Retail Banking
Bank Central Asia’s net profit rise 5.8% to $287.65m in Jan 2026
Bank Central Asia’s net profit rise 5.8% to $287.65m in Jan 2026
Net interest margin fell on lower earning asset yield, noted CGSI.
OCBC’s net profit dip 2% to $5.87b on higher tax expenses
OCBC’s net profit dip 2% to $5.87b on higher tax expenses
RCBC’s net income up 11% to $183.71m in 2025 on loan and card growth
Credit card receivables rose due to the “successful acquisition of affluent customers.”
AUB’s net income up 12% to $220.12m on commercial loan growth
AUB’s net income up 12% to $220.12m on commercial loan growth.
PNB’s net income up 20% to $438.6m in 2025 on more loans and lower costs
It's bad loans ratio declined to 4.7% whilst operating expenses grew slower.
UOB’s net profit falls 23% to $3.69b in 2025 as allowances double
The bank raised provisions by S$1.5b, with higher allowances in Singapore and China.
Singapore banks lead pay as hiring access ranks low
DBS and OCBC were at the bottom 20% for job opportunities to non-degree holders and less experienced workers.
Welcome Bank (Rural Bank) unveil e-signature and e-KYC services in loan apps
It eliminates the need for scheduled video calls or a hybrid application process.
Krungsri, Thai stock exchange push SETCarbon platform for SMEs’ green transition
The platform is now used by 380 organisation, with 85% being listed companies.
National Australia Bank’s net profit up 11% to $1.56b in Q1 FY2026
Revenue rose 6% on higher markets & treasury income.
Philippine rural banks face merger pressure with tighter capital rules
Many lenders in the countryside have little capital buffer.
Banks to pursue smaller and more strategic M&As in 2026: McKinsey
Smaller banks are prone to getting acquired as they struggle with funding and tech costs.
Metrobank’s net income hit $856.71m in 2025 trade and loan growth
Net interest income rose 9.2% during the year.
Financial services M&A deal value rise 40% on improved bank profitability
Postal Savings Bank of China’s $18.1b deal with China Mobile is the year’s top deal.
SMFG’s CET1 ratio climb to 12.75% on higher capital
The Japanese megabank earlier reported a profit of $8.99b for the 9M period.
Japan Post Bank profit surges 22.4% to $2.46b in Q3 FY2026/3
Dividend is forecasted to be JPY70 for FY2026/3.
NPCI’s FiMI AI model to handle UPI disputes
It uses an agentic AI framework for multi-step reasoning tasks.
Commentary
Asia’s banks hold the mandate to innovate. Now they must earn it.
Why Asia's banks are rebuilding their credit infrastructure in 2026