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RHB Bank
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 | This article contains promotional content. (November 2013) |
RHB Bank Berhad (MYX: 1066) is a Malaysian bank based in Kuala Lumpur and founded in 1997. It is the fourth largest fully integrated financial services group in Malaysia.[3]
Key Information
RHB Bank has over 200 branches in Malaysia and provides a range of banking products and services for individuals, small businesses and corporates. RHB Bank is one of the few banks in Malaysia that offers Islamic banking products and services. These products are offered through its subsidiary, RHB Islamic Bank Berhad. RHB Islamic Bank has a wide network of branches and ATMs in Malaysia and provides a range of banking products and services that are compliant with Shariah principles.
RHB Bank is listed on the Bursa Malaysia and has a market capitalisation of RM24.77 billion as of August 2022.
History
[edit] | This section needs additional citations for verification. (March 2022) |
A wholly owned subsidiary of RHB Capital, RHB Bank Berhad is a result of three mergers –with Kwong Yik Bank Berhad, Sime Bank Berhad and Bank Utama (Malaysia) Berhad in 1997, 1999 and 2003. Its key milestones through the mergers are as follows:
- Kwong Yik Bank Berhad was established in 1913 in Kuala Lumpur, making it Malaya's first local bank. Amongst the bank's co-founders were Chan Wing, Cheong Yoke Choy and Loke Yew.[4] In 1997, Kwong Yik Bank Berhad merged with DCB Bank Berhad, making it the country's biggest ever banking merger at that time.
- The United Malayan Banking Corporation Berhad ("UMBC") was set up in 1959 and subsequently became the first commercial bank to be established in independent Malaya when it was officially declared open in 1960.
- In 1996, UMBC became part of Sime Darby Berhad and was renamed Sime Bank Berhad. In 1999, it merged with RHB Bank and became part of RHB Banking Group.
- Bank Utama was incorporated in 1976. In 1998, Bank Utama merged its business operations with that of Kewangan Utama Berhad. In 2003, RHB Bank merged with Bank Utama.
In 2017 a merger was proposed between RHB Bank and AmBank Group,[5][6] but was scrapped as the parties failed to agree on mutually acceptable terms and conditions.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "RHB Bank Berhad 2020 Annual Report". RHB Group. 31 December 2021. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
- ^ "Who We Are". www.rhbgroup.com. RHB Malaysia. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
- ^ "RHB Bank officiates 210th branch in Kota Tinggi". New Straits Times. 8 January 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2018.
- ^ Khor, Neil (2019). Loke Yew : A Malayan Pioneer. Zamilyn Sdn Bhd. ISBN 978-9671758601.
- ^ Dass, Francis (1 June 2017). "AmBank, RHB get Bank Negara nod to proceed with merger talks". New Straits Times.
- ^ "RHB Bank, AmBank up as investors positive on merger". The Star. 2 June 2017. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ "RHB-AmBank merger fails to take off". The Star. 23 August 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to RHB Bank.
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RHB Bank
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
RHB Bank Berhad is a leading Malaysian financial institution and the flagship subsidiary of RHB Banking Group, a multinational banking conglomerate headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, offering a comprehensive range of retail, commercial, corporate, investment, and Islamic banking services across seven ASEAN countries.[1][2]
The roots of RHB Bank trace back to 1913 with the establishment of Kwong Yik Bank Berhad, Malaya's first locally incorporated bank, which merged with Development and Commercial Bank (DCB) Berhad in 1997 to form RHB Bank, initially positioning it as Malaysia's third-largest financial group at the time.[1] In 1999, a further merger with Sime Bank Berhad (formerly United Malayan Banking Corporation, founded in 1959 as Malaya's first commercial bank post-independence) created the broader RHB Banking Group, enhancing its integrated financial services capabilities.[1] Key milestones include the 2003 merger with Bank Utama, the 2005 licensing of RHB Islamic Bank for Shariah-compliant banking, the 2012 acquisition of OSK Investment Bank, and the group's 2016 listing on Bursa Malaysia under RHB Bank Berhad.[1] The group celebrated its centennial in 2013, reflecting over a century of evolution in Malaysian finance.[1]
Today, RHB Banking Group operates with a strong regional footprint, including full banking services in Malaysia (its core market with over 200 branches), Singapore (seven branches focusing on retail and corporate banking), Cambodia (12 branches for commercial and investment services), Thailand and Brunei (long-standing branches since the 1960s emphasizing commercial banking), Laos (head office and branch for deposits and loans), and Indonesia (securities operations in 10 cities for equity and fixed income).[2] Its core business segments encompass community banking (including innovative digital solutions like the Easy by RHB community bank launched in 2009), wholesale banking, Shariah-compliant services, international business, and insurance, serving individual, SME, and corporate clients with products such as loans, deposits, trade finance, and capital markets access.[1][2]
As of the financial year ended 31 December 2024, RHB Banking Group reported total assets of RM 349.9 billion, gross loans and financing of RM 237.8 billion, customer deposits of RM 249.6 billion, and net profit attributable to equity holders of RM 3.1 billion, underscoring its position as Malaysia's fourth-largest fully integrated financial services provider with over 14,000 employees.[3][4] In the first half of 2025, the group achieved a net profit of RM 1.6 billion, reflecting 3.1% loan growth and a 28.3% current and savings account (CASA) ratio, while declaring an interim dividend of 15 sen per share.[5] RHB continues to innovate, notably as the first Malaysian bank to offer direct API connectivity for SME digital solutions and by launching a new mobile banking app in June 2025 featuring advanced security and personalization features.[1][6]
This table summarizes select historical trends, illustrating the bank's expansion and ratio evolution up to 2023.[3][71][73]
Overview
Background and establishment
RHB Bank Berhad was established in 1997 through the merger of Kwong Yik Bank Berhad and DCB Bank Berhad, marking one of the largest banking consolidations in Malaysia at the time.[1] Kwong Yik Bank, founded in 1913 as Malaya's first locally incorporated bank, had a long history of serving the Chinese business community and retail customers in Kuala Lumpur.[1] DCB Bank Berhad, originally established in 1966 as Development and Commercial Bank Berhad, focused on commercial lending and development financing before the merger.[1] The merger was approved by Bank Negara Malaysia as part of efforts to strengthen the domestic banking sector amid economic challenges.[7] Upon formation, RHB Bank emerged as Malaysia's third-largest financial services group by assets, with approximately US$13 billion in total assets and a focus on retail banking, corporate lending, and investment services.[1][7] Headquartered at RHB Centre in Kuala Lumpur, the bank was positioned to provide comprehensive financial solutions while adhering to regulatory standards set by Bank Negara Malaysia, including capital adequacy requirements.[1][8] RHB Bank Berhad has been publicly listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad under the stock code 1066 since 28 June 2016.[9] The initial setup emphasized robust capitalization to support expansion in core banking operations, laying the foundation for its role as a key player in Malaysia's financial landscape.[7]Geographic presence and network
RHB Bank Berhad is headquartered at Level 10, Tower One, RHB Centre, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, serving as the central hub for its domestic and regional operations.[1] As of 2024, the bank maintains a network of 229 branches and offices across Malaysia, combining operations with RHB Islamic Bank to provide comprehensive coverage in key urban and suburban areas.[10] To complement this physical footprint, RHB has pursued digital expansion through its TWP24 strategy (2022-2024), investing RM500 million in system automation, mobile banking enhancements, and a joint venture with Boost for a digital bank license in Malaysia, with Boost Bank launched on 6 June 2024 (RHB holding 40% equity), aiming to boost online channels like the MyHome app and RHB Live FX platform.[11][10] The bank's regional presence extends across ASEAN, emphasizing connectivity in high-growth markets through subsidiaries, branches, and partnerships. It operates in Singapore with 7 branches offering retail, commercial, and capital markets services; in Brunei with a single commercial banking branch established since 1965; in Cambodia via 12 branches and RHB Securities (Cambodia) PLC for investment banking; in Laos through a head office and 1 branch in Vientiane; in Indonesia with PT RHB Securities Indonesia across 10 major cities; and in Thailand with a branch office dating back to 1964. In 2024, the group divested its securities operations in Vietnam (completed June 2024) and Thailand (completed December 2024) to focus on core banking activities.[2][10] This network supports cross-border trade and financial services, with international operations contributing 10% to profit before tax in 2022, up from 3% the prior year.[11] As of 2022, RHB employed 14,139 staff group-wide, with a focus on building ASEAN expertise through upskilling in digital and analytics roles, which grew to 7.7% of the workforce.[11] Singapore serves as a pivotal regional expansion driver, anchoring the PROGRESS27 strategic roadmap (2025-2027) launched in July 2025, which positions the unit to lead group-wide growth in ASEAN via enhanced international business pillars and SME-focused innovations.[12] The Islamic banking network, under RHB Islamic Bank, is integrated into this geographic structure, sharing branches and digital platforms for Shariah-compliant services.[11]Core services and customer base
RHB Bank's retail banking segment provides a range of essential financial products tailored for individual consumers and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including deposit accounts, personal loans, mortgages, auto financing, credit cards, and wealth management solutions. These services encompass savings and current accounts for daily banking needs, unsecured personal financing for immediate cash requirements, and home financing options like the First Home Mortgage to support first-time buyers. Additionally, credit cards offer rewards and installment plans, while wealth management includes investment advisory, unit trusts, and insurance products such as bancassurance to help clients build and protect assets. For SMEs, retail banking extends to business current accounts, term loans, and cash flow management tools to facilitate operational stability.[10][13] In corporate and investment banking, RHB focuses on comprehensive solutions for mid-market and large enterprises, including trade finance to support international transactions, project financing for infrastructure developments, and advisory services for mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising. Trade finance offerings include letters of credit and supply chain financing to mitigate risks in global trade, while project financing provides structured funding for large-scale ventures with an emphasis on sustainable and ESG-compliant deals. Investment banking services cover equity underwriting, debt issuance, and corporate advisory, enabling clients to access capital markets across regional networks. These services are delivered through dedicated relationship managers to address the complex needs of corporate clients.[10][14] RHB has prioritized digital banking to enhance accessibility and efficiency, featuring mobile apps like RHB Mobile Banking and online platforms such as RHB Reflex for seamless transactions. The RHB Mobile Banking app allows users to check balances, transfer funds, pay bills, and apply for loans via features like e-KYC onboarding and QR code payments, with over 2.9 million digital users achieving 90.7% penetration. Fintech integrations include partnerships for open banking, such as API connections with accounting platforms like Xero and collaborations with digital banks like Boost Bank, enabling automated reconciliations and instant loan approvals for SMEs. These initiatives emphasize customer-centric journeys, with AI-driven personalization and 92.2% of transactions conducted digitally.[10][15][16] RHB's customer base spans diverse segments, primarily targeting 4.5 million retail individuals, 216,000 SMEs, middle-market corporates, high-net-worth individuals (including 166,000 affluent clients), and underserved communities across ASEAN. Retail services cater to mass-market consumers and youth through financial inclusion programs, while SMEs benefit from specialized financing and digital tools to support growth. Corporate clients include large enterprises and government-linked companies seeking advisory and trade solutions, and high-net-worth individuals access premier wealth management via dedicated centers. Efforts to serve underserved groups, such as B40 households and rural populations, involve micro-financing and literacy initiatives to promote inclusion. RHB also provides Islamic variants of core services, such as Shariah-compliant deposits and financing, through its dedicated division.[10][1]History
Origins of predecessor banks
The Kwong Yik Bank Berhad was incorporated on 15 July 1913 in Kuala Lumpur, becoming Malaya's first locally established bank. Founded by a group of prominent Cantonese businessmen, including Cheong Yoke Choy and Chan Wing, it primarily served the needs of the local Chinese merchant community during the British colonial era, providing essential financial services such as deposits, loans, and remittances that were previously dominated by foreign banks.[17][18] The bank expanded steadily in the interwar period, financing key infrastructure and businesses in the growing urban center of Kuala Lumpur, which solidified its role in supporting ethnic Chinese economic activities amid colonial trade networks.[19] Development and Commercial Bank Berhad (DCB Bank) traces its origins to 1966, when it was established as Malaysia's first locally incorporated development bank by prominent businessman and politician Tun Sir Henry H.S. Lee. Focused on fostering national economic development, DCB provided financing for industrial projects, infrastructure, and commercial ventures in the post-independence era, aligning with Malaysia's push for self-reliance in finance.[17] Under Lee's leadership, the bank grew by channeling funds into key sectors like manufacturing and agriculture, becoming a vital institution for local enterprises.[20] Both predecessor banks encountered significant early challenges from global economic disruptions. Kwong Yik Bank suffered operational setbacks during World War II due to Japanese occupation, including asset freezes and staff disruptions, but it rebounded post-war under renewed leadership, including Cheong Yoke Choy, to resume growth in the 1950s.[18] DCB Bank, established later, navigated the volatile economic environment of the 1970s oil crises but faced acute pressures from the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, which eroded asset values and liquidity across Malaysia's banking sector, ultimately influencing the merger of the two institutions that year.[21]Formation through mergers
The formation of RHB Bank Berhad began with the merger of Kwong Yik Bank Berhad and DCB Bank Berhad in 1997, a pivotal consolidation driven by the need to fortify Malaysia's banking sector amid the Asian Financial Crisis. This crisis, which began in 1997, exposed vulnerabilities in regional financial institutions, prompting the Malaysian government and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to encourage mergers to enhance capital strength, reduce non-performing loans, and improve operational efficiency. The merger created RHB Bank Berhad, then Malaysia's third-largest financial services group, combining Kwong Yik's retail focus with DCB's commercial expertise to form a more resilient entity. BNM approved the transaction as part of broader regulatory efforts to stabilize the industry, marking one of the earliest voluntary consolidations in the post-crisis landscape.[22][1][21] In 1999, RHB Bank Berhad further expanded through its merger with Sime Bank Berhad, integrating the latter into the RHB Banking Group under BNM's oversight. This acquisition was part of the government's accelerated merger program announced in October 1999, aimed at reducing the number of domestic banks from 21 to 10 anchor institutions to bolster competitiveness and risk management in the crisis aftermath. The deal significantly strengthened RHB's retail banking presence by incorporating Sime Bank's established customer base and nationwide branch network, enabling broader market penetration without immediate overlap in operations. Post-merger restructuring involved rationalizing overlapping services and integrating systems, which BNM monitored to ensure compliance with capital adequacy requirements.[1][17][23] The consolidation culminated in 2003 with the absorption of Bank Utama Berhad into RHB Bank Berhad, completing the early structural reshaping of the group. Approved by BNM as an extension of the ongoing reform agenda, this merger enhanced RHB's corporate banking capabilities by adding Bank Utama's strengths in trade finance and SME lending, while streamlining the group's overall architecture. Initial post-merger efforts focused on workforce integration and technology harmonization to mitigate redundancies, aligning with BNM's directives for sustainable growth and improved governance in the recovering economy. These integrations from 1997 to 2003 laid the foundation for RHB's modern operations, transforming it from fragmented entities into a unified powerhouse.[1][24][25]Key expansions and milestones post-2000
In 2005, RHB Bank received approval from BNM to establish RHB Islamic Bank Berhad, enabling the group to offer Shariah-compliant banking products and services, which expanded its market reach in the growing Islamic finance sector.[1] In response to the 2008 global financial crisis, which led to a significant slowdown in economic growth both globally and in Malaysia, RHB Bank focused on maintaining capital adequacy and liquidity while navigating reduced lending demand and credit risks. The bank's annual report for 2008 highlighted its efforts to manage the unprecedented global credit turmoil through prudent risk management and support for domestic economic recovery initiatives led by Bank Negara Malaysia.[26][27] In 2012, RHB Capital Berhad acquired OSK Investment Bank Berhad, strengthening the group's investment banking capabilities and expanding its presence in securities and asset management across ASEAN.[1][28] Marking a significant milestone, RHB Bank celebrated its 100th anniversary on July 15, 2013, with a series of nationwide events including customer appreciation gatherings, a centennial run in Kuala Lumpur, and community initiatives to reflect on its legacy since 1913. As part of these celebrations, the bank undertook a comprehensive rebranding exercise in 2013 to modernize its image, emphasizing innovation and customer-centric services across its operations.[17][29][19] In 2016, following a group reorganization, RHB Bank Berhad assumed the listing status of RHB Capital Berhad on Bursa Malaysia, effective June 28, 2016, which streamlined the group's structure and enhanced its market position as a standalone banking entity.[30][1] In 2017, RHB Bank entered discussions for a potential merger with AMMB Holdings Bhd (AmBank), receiving in-principle approval from Bank Negara Malaysia in June, but the proposal ultimately failed in August due to disagreements on key terms, including valuation and integration structures, amid concerns from shareholders and regulatory scrutiny. This collapse highlighted ongoing challenges in consolidating Malaysia's banking sector, leaving both institutions to pursue independent growth strategies.[31][32][33] Entering the 2020s, RHB accelerated its digital banking initiatives in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, partnering with Axiata Group Bhd in 2021 to jointly bid for a digital bank license from Bank Negara Malaysia and launching the Boost-RHB consortium's digital bank operations to enhance mobile banking features and customer accessibility. Complementing this, RHB's Singapore unit unveiled the PROGRESS27 strategic roadmap in July 2025, a three-year plan (2025-2027) aimed at positioning the bank as a key ASEAN financial hub through expanded cross-border services, targeted return on equity of 12% by 2027, and strengthened regional partnerships.[34][35][36][37]Operations and subsidiaries
Domestic operations in Malaysia
RHB Bank's domestic operations in Malaysia are anchored by an extensive branch network comprising over 200 branches strategically located across Peninsular and East Malaysia, serving both retail and corporate clients with comprehensive banking services.[38] These branches, supplemented by 1,714 self-service terminals including ATMs and cash deposit machines, facilitate accessible financial solutions for a diverse customer base, with a particular emphasis on urban centers in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor as well as regional hubs in Sabah and Sarawak.[38] As the fourth-largest bank in Malaysia by total assets, which stood at RM349.9 billion as of December 2024, RHB maintains a strong market position with a 7.7% share in small and medium enterprise (SME) lending.[39][3] The bank prioritizes SME lending, where SME gross loans grew by 4.9% to RM27.6 billion in 2023, contributing to community banking gross loans growth of 5.8% to RM140.9 billion, including initiatives like RM450 million in working capital financing for suppliers and vendors, alongside mortgage products that expanded by 8.6% during the same period, with over 40% of originations processed digitally via the RHB MyHome app.[38] This focus underscores RHB's role in supporting economic growth through targeted financing for businesses and homeownership. RHB adheres rigorously to the regulatory framework set by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), ensuring compliance with guidelines on capital adequacy and risk management under the Basel II framework.[38] In 2023, the bank's Total Capital Ratio reached 19.4%, exceeding BNM's minimum requirement of 10.5%, while its gross impaired loans ratio of 1.74% was marginally above the industry average of 1.7%; by 2024, the ratio improved to 1.47%.[38][3] Additionally, RHB updated its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) policy in line with BNM directives and integrated climate risk management practices, including scenario analysis for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.[38] To promote financial inclusion, RHB collaborates with government entities on key domestic initiatives, such as the MySiswa program with the Ministry of Higher Education, which onboarded 600,000 students and generated RM196 million in current and savings account deposits.[38] Other efforts include partnerships with Tenaga Nasional Berhad to provide green financing solutions for SMEs and with Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan, supporting 30 SMEs with RM66.9 million in credit guarantees, as well as the launch of Boost Bank—a BNM-approved digital bank in collaboration with Axiata and Boost Holdings, which officially launched in June 2024—to reach underserved segments.[38][40] These programs align with RHB's goal to empower over 2 million individuals and businesses by 2026 through enhanced financial literacy and access.[38]International subsidiaries and partnerships
RHB Bank's international operations are primarily centered in Southeast Asia, with key subsidiaries in Singapore, Cambodia, and Laos that support regional banking activities. RHB Bank Singapore Limited, established over 50 years ago, operates seven branches and provides a comprehensive suite of services including retail banking, commercial and corporate banking, treasury operations, and asset management.[2] This subsidiary serves as the group's strategic hub for ASEAN expansion, offering products such as Premier Banking for high-net-worth individuals, secured loans, deposits, and trade finance solutions.[37] In Cambodia, RHB Bank (Cambodia) Plc maintains 12 branches focused on retail and commercial banking, including current and savings accounts, loans, and trade financing, complemented by investment banking through RHB Securities (Cambodia) PLC.[2] Similarly, RHB Bank Lao Limited operates a head office and one branch in Vientiane, delivering deposit products, loans, remittances, and foreign exchange services to facilitate local and cross-border transactions.[2] These entities are supported by the group's domestic operations in Malaysia, which provide foundational liquidity and risk management frameworks.[10] RHB Bank engages in partnerships across Brunei, Indonesia, and Thailand to enhance trade finance and remittance services, leveraging its regional network for seamless cross-border flows. In Brunei, where RHB has offered commercial banking since 1965, collaborations focus on competitive foreign exchange and remittance options in up to eight currencies for trade and educational purposes.[2][41] In Indonesia, PT RHB Securities Indonesia operates in 10 major cities, partnering on equity sales, fixed income, and corporate finance to support trade-related financing.[2] Thailand's branch, present since 1964, integrates with local partners for remittance and trade solutions under a consolidated global investment banking platform shared with Brunei, Cambodia, and Laos.[2][42] Under the PROGRESS27 strategic roadmap for 2025–2027, RHB Bank Singapore is positioned to lead the group's ASEAN expansion, with targeted growth in wealth management and corporate banking segments. The initiative aims for 30% increases in revenue, loans, and profit before tax by 2027, alongside a 12% return on equity, driven by digital enhancements and sector-specific lending in areas like healthcare and secured financing.[37][42] Operating in these markets presents challenges, including compliance with diverse local regulations and managing currency fluctuation risks in emerging economies. Evolving regulatory landscapes across ASEAN require adaptive risk frameworks, as highlighted in RHB's sustainability commitments, while foreign exchange volatility impacts cross-border transactions and hedging strategies.[43][44]Islamic banking division
RHB Islamic Bank Berhad serves as the dedicated Islamic banking subsidiary of RHB Bank Berhad, operating as a fully licensed Islamic bank in Malaysia since receiving its license from Bank Negara Malaysia in 2005.[1] Incorporated on 2 February 2005, it transitioned from an Islamic banking window operation to a standalone entity focused on providing Shariah-compliant financial solutions across retail, corporate, and investment banking segments.[45] The subsidiary adheres to the Islamic Financial Services Act 2013 (IFSA), which governs its operations and ensures segregation from conventional banking activities through distinct capital requirements under the Capital Adequacy Framework for Islamic Banks (CAFIB).[46][47] The product portfolio of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad includes a range of Shariah-compliant offerings designed to meet personal and business needs, such as Islamic deposits (e.g., Savings Account-i and Term Deposits-i), home and property financing-i based on murabahah principles, and business loans-i for small and medium enterprises.[48] It also facilitates sukuk issuances, including subordinated and senior sukuk murabahah, with notable examples like the RM500 million sukuk closed in May 2024 to support capital and liquidity needs.[49][50] Takaful products, such as MyGrowth Plus for investment-linked protection and MyMotor for vehicle coverage, are integrated to provide comprehensive risk management solutions compliant with Shariah principles.[48] These products align with standards from the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), particularly in areas like murabahah contracts and sukuk structures, ensuring ethical and interest-free transactions.[51] Growth in the Islamic banking division has been robust, with the segment contributing 44.6% of the RHB Banking Group's total domestic gross loans in 2024 and 45.1% as of Q1 2025, driven by deposit mobilization and financing expansion while maintaining separate regulatory capital buffers as mandated by IFSA and CAFIB.[52][53][54] This contribution underscores its role in diversifying the group's revenue streams through Shariah-compliant channels. Oversight of Shariah compliance is managed by the dedicated Shariah Committee of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad, which reviews and approves all products, conducts periodic compliance audits, and ensures adherence to BNM's Shariah Governance Framework.[55] The committee's responsibilities include mitigating Shariah non-compliance risks through guidance on fatwa issuance and post-implementation reviews, fostering trust in the division's operations.[56][57]Corporate governance
Board of directors
The Board of Directors of RHB Bank Berhad serves as the primary oversight body, responsible for setting strategic direction, ensuring robust corporate governance, and safeguarding stakeholder interests through independent judgment and diverse expertise in areas such as finance, law, risk management, and regulatory compliance.[58][59] As of November 2025, the board comprises 10 members, including nine independent non-executive directors and one executive director, with a gender distribution of seven males and three females, and ages ranging from 57 to 80 years.[58][60] Tan Sri Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir has been the Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman since 23 March 2021, providing leadership on board affairs while maintaining separation from executive functions to uphold independence.[58][60] The board's composition emphasizes independence, with at least one-third of members being independent non-executives as required by regulatory standards, fostering objective decision-making on matters like risk oversight and ethical conduct.[61][59] Key board committees support governance by addressing specific oversight areas. The Audit Committee, chaired by Ong Ai Lin (independent non-executive director), oversees financial reporting integrity, internal controls, and external audits, with members including Iain Lo, Donald Joshua Jaganathan, and Nadzirah binti Abdul Rashid.[58] The Risk Management Committee, chaired by Donald Joshua Jaganathan (independent non-executive director), monitors the bank's risk appetite, policies, and exposure across credit, market, and operational risks; recent changes effective 1 November 2025 include the appointment of YM Tunku Afwida binti Tunku A. Malek and Lim Choon Eng as independent non-executive members, following the resignation of Lim Cheng Teck from the committee.[62][63] The Nomination Committee, chaired by Iain Lo, handles board composition, succession planning, and performance evaluations, with members Donald Joshua Jaganathan, Dato' Mohamad Nasir Ab Latif, Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat @ Wong Joo Hwa, and Hijah binti Othman.[58] Board tenure and appointments align with the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (MCCG), promoting rotation to maintain freshness while retaining institutional knowledge; for instance, Nadzirah binti Abdul Rashid joined as an independent director in March 2024, and the longest-serving member, Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat @ Wong Joo Hwa, has been on the board since December 2013.[58][61] RHB's Board Diversity Policy, instituted to comply with MCCG Practice 5.2, actively seeks diversity across gender, ethnicity, age, skills, and experience to enhance decision-making, with ongoing monitoring to achieve balanced representation.[61][64] The board interacts with executive management to align strategic oversight with operational execution, as detailed in the executive management section.Executive management
Dato' Mohd Rashid Mohamad serves as the Group Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of RHB Banking Group, a position he has held since April 1, 2022.[65] Prior to this appointment, he was the Managing Director of Group Wholesale Banking and Officer-in-Charge/Principal Officer of the RHB Banking Group, bringing extensive experience in banking operations and strategic leadership within the organization.[65] Key executives under his leadership include Nurjesmi bin Mohd Nashir, appointed as Managing Director of Wholesale Banking effective July 1, 2025, with over 30 years of experience in banking and capital markets, including prior roles at Citibank Berhad and as an independent board member at Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad.[66] Wendy Ting Wei Ling was appointed Managing Director of Group Corporate & Business Banking on May 1, 2025, overseeing corporate lending and business solutions after serving in group international and corporate banking roles.[67] Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo holds the position of Managing Director of Group Community Banking, focusing on retail and SME segments, with a background in business and transaction banking at RHB.[67] Under the current executive team's guidance, RHB has advanced strategic initiatives such as the PROGRESS27 roadmap (2025-2027), emphasizing digital transformation through a digital-first branch network overhaul in Singapore and ASEAN expansion positioning RHB Singapore as the regional financial hub for international business operations across Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Brunei.[68] This includes targets for a 12% return on equity by 2027 and enhanced profitability in group international business, which contributed 12% of the group's total income in 2024.[68] RHB's succession planning for executive continuity is overseen by the Board Nominating & Remuneration Committee, which develops talent pipelines and readiness assessments for key senior management positions to ensure smooth transitions and alignment with long-term sustainability goals.[64] Performance incentives for executives include variable pay linked to balanced scorecard KPIs, incorporating sustainability targets, along with the Share Grant Scheme to promote retention and alignment with group objectives, with awards vesting over multiple years and subject to clawback provisions.Financial performance
Historical financial trends
RHB Bank's total assets have shown steady expansion over the decades, reflecting its growth through organic development and strategic mergers. In the early 2000s, the group's consolidated total assets stood at approximately RM85 billion as of 2005, driven primarily by domestic lending and deposit mobilization in Malaysia.[69] By 2020, this figure had more than tripled to RM271 billion, supported by robust loan portfolio expansion to RM186 billion and customer deposits forming a stable funding base amid regional economic recovery.[3] This trajectory underscores the bank's resilience in scaling operations while navigating economic volatility, with average annual asset growth averaging around 6% in the years leading up to 2020.[70] Profitability metrics for RHB Bank experienced significant fluctuations tied to global events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, net profit declined to RM2.03 billion, a drop of 18% year-on-year, largely attributable to heightened provisions for expected credit losses amid pandemic-induced disruptions in lending and trade activities.[71] The bank demonstrated recovery post-2020, with net profit rising to RM2.68 billion in 2022 and further to RM2.81 billion in 2023, a 4.8% increase, fueled by improved non-fund-based income and controlled impairment charges as economic conditions stabilized.[72] Key financial ratios highlight RHB Bank's operational efficiency and vulnerability to macroeconomic shocks. Return on equity (ROE) averaged in the mid-single digits during the 2010s but dipped to 7.5% in 2020 due to profitability pressures; by 2023, it had recovered to 9.5%, indicating stronger capital utilization.[73] Net interest margin (NIM) remained stable at around 2.2% pre-2020 but compressed to 1.82% by 2023 amid lower interest rates and competitive deposit pricing.[74] The 1997 Asian financial crisis severely impacted RHB Bank, leading to asset quality deterioration and necessitating government-led restructuring, including mergers that consolidated its position within Malaysia's banking sector.[75] Similarly, the 2008 global financial crisis tested the bank's resilience, with Malaysian banks like RHB experiencing moderated loan growth and elevated non-performing loans, though overall systemic stability was maintained through regulatory interventions.[76] Revenue streams for RHB Bank have historically been diversified across core segments, providing a buffer against sector-specific downturns. Prior to 2023, approximately 50% of revenue derived from retail banking activities, including consumer loans and deposits, while corporate and wholesale banking contributed around 30%, focused on trade finance and project funding.[77] The remainder stemmed from investment banking, insurance, and international operations, enabling balanced growth despite economic headwinds.[78]| Year | Total Assets (RM billion) | Gross Loans (RM billion) | Net Profit (RM billion) | ROE (%) | NIM (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 85 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2020 | 271 | 186 | 2.03 | 7.5 | 2.13 |
| 2022 | 310.8 | 212.2 | 2.68 | 9.3 | 2.24 |
| 2023 | 328.7 | 222.4 | 2.81 | 9.5 | 1.82 |