Banks steadfast in 5% loan growth forecast

Singapore

AT half-time, all three banks have kept their loan growth forecast of about 5 per cent this year.

But some divergence emerged in how they will get there: DBS remains keen to grow its market share in mortgages - and has been doing so since 2010 - while UOB signals some apprehension in growth from this sector, even as it retains pole position.

China remains a clear focus, but the banks are armed with different ammunition.

DBS is waiting on some trade finance deals that have been delayed from the first half; OCBC will naturally expand through its fresh acquisition of Wing Hang Bank; and UOB has been building relationships with its Chinese clients, and is ea…