Maybank Continues To Look For Growth Opportunities, Revises Loan, Nim Expectations - President/GCEO
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) continues to pursue growth opportunities across segments despite soft market conditions, said president and group chief executive officer (GCEO) Datuk Seri Khairussaleh Ramli.
He said Maybank has made slight revisions to its loan and net interest margin (NIM) expectations, trimming its group loan growth target to 3.0 per cent for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2025, from the earlier projection of 5.0 to 6.0 per cent, reflecting a more cautious stance among its customers, particularly corporate clients, who have adopted a wait-and-see approach.
“In Malaysia and Singapore, we expect to outpace industry loan growth, while continuing to rebalance our portfolio in Indonesia,” he said during a media briefing to announce the bank’s financial results for the first half ended June 30, 2025, here today.
Maybank’s net profit rose to RM2.62 billion in the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 (2Q 2025) from RM2.52 billion in the previous corresponding quarter on the back of weaker revenue of RM17.07 billion during the quarter under review compared to RM17.17 billion previously.
Its net fund-based income grew 1.2 per cent year-on-year, as loan growth slowed to 0.8 per cent year-to-date, and the reduced rate environment impacted overseas net interest margins.
Meanwhile, the bank recorded year-to-date loan growth of 5.0 per cent in Malaysia, 4.0 per cent in Singapore and saw a decline in Indonesia at 9.1 per cent.
Khairussaleh noted that Maybank’s portfolio of Indonesian state-owned enterprises contributed marginally to profitability, while deposit costs have also become increasingly challenging.
“Rather than growing assets and not making money, we are better off releasing loans,” he said, adding that the bank is also looking at other growth areas such as large Malaysian and Singaporean conglomerates doing business in Indonesia.
As of the first half of its financial year ended June 30, 2025, Maybank’s group loan growth stood at 0.8 per cent.
Asked whether Maybank expects a significant rebound in loan growth in the second half of the year, Khairussaleh said the bank sees opportunities in mortgages, hire purchase, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and corporate segments to drive loan growth in Malaysia and Singapore.
“In Indonesia, we are optimistic that inbound clients from Malaysia and Singapore will contribute to growth, alongside opportunities in SMEs, mortgages, and auto financing,” he added.
-- BERNAMA