KUALA LUMPUR (March 13): The banking sector continues to offer defensive qualities and remains well buffered, despite the heightened geopolitical uncertainty, according to CIMB Securities Sdn Bhd. It said the sector remains supported by robust capital buffers, with sector CET1 ratios comfortably above regulatory requirements and well-anchored liquidity positions. “Nonetheless, prolonged uncertainties (with elevated oil prices) could pressure the broader economy, eventually affecting the banking sector. “Consequently, we have raised our core net profit forecasts for both Alliance and HLB,” it said. CIMB Securities added that it maintains an "overweight" stance on the banking sector.

Source: The Edge Markets March 13, 2026 06:20 UTC