Kuala Lumpur, 8 December 2025 – Malaysia’s banking sector closed 2025 on solid ground, delivering steady loan growth, resilient asset quality and healthy profitability despite global trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties. A major milestone this year was Bank Pembangunan Malaysia’s acquisition of Exim Bank and Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank), which is expected to strengthen their collective role in bridging developmental funding gaps. Banks posted improved returns on equity, stable capital ratios and stronger asset quality, supported by firm labour market conditions and steady demand across both household and non-household segments, particularly manufacturing, non-residential and residential segments. Loan growth was further underpinned by a predictable interest-rate environment, aided by Bank Negara Malaysia’s Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) cut to 2.75 per cent. While the rate cut compressed net interest margins, it helped bolster consumer confidence and credit activity. Looking ahead, economists note that external risks—especially US tariff policies—could shape 2026, but systemic risks remain contained due to diversified loan portfolios and stable economic fundamentals, supporting a cautiously optimistic outlook for the sector.Source - https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/12/08/malaysias-banking-sector-ends-2025-on-solid-footing-with-steady-loan-growth-and-stable-profits-despite-global-trade-tensions/201070 (ICE KUALA LUMPUR)

Fonte notizia: 8 dicembre 2025, Kuala Lumpur