Strong Deposit Growth and CASA Accretion
Deposit growth upgraded from mid-single-digit to high single-digit guidance; multiple sources of inflows (retail bonus, corporate operating balances, FD campaigns). Management emphasized CASA growth as a strategic priority — increases NII even if it raises NIM sensitivity.
Robust Wealth Momentum and Fees
Wealth revenue in Q1 exceeded SGD 900 million; net new money of ~SGD 10 billion (SGD 6 billion from high-net-worth/private banking, SGD 4 billion from Treasures). AUM composition: ~58% in investment products; digital wealth AUM has doubled recently.
Bancassurance Strength
Bancassurance performance described as 'exceptionally strong' and accounts for ~20% of total wealth fees; management sees banca as a durable, countercyclical source of recurring fees and client stickiness.
Hedging Execution and Improved Roll Pricing
Bank 'over replaced' maturing hedges in Q1 and reported improved roll pricing (now ~40 basis points below prior price vs prior expectation of ~50 bps). Remaining hedging to execute: ~SGD 60 billion for the rest of the year.
Resilient NII Despite Rate Drift
Management reiterated focus on NII rather than NIM. NII outcome described as 'slightly down' vs prior period but resilient owing to deposit growth, active hedging and HQLA deployment; deployed surplus deposits typically yield ~1.0–1.2%.
Comprehensive Stress Testing and Provisioning Discipline
Extensive top-down and bottom-up stress tests (oil stress-tested to USD 120–200, currency depreciations of 20–30%, demand disruption scenarios) — management says existing general provisions provide 'ample coverage' and no GP release now.
Constructive Commercial Loan Pipeline
Non-trade corporate loan pipeline described as 'decent' with growth in tech/TMT, data centers, renewables, metals/mining and acquisition financing; some Hong Kong real-estate exposures saw early repayments improving credit profile.
Capital Actions and Optionality
Buyback progress: SGD 400 million completed, SGD 2.6 billion remaining available through 2027. Management reiterated prudence on capital use and confirmed buyback capital could be redeployed or returned as dividends if unused.