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  • OCBC Maintains Steady Q3 Profit Amid Lower Interest Income: A Balance Sheet Analysis

    OCBC Maintains Steady Q3 Profit Amid Lower Interest Income: A Balance Sheet Analysis

    OCBC, the Singapore-based banking corporation, has reported that its profits remained stable in the third quarter of 2025. The bank’s net earnings for the period matched the previous year’s figures, standing at approximately S$2 billion ($1.5 billion).

    Income and Expenditure Details

    The results showed that the bank’s non-interest income experienced a growth of 15 percent. It rose to S$1.6 billion, an increase driven by diversified earnings from fees, trading, and insurance. However, this upturn was balanced out by a drop in net interest income. Lowered by 9 percent due to contracting margins in a weakening interest rate environment, the net interest income fell to S$2.2 billion.

    The report also indicated a rise in operating costs, with an increase of 4 percent taking total expenses to S$1.5 billion.

    Year-To-Date Profits

    Considering the performance over the year to date, the bank’s net profit is reported to be S$5.7 billion. This signifies a decrease of 4 percent, indicating a drop in earnings from previous periods.

    Future Outlook

    Looking forward, the prospects appear challenging due to the dynamic policy environment and geopolitical tensions. Despite these complexities, OCBC’s strong balance sheet and robust capital position provide the flexibility to navigate these uncertain times. In the words of OCBC group CEO Helen Wong, their solid financial standing allows them to manage risks while continuing to serve their customers and invest in future growth.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the reported net profit of OCBC for the third quarter of 2025?
    The bank reported a net profit of S$2 billion, which is equivalent to $1.5 billion.

    How do changing dynamics in the policy environment and geopolitical tensions affect OCBC’s future prospects?
    These factors complicate the external environment, creating potential risks. However, OCBC’s robust capital position and strong balance sheet provide the flexibility to manage these uncertainties.

    What factors contributed to the 15 percent growth in OCBC’s non-interest income?
    The growth is attributed to diversified earnings from fees, trading, and insurance income.

  • OCBC Commits to Empower 10,000 Women Entrepreneurs with Social Loans by 2030

    OCBC Commits to Empower 10,000 Women Entrepreneurs with Social Loans by 2030

    In a bold move to empower female entrepreneurship across Southeast Asia, OCBC Bank has set its sights on a big goal: to provide social loans to 10,000 women entrepreneurs by 2030. This initiative, aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs), spans Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia, marking a significant commitment to fostering economic growth among women-owned businesses.

    Achievements So Far

    As of June 2025, OCBC has made impressive strides, supporting over 2,000 women-owned SMEs with social loan commitments nearing $600 million. This support is part of a larger vision to increase financial accessibility for women entrepreneurs, who often face unique challenges in securing funding.

    Tailored Programs for Women Entrepreneurs

    OCBC’s initiatives include the OCBC Women Unlimited Programme, which was launched in Singapore in April 2024 and introduced in Malaysia in August 2025. In Indonesia, the initiative takes the form of the Women Warriors Programme, which has been operational since 2020. These programs don’t just provide capital; they aim to cultivate an ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can thrive.

    Understanding the Challenges

    The data paints a compelling picture: one in three of OCBC’s SME customers across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong are women. However, it also highlights a stark reality — women-owned SMEs in Singapore report approximately 30% lower sales turnover growth in their first three years compared to their male counterparts. Fortunately, those who secure financing through OCBC’s initiatives have shown the capacity to close this gap, demonstrating the transformative power of financial support.

    The Road Ahead

    With ambitious plans to extend its reach and enhance the financial landscape for women entrepreneurs, OCBC is not just banking on numbers; it’s betting on the untapped potential of women-led businesses in Asia. In a future where every woman entrepreneur can dream big, OCBC aspires to be the catalyst that turns those dreams into reality.

    Questions & Answers

    How many women-owned SMEs has OCBC supported so far?
    OCBC has supported over 2,000 women-owned SMEs across Southeast Asia as of June 2025.

    What kind of financial assistance does OCBC offer to women entrepreneurs?
    OCBC provides social loans of up to S$100,000 for women-owned SMEs within their first two years of incorporation, with waived processing fees for these loans.

    How do sales turnovers compare for women-owned SMEs versus male-owned ones?
    Women-owned SMEs in Singapore typically experience about 30% lower sales turnover growth in their first three years compared to male-owned SMEs, however, those that secure financing can bridge this gap.

  • OCBC Bank Hong Kong Launches Dedicated Team to Empower Local Entrepreneurs

    OCBC Bank Hong Kong Launches Dedicated Team to Empower Local Entrepreneurs

    OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) has embarked on an ambitious journey, establishing a new department dedicated to providing loans for serial entrepreneurs in the bustling city. This strategic move aims to bolster support for the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Hong Kong, with expectations to launch a comprehensive financing proposition by the end of 2025.

    A Holistic Approach to Entrepreneurial Lending

    In a bold departure from traditional banking practices, OCBC Hong Kong plans to assess potential borrowers through a holistic lens, considering their entire portfolio, including operating experience, track record, and strategic vision. This not only highlights the importance of individual entrepreneurial journeys but also allows the bank to tailor its offerings to meet diverse needs.

    Comprehensive Support Network for Entrepreneurs

    Entrepreneurs who secure financing from OCBC will find themselves supported by an integrated network that features a dedicated relationship manager and specialists in areas like cash management, corporate advisory, and wealth management. This multifaceted support is designed to empower entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of business growth seamlessly.

    Sector-Specific Solutions on Offer

    OCBC’s offerings extend beyond standard loans, encompassing working capital loans, venture loans, cross-border expansion assistance, sustainable finance options, and corporate finance advisory services, particularly for mergers and acquisitions. It’s a buffet of financial solutions that aims to cater to the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs, proving that financing can be as nuanced as the ventures themselves.

    Ambitions for the Future

    This initiative is part of OCBC’s broader goal to lend S$5 billion to the serial entrepreneur segment across Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Indonesia by 2028. To date, since 2019, the bank has successfully financed 1,800 entrepreneurs in Singapore and Malaysia, disbursing S$1.5 billion. Looking ahead, an impressive S$3.5 billion in loans is expected to be extended between 2025 and 2028.

    A Commitment to Fostering Entrepreneurial Growth

    Ruby Yiu, head of emerging business at OCBC Hong Kong, articulated the bank’s commitment to facilitating entrepreneurs in navigating their journeys: “This new banking initiative showcases our dedication to enabling founders to expand and manage their ventures with ease.” Yiu further emphasized that the newly established department, created in July, is focused on providing tailored support necessary for the ongoing success of serial entrepreneurs.

    “Through this initiative, we hope to set a new standard in the market and gain widespread recognition for our efforts in fostering entrepreneurial growth,” she added, hinting at OCBC’s ambition to not just be a lender but a key player in enhancing the entrepreneurial landscape.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main focus of OCBC Bank’s new department in Hong Kong?
    The new department is dedicated to providing tailored financial support to serial entrepreneurs, evaluating their entire portfolio to tailor solutions effectively.

    How much does OCBC aim to disburse in loans by 2028?
    OCBC aims to lend S$5 billion to serial entrepreneurs across Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Indonesia by 2028.

    What kinds of financing options are available for entrepreneurs?
    Entrepreneurs can access working capital loans, venture loans, cross-border expansion support, sustainable finance, and corporate finance advisory services through OCBC.

  • Bank of Singapore Welcomes New CEO

    Bank of Singapore Welcomes New CEO

    OCBC’s private banking arm, Bank of Singapore, officially announced the successor to chief executive Bahren Shaari who retired in December.

    According to a statement, Bank of Singapore appoints Jason Moo as chief executive officer, effective March 6. Moo will replace Vincent Choo, a board member who assumed the role of interim CEO on January 1 following the retirement of ex-CEO Bahren Shaari on December 31.

    Moo, a Singapore national, has more than 25 years of experience in private banking, wealth management and capital markets, most recently at Julius Baer as its Southeast Asia head of private banking and Singapore branch manager. Previously, he also spent 22 years at Goldman Sachs, leading various private banking units in Asia.

    We are confident that Moo’s extensive experience and deep industry knowledge will accelerate the momentum of Bank of Singapore’s growth, said chairman Lai Teck Poh. He will build on what Bank of Singapore has already accomplished, sharpen its strategic direction, and further develop its talent and capabilities.

    Shaari joined Bank of Singapore in 2009 and was named CEO in 2015. Under his leadership, the bank integrated Barclays’ private wealth business in Asia while nearly doubling assets under management from $55 billion to $109 billion, as of 30 September 2022.

    I’m immensely grateful and proud of the 13 years I’ve spent at Bank of Singapore, Shaari said in a social media post.

    I’m also thankful for the opportunities and guidance given to me throughout my more than 30-year private banking career, in particular by my former boss Marcel Kreis during UBS days and my predecessor at Bank of Singapore Bing De Guzman, both of whom played a critical role in this journey that has taken me to where I am today.

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  • OCBC Profits Climb Higher on Lower Allowances

    OCBC Profits Climb Higher on Lower Allowances

    OCBC’s posted a robust profit increase in the third quarter, which was fueled by a significant reduction in allowances.

    OCBC registered S$1.22 billion ($904 million) in net profit for the third quarter, according to its latest results, marking a 19 percent year-on-year increase.

    A significant reduction of allowances by 54 percent to S$163 million due to an improved credit outlook was a major contributor to profit growth.

    Total income was flat at 1 percent growth to S$2.56 billion while operating expenses and associates grew 8 percent and 33 percent, respectively. As a result, pre-allowance operating profit was flat, decreasing 1 percent to S$1.576 billion.

    Overall wealth management income – including insurance, premier and private banking, asset management and stockbroking – was down 7.4 percent to S$897 million.

    OCBC’s private wealth arm, Bank of Singapore, saw assets under management increase 6 percent to S$167 billion ($123 billion) driven by inflows of net new money and positive market valuations.

    Our third-quarter results were resilient, despite the challenging conditions associated with the Delta virus variant,» said OCBC chief executive Helen Wong. We remain positive on the long-term outlook but are watchful of the near-term headwinds from the pandemic.

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  • DBS Stalwart Joins OCBC to Head Wholesale Banking

    DBS Stalwart Joins OCBC to Head Wholesale Banking

    A DBS veteran will take on a new key position at OCBC, which is part of the bank’s plans to grow and expand across its key markets.

    OCBC has appointed Tan Teck Long as group head of wholesale banking, according to a filing with Singapore Exchange (SGX) on Wednesday.

    Tan joins from DBS Bank, where he has been group chief risk officer since 2018. His previous roles at the bank, which he joined in 2003, include group head of corporate investment banking, China head of institutional banking group based in Shanghai and group head of real estate, building and construction industry.

    In his new role, Tan will have global responsibilities for global corporate banking, global commercial banking, global transaction banking, emerging business, global financial institutions, group investment banking and mezzanine capital unit, the announcement said.

  • OCBC Deputy President Retires

    OCBC Deputy President Retires

    OCBC’s deputy president will retire after 22 years with the Singaporean bank. OCBC deputy president Ching Wei Hong will retire at the end of September, according to an exchange filing.

    Ching first joined OCBC in November 1999 as head of transaction banking and has since held various senior roles including chief financial officer, chief operating officer and chairman of Bank of Singapore before being named deputy president in early 2020.

    I am deeply grateful to Wei Hong for building a strong foundation upon which our wealth management and consumer banking businesses will grow from strength to strength. Please join me in wishing him a healthy and happy retirement, according to a report citing an email from chief executive Helen Wong.

    Separately, the bank has appointed Sunny Quek as acting head of global consumer financial services, effective October 1, as well as director of OCBC Securities, subject to regulatory approval.

    Quek will report to Wong and Bank of Singapore CEO Bahren Shaari. Quek is currently OCBC’s head of consumer financial services in Singapore.

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  • OCBC Profits Surge from Reduced Allowance

    OCBC Profits Surge from Reduced Allowance

    OCBC’s net profit for the second quarter surged due to an economic recovery that enabled substantially reduced allowances.

    OCBC’s posted a net profit of S$1.16 billion ($860 million) in the second quarter, according to its latest results, marking a 59 percent surge from S$730 million in the same period last year.

    The bank’s quarterly performance was in line with the S$1.14 billion consensus forecast from a Bloomberg survey of five analysts.

    OCBC registered S$2.66 billion of net profit in the first half, up 86 percent year-on-year.

    Like many other peers in the banking industry, OCBC has benefitted from an economic recovery that has enabled a reduction of reserves linked to bad assets.

    It posted S$393 million in total allowances compared to S$1.41 billion last year.

    The reduction was driven in no small part by lower allowances for impaired assets (from S$793 million to S$283 million) driven last year largely by exposures to «a number of corporate customers in the oil trading and offshore support vessels sectors».

    In addition to reduced allowances, the bank also benefitted from strong wealth management income which grew 25 percent in the first half to S$2.14 billion which represents 39 perfect of OCBC Group’s total income.

    OCBC’s private banking arm, Bank of Singapore, saw assets under management grow 11 percent to S$169 billion, driven by continued net new money inflows and positive market valuations.

    OCBC also declared a dividend of 25 Singapore cents per share compared to 15.9 Singapore cents a year ago.

    At a ratio of 42 percent, this marks the first dividend payout since the Monetary Authority of Singapore lifted its cap on locally incorporated banks and financial firms in the city-state, originally set at 50 percent of 2019’s dividends per share.

    While the long-term trajectory of global economic recovery is positive, we remain watchful on the current operating environment in view of the recent virus resurgence and heightened safety measures in our key markets,» said OCBC group chief executive Helen Wong. We stay firmly committed to supporting our customers during this difficult period.

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  • OCBC Creates Dozens of Sustainability-Related Jobs

    OCBC Creates Dozens of Sustainability-Related Jobs

    Singapore’s OCBC has created more than 50 sustainability-related jobs over the last two years as part of a broader plan to internally promote the space.

    The 50 jobs span across sustainable business development, sustainable product development, sustainability research, ESG assessment, ESG reporting, ESG regulatory and compliance, sustainable stewardship, and community development and environmental conservation programs, according to a statement.

    This is part of the «OCBC Future Smart Program» which is now in its second phase with an investment of $30 million over the next three years.

    The program and its first phase were launched in 2018 with an investment commitment of $20 million over three years.

    Since the program kicked off, the bank has developed numerous training modules, sub-programs, certification pathways while further driving learning through desktop and mobile platforms.

    1,900 programs have been launched for OCBC’s 30,000 employees groupwide which have achieved more than 178,000 completions.

    Major change is afoot on the job front and roles that are available today may no longer be needed or will be significantly disrupted tomorrow, said OCBC’s head of group human resources Jason Ho. New threats to the business emerge continuously. We are confident that as long as we continue to learn, un-learn and re-learn as an organization, we will be able to turn threats into opportunities.

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  • OCBC Appoints Group COO

    OCBC Appoints Group COO

    OCBC has appointed a new group chief operating officer in an effort to drive and accelerate transformation at the Singapore-based bank.

    Lim Khiang Tong has been named group COO – a newly created role – according to a statement, effective June 21 this year. Lim will report to recently appointed group chief executive Helen Wong.

    Lim has 30 years of management experience in strategic tech development, information technology, process reengineering, project management, and banking operations. He joined OCBC’s IT management team in 2000 before being appointed to lead the unit in 2002. In 2007, he was named head of group IT and in 2010, he assumed the role of head of group operations and technology.

    Lim will take on the expanded role in an effort to «optimize and intensify» investments across tech, product processes, and people.

    Lim has been instrumental in building our operational and technology capabilities and in driving our digital transformation efforts, Wong said. He is highly regarded by colleagues, business partners and industry peers. It is only fitting that he assumes this new role.

    Lim has already made various efforts to bolster the bank’s tech capabilities including the development of the first technology command center monitoring and managing both cybersecurity and daily operations – the OCBC Regional Data Center.

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  • OCBC to Grow Transaction Banking Division

    OCBC to Grow Transaction Banking Division

    The bank aims to grow the division by another 50 headcounts to 150 in total by the end of the year. The bank is looking to boost its transaction banking workforce with specialized staff who can help it to develop products and services, and in particular, those with regional skill sets that can support clients in its key markets, OCBC’s Melvyn Low told «The Straits Times.»

    The bank’s head of global transaction banking said the rise of mobile and internet banking, as well as application programming interfaces (APIs) that connect various platforms, are prompting a shift in the skills in demand.

    The division provides corporate banking solutions, including cash management, APIs, trade and supply chain finance solutions, and also serves the bank’s overseas markets in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Greater China.

    I need a very deep appreciation of new technologies like APIs, blockchain, and for data, Low said about the desired candidates. It’s not just about knowing how to look at and consume data, but how to use it to target clients, identify their flows and capture them with solutions using new technologies, Low added.

    He also cited mobile payments, platform connectivity, and cross-border instant payments as areas with the potential to grow.

    In its recent quarterly trading update, the bank highlighted growing momentum from renewed market optimism across its businesses, as well as improved quarterly earnings from its overseas banking subsidiaries.

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  • OCBC Posts Record High Quarterly Net Profit

    OCBC Posts Record High Quarterly Net Profit

    The quarter’s earnings were driven by broad-based income growth and lower allowances. OCBC Bank recorded a net profit of S$1.5 billion ($1.13 billion) for the January-March period, a jump of 115 percent from the same period last year (S$698 million), and 33 percent higher than the preceding quarter (S$1.13 billion), according to financial results posted on Friday.

    The bank said the record quarterly profit was driven by broad-based income growth and lower allowances. OCBC hit a new high in fee income (S$585 million), while making a far smaller allowance compared with the year-ago period (S$161 million vs. $657 million). Performance was also boosted by its insurance arm Great Eastern, which reported a twelvefold increase in profits this quarter.

    Income from wealth management, comprising insurance, premier and private banking, asset management, and stockbroking, rose 40 percent to S$1.21 billion – 41 percent of the group’s total income.

    Assets under management at Bank of Singapore, its private banking arm, rose 1 percent from the previous quarter to reach $123 billion as of 31 March 2021.

    OCBC highlighted growing momentum from renewed market optimism across its businesses, as well as improved quarterly earnings from its overseas banking subsidiaries.

    While we remain watchful of the prevailing risks in the operating environment, our strong balance sheet and capital position will enable us to capitalize on opportunities arising from improved economic conditions, particularly in ASEAN and Greater China,» OCBC chief Helen Wong said.

    Earnings at Singapore’s «big three» local banks all beat analyst estimates (DBS: S$1.44 billion, OCBC: S$1.13 billion, UOB: S$891.4 million, according to Refinitiv).

    DBS, which announced its first-quarter results last week, also experienced a strong quarter, doubling its income from the quarter before to reach S$2.01 billion and posting record wealth management fees.

    UOB’s earnings grew to S$1 billion for the same period – up 46 percent on the back of strong fees, trading, and investment income.

  • OCBC Posts Record High Quarterly Net Profit

    OCBC Posts Record High Quarterly Net Profit

    The quarter’s earnings were driven by broad-based income growth and lower allowances. OCBC Bank recorded a net profit of S$1.5 billion ($1.13 billion) for the January-March period, a jump of 115 percent from the same period last year (S$698 million), and 33 percent higher than the preceding quarter (S$1.13 billion), according to financial results posted on Friday.

    The bank said the record quarterly profit was driven by broad-based income growth and lower allowances. OCBC hit a new high in fee income (S$585 million), while making a far smaller allowance compared with the year-ago period (S$161 million vs. $657 million). Performance was also boosted by its insurance arm Great Eastern, which reported a twelvefold increase in profits this quarter.

    Income from wealth management, comprising insurance, premier and private banking, asset management and stockbroking, rose 40 percent to S$1.21 billion – 41 percent of the group’s total income.

    Assets under management at Bank of Singapore, its private banking arm, rose 1 percent from the previous quarter to reach $123 billion as at 31 March 2021.

    OCBC highlighted growing momentum from renewed market optimism across its businesses, as well as improved quarterly earnings from its overseas banking subsidiaries.

    While we remain watchful of the prevailing risks in the operating environment, our strong balance sheet and capital position will enable us to capitalize on opportunities arising from improved economic conditions, particularly in ASEAN and Greater China,» OCBC chief Helen Wong said.

    Earnings at Singapore’s «big three» local banks all beat analyst estimates (DBS: S$1.44 billion, OCBC: S$1.13 billion, UOB: S$891.4 million, according to Refinitiv).

    DBS, which announced its first-quarter results last week, also experienced a strong quarter, doubling its income from the quarter before to reach S$2.01 billion and posting record wealth management fees.

    UOB’s earnings grew to S$1 billion for the same period – up 46 percent on the back of strong fees, trading and investment income.

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  • OCBC to Review Office Space Needs

    OCBC to Review Office Space Needs

    The bank is considering reducing the number of branches and office space as it moves towards a hybrid work model.

    We may not need so many branches servicing our customers, so certainly I think there will be a review in terms of our office requirements as we move forward,» chairman Ooi Sang Kuang said at the bank’s virtual annual shareholder meeting on Thursday.

    Last year, former OCBC chairman Samuel Tsien said the bank expects fewer physical branches and offices being open in the future, as a surge in the adoption of digital banking services prompted OCBC to rethink its branch network strategy, and Covid-19 prompted a shift towards hybrid working from home and the office.

    Other banks that have permanently reduced their physical footprint in Singapore include DBS, which will give up 75,000 square feet of space – about two and a half floors out of the more than a dozen floors it occupies at Tower 3 of the Marina Bay Financial Centre; Citi, which is offloading three floors; and Mizuho, which is cutting less than one floor of office space.

    During the meeting, Helen Wong, OCBC’s new chief executive, said the bank would focus on deepening its reach into Asean markets and to capitalize on the growing Asean-Greater China flows, expanding its wealth management franchise, accelerating digitalization and building a regional sustainable bank.

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  • OCBC Names Successor for for Hong Kong Chief

    OCBC Names Successor for for Hong Kong Chief

    OCBC appoints new chief for its Hong Kong unit, succeeding longstanding veteran Na Wu Beng. Ivy Au-yeung has been appointed chief executive of OCBC Wing Hang – the Singapore lender’s Hong Kong unit – according to a report, effective as of May 20, reporting to group CEO Helen Wong.

    Na will step down from the role and retire after more than two decades with the bank – he first joined in 1990 as the general manager of the Hong Kong branch – remaining as an advisor to the board until 2021-end.

    Au-yeung has 30 years of global banking experience and is currently OCBC Wing Hang’s deputy chief executive.

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