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OCBC warns of greater challenges in H2 as ‘chain reaction’ from US tariffs unfolds

Group CEO Helen Wong describes the bank’s first-half results as “stronger than anticipated”

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Tan Nai Lun

Tan Nai Lun

Published Fri, Aug 1, 2025 · 03:36 PM
    • OCBC posted a 7% fall in Q2 net profit to S$1.82 billion, largely due to a decline in interest rates in Singapore and Hong Kong.
    • OCBC posted a 7% fall in Q2 net profit to S$1.82 billion, largely due to a decline in interest rates in Singapore and Hong Kong. PHOTO: BT FILE

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    [SINGAPORE] While OCBC posted “stronger than anticipated” results in the first half of 2025, the lender will likely face more challenges in the second half, said group chief executive officer Helen Wong.

    OCBC benefited in H1 from better-than-expected gross domestic product growth across the region, boosted by front-loading activities ahead of US tariffs and government policy support, she said at the bank’s second-quarter results briefing on Friday (Aug 1).

    But the second half will be clouded by uncertainty and challenges from tariffs and heightened geopolitical tensions, inflationary impact, as well as further fragmentation of global trade, she added.

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