MBSB remains optimistic amid global uncertainties

KUALA LUMPUR: MBSB Bhd remains cautiously optimistic as global growth is expected to moderate in 2025, with the International Monetary Fund projecting a 3.2% expansion amid lingering trade uncertainties.

The group said it will continue executing its FLIGHT26 transformation roadmap by optimising its cost of funds and expanding financing and non-funded income through digital innovation and SME solutions.

In the third quarter ended Sept 30, MBSB’s net profit fell 21.6% to RM95.6mil, or 1.16 sen per share, compared with RM122.1mil, or 1.48 sen, a year earlier.

Revenue for the quarter dipped 13.7% to RM817.7mil from RM947.5mil previously.

For the nine months to Sept 30, MBSB posted a net profit of RM275.9mil, up 8.1% from RM255.2mil, while revenue fell 7% to RM2.62bil from RM2.8bil a year ago.

As at Sept 30, MBSB Group’s financing portfolio expanded to RM44.0bil, up from RM43.1bil a year earlier, driven mainly by growth in the corporate and commercial segments.

The group also recorded a notable increase in CASA balances, which rose RM2.3bil to RM6.2bil, lifting the CASA ratio to 13.7% from 8.8% a year earlier. The stronger deposit mix continues to support liquidity and cost-efficient funding.

MBSB noted that its capital position remains robust, with CET1/Tier 1 Capital Ratios at 19.2% and a total capital ratio of 21.7%, providing ample headroom for business expansion and risk absorption. Liquidity coverage stood at 143.6%, well above regulatory requirements.

Group chief executive officer Rafe Haneef said its 3Q25 performance reflects disciplined execution and the resilience of our diversified business model.

“We continue to strengthen our non-funded income streams and deepen our presence in corporate and investment banking, while maintaining a prudent approach to risk and capital.

“The continued growth in CASA and the stability of our capital ratios position us well to deliver sustainable performance and long-term value for our shareholders,” he said.