2025-10-28 08:45Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues increased by $500 million to $17.9 billion, with a year-over-year revenue growth of 3% [4][11] - Annualized Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE) was 16.4% in Q3 and 17.6% year to date, both excluding notable items [11][31] - Customer deposits grew by $86 billion over the last twelve months, reaching $1.7 trillion [4][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Banking Net Interest Income (NII) returned to growth at $11 billion for the quarter, driven by deposit volumes, with full-year guidance raised to $43 billion or better [12][13] - Wealth management saw a 29% growth in fee and other income, totaling $2.7 billion, with net new invested assets of $29 billion [16][17] - Wholesale transaction banking reported strong customer engagement, with trade and payments continuing to grow [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Hong Kong, the composite deposit rate decreased significantly in Q3, but HIBOR is expected to provide a tailwind for NII in Q4 [48][51] - The UK business experienced a 5% year-over-year growth in the lending book, with a focus on mortgages and commercial lending [26][88] - The commercial real estate sector in Hong Kong showed a slight increase in the Stage 3 loan ratio, but impairment charges were lower than the previous quarter [50][56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced plans to privatize Hang Seng Bank, viewing it as a compelling growth opportunity in a familiar market [5][7] - The strategy includes exiting non-strategic activities, with 11 exits announced so far this year, allowing for reinvestment in priority growth areas [9][30] - The company aims for a disciplined approach to capital allocation, targeting a 50% dividend payout ratio for 2025 [11][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the outlook for Hong Kong and the overall growth strategy, emphasizing the importance of operational efficiencies and alignment [6][7] - The company remains cautious about the credit cycle but believes in strong organic capital generation [28][60] - Management highlighted the positive momentum in customer deposits and the potential for continued growth in various markets [25][37] Other Important Information - The company is on track to achieve around 3% cost growth in 2025 compared to 2024, with simplification savings ahead of expectations [21][29] - Legal provisions of $1.4 billion were recorded for historical matters, which do not impact ongoing business operations [22][60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Banking NII in Q4 - Management confirmed that banking NII is expected to be no less than $10.6 billion in Q4, driven by deposit strength and structural hedges [36][37] Question: Sustainability of Deposit Growth - Management expressed confidence in the sustainability of the current 5% underlying deposit growth, particularly in Hong Kong [38] Question: Drivers Behind Wealth Management Revenue Growth - Management noted strong investment distribution and equity volumes as key drivers of wealth management revenue growth, with a medium-term guidance of double-digit growth in fees [73][74] Question: Concerns Regarding Credit Risk - Management reassured that direct exposure to private credit is minimal, with strong credit underwriting principles applied [76][77] Question: Update on Madoff Litigation - Management provided insights on the ongoing litigation, confirming that the provision reflects their best judgment based on legal advice [59][90]