking industry's efforts to ease the cost of living while improving access to and the convenience of everyday banking services for Malaysians.
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.
