Best bank:
Maybank
Best equity house:
CIMB
Best debt house:
CIMB
Best M&A house:
CIMB
Consolidation in Malaysia's banking sector is still at the forefront of bankers' and politicians' minds. The first round has finished but many expect another two to follow. The technocrats at Bank Negara, the central bank, are very astute and while politicians remain distracted by elections and jockeying for favourable positions, the central bank may forge ahead with its plans. Consolidation in a country such as Malaysia is always going to be disruptive and painful. Banks that have merged are faced with problems of rationalization. Retrenchment of staff is not an easy process. The economy is slowing and this has stalled restructuring plans. NPLs are on the rise again. However, two banks stand out: Public Bank and Maybank.
Public Bank has been affected less by deteriorating assets than many banks have and its merger with Hock Hua Bank has enabled it to develop stronger relationships within corporate Malaysia.
Maybank, however, is a strong all-round player. It is the largest commercial bank in Malaysia by assets. It also has a large overseas network compared with its domestic competitors, with 31 branches.