RHB Bank's 1Q profit rises to RM750.03mil

KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Bank Bhd posted a higher net profit of RM750.03 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 (1Q 2025) compared with RM730.17 million in the same period last year.
The year-on-year (y-o-y) improvement was mainly due to higher net funding income and lower allowances for credit losses, offset by lower non-fund-based income, higher tax expense, higher operating expenses and higher share of loss in associates.
Revenue, however, slid to RM4.39 billion from RM4.40 billion in 1Q 2024.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, RHB Bank said net fund-based income increased by 7.3 per cent to RM1.48 billion y-o-y on the back of gross loans and financing growth of 6.3 per cent.
It added that the group's gross loans and financing grew by 6.3 per cent y-o-y to RM239.2 billion, mainly supported by growth in mortgage, corporate, commercial and auto finance.
RHB Banking Group's group managing director and group chief executive officer, Datuk Mohd Rashid Mohamad, said the company sustained its earnings growth momentum in the first quarter, underpinned by solid fundamentals and early traction from the group's three-year PROGRESS27 strategic roadmap.
"Our cost optimisation efforts are beginning to deliver results, enabling us to contain expenses while driving growth in key segments.
"At the same time, our continued focus on asset quality has led to a reduction in credit cost. We remained disciplined in execution, strengthening our core capabilities, driving operational excellence, and unlocking new growth opportunities," he said.
On outlook, the group maintained a cautious stance amidst evolving macroeconomic conditions shaped by interest rate movements and global trade dynamics.
"The recent reduction in the statutory reserve requirement by Bank Negara Malaysia is expected to provide funding flexibility in the quarters ahead.
"With focused execution priorities, from simplifying customer journeys to advancing our sustainability ambitions, we are well-positioned to deliver near-term value while unlocking long-term value for all stakeholders," he added.

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