DBS, a Singapore-based bank, has reported a record pre-tax profit despite the overall net profit experiencing a decrease due to the institution of the new global minimum tax.
In the year 2025, DBS reported a 3% decline in net profit, amounting to S$11 billion ($8.7 billion). However, the bank’s return on equity and return on tangible equity saw growth, reaching 16.2% and 17.8% respectively.
DBS also demonstrated a rise in total income by 3% to a record S$22.9 billion. Key factors contributing to this increase included fee income and treasury customer sales. The bank’s wealth management sector lead the way in these gains, and the markets trading income was the highest observed since 2021. Notably, the cost-income ratio maintained stability at 40%.
When considering the impact of the recently introduced global minimum tax of 15%, the bank’s pre-tax profit was slightly higher, reaching an all-time high of S$13.1 billion.
DBS CEO, Tan Su Shan, expressed confidence in the bank’s performance. He emphasized the bank’s adaptability in capturing market opportunities and meeting client needs as crucial to its successful performance. With ongoing rate pressures and geopolitical tensions, he acknowledged these challenges but was optimistic about the bank’s strong balance sheet and the quality of its franchise to provide a stable foundation for the coming year.
What were DBS’s net profits for 2025?
DBS reported a 3% decline in net profits for the year 2025, amounting to S$11 billion ($8.7 billion).
What contributed to the growth in the bank’s total income?
The growth in the bank’s total income was largely due to fee income and treasury customer sales, particularly from the wealth management sector.
What is DBS CEO’s outlook for the coming year?
Despite acknowledging ongoing rate pressures and geopolitical tensions, DBS CEO, Tan Su Shan, remains optimistic about the bank’s strong balance sheet and the quality of its franchise as a solid foundation for the future.
