Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Profit attributable to equity holders increased by 10.5% to HKD 22.2 billion, with ROE rising by 0.53 percentage points to 12.92% [3][4][76] - After-tax profit grew by 11.4% year on year to HKD 22.8 billion [15] - Customer deposits increased by 5.6% to HKD 2,880 billion, with CASA deposits surging by 31.7% [17][18] - NPL ratio decreased by three basis points to 1.02%, outperforming the market average [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - BOC Life's standard new premiums grew by 30%, ranking second in the market for the first quarter [5][79] - Assets under custody increased by 19% [4][79] - Fee income from investment and insurance business grew significantly by 95%, resulting in a 25.8% growth in net fee income [19][50] - The number of cross-border high-end customers grew by 44%, and new high-end personal banking customers increased by 35% [4][78] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Southeast Asia, deposits and loans increased by 10.5% and 8.4% respectively, with income rising by 9.3% year on year [9][82] - RMB loans grew by 16%, with a 90% increase in the underwriting volume of offshore RMB public bonds [10][82] - The average LCR and NSFR stood at 208% and 140% respectively, indicating solid liquidity [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deepen the development of private banking, asset management, and custodian business while enhancing its role as a regional headquarters for Southeast Asian operations [22][23] - The focus will be on balancing quality, profitability, and scale, diversifying income sources, and maintaining consistent risk management [23] - The company is committed to digital transformation and enhancing its capabilities in AI applications [12][70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The banking sector faces a challenging operating environment due to uncertain global economic conditions and local market interest rates [3][22] - The company expects continued pressure on banking operations but sees opportunities arising from industrial chain optimization and the robust development of AI and digital assets [22][23] - Management anticipates that interest rates will remain uncertain, impacting NIM and net interest income [32] Other Important Information - The Board declared a second interim dividend of HKD 0.29 per share, with total DPS for the first half amounting to HKD 0.58 [4][76] - The company has been recognized for its ESG and CSR efforts, receiving various accolades from renowned institutions [13][14] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Outlook for NIM and dividend policy - Management noted that HIBOR has fluctuated, impacting NIM, which was 1.54%, down seven basis points year on year, and expects pressure on NIM going forward [29][30][32] - Regarding dividends, the company aims to balance long-term shareholder returns with operational results, maintaining a dividend payout ratio within a specified range [33][34][35] Question: Loan growth expectations and Southeast Asia strategy - Loan demand has increased by a single digit, with expectations for steady growth in the second half, supported by policy and market conditions [38][39][40] - The Southeast Asian market is a key focus, with strategies to enhance contributions to overall revenue and strengthen regional risk management capabilities [41][42][43] Question: Fee income sustainability and asset quality - Non-interest income increased significantly, with expectations for continued growth driven by strong market conditions and customer needs [49][50] - Asset quality remains stable, with a focus on managing risks associated with the property market and maintaining healthy coverage ratios [53][54][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Profit attributable to equity holders increased by 10.5% to HKD 22.2 billion, with ROE rising by 0.53 percentage points to 12.92% [4][81] - Total customer deposits grew by 5.6% to HKD 2,880 billion, with CASA deposits surging by 31.7% [16] - After-tax profit grew by 11.4% year on year to HKD 22.8 billion [15] - Operating expenses increased by 2.3% to HKD 8.3 billion, while cash to income ratio improved by 2.2 percentage points to 20.8% [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - BOC Life's standard new premiums grew by 30%, ranking second in the market for the first quarter [6][83] - Assets under custody increased by 19% [5][82] - Fee income from investment and insurance business grew significantly by 95%, resulting in a 25.8% growth in net fee income [19][52] - The number of cross-border high-end customers grew by 44%, and new high-end personal banking customers increased by 35% [5][82] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The NPL ratio of Southeast Asian entities was 2.7%, down eight basis points from the end of last year [9][86] - RMB loans grew by 16%, with a 90% increase in the underwriting volume of offshore RMB public bonds [10][86] - The average LCR and NSFR stood at 208% and 140% respectively, indicating solid liquidity [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deepen the development of private banking, asset management, and custodian business while enhancing its role as a regional headquarters for Southeast Asian operations [22] - The strategic focus includes leveraging innovative technologies and strengthening talent development to support the next five-year plan [22] - The company is committed to balancing quality, profitability, and scale while diversifying income sources and maintaining consistent risk management [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management noted that the banking sector faces a challenging operating environment due to uncertain global economic conditions and local market interest rates [4] - The outlook for the second half anticipates continued pressure on banking operations due to cyclical and structural adjustments in Hong Kong's economy [22] - New opportunities are expected from industrial chain optimization and the robust development of AI and digital assets [22] Other Important Information - The company launched the dual currency BOC GoCard and grew BOC Pay plus mainland transaction volumes by 40% year on year [7][84] - The company actively participated in offshore RMB market development and supported the issuance of green bonds and infrastructure bonds [10][88] - The company established an AI committee to coordinate AI-related applications and risk management [12][76] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook on NIM and HIBOR's impact - Management indicated that HIBOR has fluctuated, and while the NIM was 1.54%, it is expected to face pressure due to lower interest rates [29][32] Question: Dividend policy and share repurchases - Management confirmed a second interim dividend of HKD 0.29 per share, with a focus on long-term shareholder returns and potential share repurchases [33][34] Question: Loan growth expectations for the second half - Management noted steady loan demand growth, with expectations for recovery in loan demand despite global economic challenges [39][41] Question: Fee income sustainability - Management expects continued strong momentum in fee income driven by investment insurance and cross-border consumption [52][55] Question: Asset quality and property market outlook - Management reported stable asset quality with a focus on risk management, particularly in the property sector, which remains under pressure [56][59]