20% of Hong Leong Finance's loan book opt for deferred repayments

Singapore

CUSTOMERS representing 20 per cent of Hong Leong Finance (HLF)'s loan portfolio have opted for deferred repayments amid the pandemic.

But all such loans, except the government-assisted Enterprise Singapore (ESG) loans, are secured.

The ESG loans are intended to support viable businesses experiencing temporary cashflow difficulties amid the pandemic.

HLF's president Ang Tang Chor told The Business Times that the finance company's exposure to riskier sectors such as aviation, hospitality and tourism is "low", although he declined to give a specific number.

Much of the company's loan book - which stood at S$11.15 billion as at June 30 - con…