UOB Malaysia Named Best Bank for Second Consecutive Year

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 – UOB Malaysia has been named the Best Bank in Malaysia for the second consecutive year at Global Finance’s 33rd annual World’s Best Bank Awards 2026.

The recognition reinforces the bank’s position as one of Malaysia’s leading financial institutions and follows its victory in the same national category in 2025. UOB Malaysia said the achievement reflected the continued confidence of its customers, business partners and the wider financial industry.

Global Finance selected UOB Malaysia as Malaysia’s country winner after assessing factors such as asset growth, profitability, geographical reach, strategic partnerships, product innovation and new business development. The judging process also considered feedback from financial executives, analysts, banking consultants and other industry specialists.

The publication highlighted UOB Malaysia’s expansion in wholesale banking, particularly its ability to connect businesses across ASEAN and the wider Asia-Pacific region. The bank’s trade and supply-chain financing activities recorded double-digit growth in 2025, contributing to the UOB Group’s broader increase in trade-finance business.

UOB Malaysia has continued positioning itself as a long-term banking partner for companies seeking to expand across Southeast Asia. Its regional network allows Malaysian businesses to access cross-border financing, cash-management services, market knowledge and investment opportunities in major ASEAN economies.

The award also follows a strong financial performance in 2025. UOB Malaysia recorded a net profit before tax of RM2.5 billion, representing an increase of 15.6 per cent from RM2.2 billion in the previous year. Total operating income rose by 4.5 per cent to RM4.9 billion, supported by stronger net interest income, improved non-interest income and a higher contribution from its Islamic banking operations.

Gross loans, advances and financing increased by 2.8 per cent to RM112.6 billion, while non-bank deposits grew by 5.8 per cent to RM121.3 billion. The bank also improved its cost-to-income ratio and reported a significant reduction in allowances for expected credit losses.

UOB Malaysia chief executive officer Ng Wei Wei said the bank’s results demonstrated the resilience of its franchise, disciplined cost management and prudent risk practices. She said the bank remained focused on building a sustainable and balanced business capable of supporting its customers and Malaysia’s long-term economic growth.

The bank’s financial position was further supported by an AAA credit rating from RAM Ratings, which it has maintained since 2012. Its Common Equity Tier 1 ratio stood at 14.7 per cent, while its total capital ratio reached 17.9 per cent, remaining above regulatory requirements.