In brief
DBS Group Holdings saw its third‑quarter net profit fall 5% year‑on‑year to S$2.81 billion as trading income weakened in a sluggish equity market. The bank’s nine‑month net profit rose 2% to a record S$8.82 billion, helped by double‑digit growth in fee income and treasury customer sales. CEO Tan Su Shan said the bank would stay nimble to capture opportunities in 2027 while managing risks.
Singapore's flagship bank, DBS Group Holdings, said its net profit fell 5% to S$2.81 billion in the third quarter, driven by weaker market trading income amid shaky equity markets.
The bank’s total income slipped 1% from a year earlier, but its nine‑month net profit increased 2% to a record S$8.82 billion, according to the company's statement.
Fee income and treasury customer sales grew by double‑digit percentages, new highs for the period, led by wealth‑management services. Those gains helped offset the drop in trading revenue.
DBS’ Q3 total income fell 1% to S$16.7 billion, while its nine‑month total income rose 2% to a record S$17.9 billion.
"As we enter 2027, we will stay nimble to capture opportunities while prudently managing risks," CEO Tan Su Shan said. "A more supportive interest‑rate environment and continued structural growth opportunities would benefit earnings, while our strong capital and liquidity positions and healthy general allowance buffers provide resilience against macroeconomic uncertainty," she added.
The dip in market trading income was largely caused by subdued equity markets in Asia earlier this year, which cut into the bank’s brokerage and research profits.
DBS still maintains capital and liquidity ratios higher than the regional average, cushioning it against macroeconomic pressures such as higher energy prices and tighter financial conditions.
Analysts note that if interest rates remain supportive in 2027, the bank could improve earnings further, and its evolving fee structure may keep growth on track.
