HLB was also recognised within the Top 3 Performers for Best Large Cap Company in Investor Relations in the Financial Services category.

Malkit Singh, HLB’s Chief Financial Officer [center left] at the Bursa Malaysia IR Awards Ceremony, alongside John Han, HLB’s Head of Corporate Finance & Investor Relations [left]; Victoria Ng, Manager of Corporate Finance & Investor Relations at HLB [center left]; and Poong Chun Leong, Manager of Corporate Finance & Investor Relations at HLB [right]

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 OCTOBER 2026 - Hong Leong Bank (“HLB” or the “Bank”) Chief Financial Officer Malkit Singh has been named Best CFO in Investor Relations at the Bursa Malaysia Investor Relations Awards 2026.

 

The recognition reflects the Bank’s leadership in maintaining industry confidence, sound governance and financial transparency amid a broader strategic transformation. In line with Malaysia’s MY Value Up program, the Bank’s Investor Relations strategy prioritises effectively articulating HLB’s core strategic direction and execution capabilities to the investment community, leading to the Bank also being recognised as the Top 3 Performers for Best Large Cap Company in IR (Financial Services).

 

Beyond managing fiscal controls, these recognitions reflect the Bank’s financial stewardship that focuses on improving operational efficiency, identifying emerging opportunity gaps, and ensuring capital is deployed prudently to support long-term growth. As HLB continues to scale core business segments, expand its regional presence, and integrate artificial intelligence across its operations, the Bank also remains centered on balancing innovation with active risk management and clear market communication.

 

Commenting on the awards, Malkit said, “At HLB, we believe that effective financial leadership is as much about market transparency and stakeholder trust as it is about operational performance. As we execute our bankwide strategic transformation, our focus in Investor Relations is to maintain open, continuous dialogue with analysts, fund managers and shareholders, ensuring that our drive for efficiency and new growth opportunities is always backed by strong governance and clear financial disclosures. We remain deeply grateful for the continued trust and strong support of our investment community, shareholders, and valued partners throughout this journey.”

 

HLB’s recognition is anchored in robust financial execution and sound balance sheet discipline. For Financial Year 2026, the Bank delivered strong financial performance with profit after tax expanding 6.0% year-on-year as a result of broad-based expansion across key engines of growth and steadfast AI realisation. Gross loans/financing growth momentum remained robust while upholding a solid asset quality profile headlined by a low gross impaired loan ratio of 0.57%. While the Bank continued to preserve a healthy capital position, this dual delivery of structural resilience and financial performance enabled the Bank to improve dividend payout ratio to 50.4%, up from 46.6% in the previous year, delivering sustainable returns to shareholders.

 

The award follows recent industry acknowledgments for HLB, including recognition as Best Managed Bank in Malaysia and Best Bank CEO in Malaysia from The Asian Banker. Together, these reflect the Bank’s continued focus on governance, transparent financial disclosures, and sustainable value delivery for shareholders.