OCBC keeps 2025 guidance, but loan growth targets could be buffeted by headwinds: CEO Helen Wong

[SINGAPORE] OCBC is keeping its financial targets for 2025, but noted that its loan growth guidance of a mid-single digit will likely see the most headwinds, especially if the market continues to be “very uncertain”, said chief executive officer Helen Wong.

Nevertheless, current trade tariffs are expected to have a “first-order impact” on 3 per cent of OCBC’s loan book, with stress tests showing that its portfolio remains resilient, Wong said.

“Refinancing is always there, and we do think that there will be some flight to quality… (But if) economic growth is lower, of course, loan growth will be lower as well,” she said at the briefing for the lender’s first quarter 2025 results on Friday (May 9).