The three major banks in Singapore have long been important pillars of local portfolios.
These two banks - UOB and OCBC Bank - have attracted attention because they have a good track record in terms of dividend payouts. This is not surprising.
As interest rates begin to gradually decline, investors are closely watching how these two banks will respond to the situation of lower profit margins and reduced loan demand.
UOB is increasing its business expansion in the region, while OCBC relies on its broader and more diversified business portfolio to maintain its development.
But the real question is which strategy will stand out when the interest rate cycle changes.
UOB: Expanding regional footprint
In recent years, UOB has been quietly expanding its business coverage in the ASEAN region.
The acquisition of Citigroup's consumer banking divisions in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia has brought the bank millions of new customers and enabled it to establish a foothold in some of the most dynamic markets in the region.
The current task is to achieve integration.
The management has been working hard to carry out product cross-selling activities, such as credit cards, personal loans and wealth management services, and over time, this has improved the profitability of the entire business network.
In the first half of 2025 (1H2025), the bank’s net interest income (NII) remained stable at S$4.7 billion.
Under non-interest income, net fee income recorded double-digit growth, supported by stronger wealth and card fees.
Overall, UOB earned about S$4 billion in operating profit, up 3% compared to a year ago.
UOB declared an interim dividend of S$0.85 per ordinary share, representing a payout ratio of approximately 50%, plus the second tranche of its special dividend worth S$0.25 per share, underscoring the management’s confidence in its capital strength.
The advantage of this local bank lies in its growth journey within the ASEAN region, namely its orderly and strategically significant expansion initiatives in economies such as Vietnam and Indonesia. In these countries, the continuous growth of residents' income should support the credit demand.
Although short-term profits will be limited by the narrowing profit margins, its strong capital base and stable dividend record make it an ideal choice for investors who seek returns while also hoping to gain regional growth advantages.
OCBC: A diversified source of revenue
OCBC operates under a multi-engine model.
In addition to its traditional lending business, the bank has established a considerable business in the insurance and wealth management sectors, enabling it to gain an advantage when interest rates start to decline.
Through its 89% stake in Great Eastern Holdings, OCBC has been able to deeply participate in the rapidly growing life insurance and investment markets in the region. In the case of narrowing loan interest rates, this provides it with important revenue security.
That diversification works both ways.
It gives OCBC greater earnings stability over the long run, but it can also make quarterly results look a little uneven when insurance valuations swing with the markets.
For 1H2025, OCBC made about S$3.7 billion in profit — roughly 6% below last year’s level.
The softer showing mainly came from thinner lending margins and a quieter performance at its insurance arm.
The bank’s net interest margin eased to 1.98% for 1H2025, coming in at 1.92% in 2Q2025.
In fact, management guided that full-year margins to land somewhere around 1.9% to 1.95%, with higher funding costs still eating into spreads.
Lending was up by around 9% year on year, while deposits grew by 10% over the same period.
It’s a steady outcome that highlights the depth of OCBC’s customer base across the region.
Non-interest income climbed 8% year on year to S$2.6 billion, thanks to stronger card spending and wealth-management flows.
Elsewhere, the bank’s wealth management income, including private banking, premier private client, premier banking, insurance, asset management and stockbroking, inched up 4% year on year to about S$2.7 billion, making up a little more than a third of group income.
OCBC's diversified business provides it with multiple profit-making channels - including banking services, insurance services, and wealth management services - which help maintain stable performance during different economic cycles.
Although the narrowing of interest margins may bring short-term pressure, the bank's strong capital strength and stable commission income provide it with the impetus for sustainable development.
Growth Potential: UOB vs OCBC
What’s UOB’s edge?
The regional expansion of UOB has provided it with natural development space.
Citigroup's consumer asset integration initiative in the ASEAN region has enhanced its scale and expanded the coverage of its digital banking business.
As interest-based income returns to normal levels, the growth of fee income from wealth and payments will become a key factor.
On the other side, OCBC’s edge stems from its diversified platform.
The bank's business branches in the Greater China region, combined with its insurance department, have enabled it to explore market opportunities outside the ASEAN region.
The total managed assets increased by 11% year-on-year, reaching S$310 billion, indicating that the trend of wealth growth remains strong.