2025-08-29 10:02Financial 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]