KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Bank
Bhd reported a strong first quarter with a net profit of RM856.76mil, an increase from RM750.03mil a year earlier, on the back of both higher net fund based and non-fund based income, cost discipline and improved credit quality.
In a statement, the bank said total income stood at RM2.2bil, underpinned by 4.6% year-on-year (y-o-y) growth in net fund based income to RM1.6bil, and a 14.1% y-o-y increase in non-fund based income to RM600mil. Net interest margin with liability management stood at 1.91%.
Quarterly group revenue fell slightly to RM4.27bil from RM4.39bil in the same quarter in 2025.
During the quarter, RHB said its maintained prudent cost discipline with cost-to-income ratio improving to 46.2% from 47.4%, while sustaining healthy capital and liquidity positions.
The bank's annualised gross loans grew 5.3% to RM254bil, attributed to 4.6%, 2.7% and 15.4% growth in the group community banking, group corporate and business banking, and Singapore segments respectively.
Annualised customer deposits grew 9.5% to RM259bil with current account savings account (Casa)ratio staying steady at 29.5%.
Group managing director and CEO Datuk Mohd Rashid Mohamad said the bank remains committed to supporting its customers while maintaining prudent financial discipline. This is against a backdrop of global ncertainties, including geopolitical tensions, evolving trade dynamics and cautious market sentiment, he said.
“We recognise that many businesses, particularly SMEs, continue to navigate cost pressures and external uncertainties. We are supporting SMEs through targeted measures, including access to financing under Bank Negara Malaysia’s SME Stabilisation Relief Facility, supported by guaranteed schemes to enhance funding accessibility.
"This is complemented by streamlined processes, including a fast-track lane for eligible customers, as well as targeted repayment assistance through loan modifications, tenure extensions, and rescheduling or restructuring where needed,” he added.
