Kuala lumpur: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) is actively exploring growth opportunities across different segments, even as it faces a challenging market environment, according to president and group chief executive officer (GCEO) Datuk Seri Khairussaleh Ramli.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Maybank has adjusted its expectations for loan growth and net interest margin (NIM), lowering its group loan growth target to 3.0 percent for the financial year ending December 31, 2025. This adjustment is down from an earlier projection of 5.0 to 6.0 percent, reflecting a more cautious stance among customers, particularly corporate clients, who have adopted a wait-and-see approach.
During a media briefing to announce the bank’s financial results for the first half ended June 30, 2025, Khairussaleh expressed confidence in outpacing industry loan growth in Malaysia and Singapore while rebalancing the portfolio in Indonesia. Maybank’s net profit increased to RM2.62 billion in the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, from RM2.52 billion in the previous corresponding quarter, despite a slight decline in revenue to RM17.07 billion from RM17.17 billion.
Maybank’s net fund-based income saw a 1.2 percent year-on-year growth, although loan growth slowed to 0.8 percent year-to-date due to a reduced rate environment affecting overseas net interest margins. Notably, the bank recorded year-to-date loan growth of 5.0 percent in Malaysia and 4.0 percent in Singapore, while experiencing a 9.1 percent decline in Indonesia.
Khairussaleh highlighted that the portfolio of Indonesian state-owned enterprises contributed marginally to profitability amidst increasingly challenging deposit costs. He emphasized the importance of profitability over asset growth, indicating a strategic release of loans. The bank is also exploring growth areas involving large Malaysian and Singaporean conglomerates operating in Indonesia.
As of the first half of the financial year ended June 30, 2025, Maybank’s group loan growth stood at 0.8 percent. In response to questions about potential rebounds in loan growth during the second half of the year, Khairussaleh pointed to opportunities in mortgages, hire purchase, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and corporate segments in Malaysia and Singapore as key drivers. In Indonesia, the bank is optimistic about contributions from inbound clients from Malaysia and Singapore, alongside growth opportunities in SMEs, mortgages, and auto financing.