Malaysian banks fare well amidst fintech trends, global challenges

Malaysian banks had exhibited reasonably healthy profits and asset quality, with more than sufficient capital buffers against potential stress, albeit, thinning margins and some credit pullbacks

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian banks have fared well in 2019 amidst financial technology (fintech) disruption that is reshaping the industry and external headwinds and uncertainties brought by, among others, Brexit and the trade spat between the United States and China.

The external factors not just slowed down global demand but also stoked recession fears and protectionism which affected business confidence and eventually loan demand.