Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank Keep Capital Buffers Unchanged

Quick Answer: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) kept Malayan Banking Bhd (KL:MAYBANK), CIMB Group Holdings Bhd (KL:CIMB) and Public Bank Bhd (KL:PPBANK) on its systemically important banks list, with their higher loss absorbency (HLA) buffers unchanged. Maybank’s HLA stays at 1% of risk-weighted assets, while CIMB and Public Bank stay at 0.5% each. The annual assessment used end-2025 data, so the three banks’ extra capital requirements were left where they were.

Why Did Bank Negara Keep Maybank, CIMB and Public Bank on the Systemically Important Banks List?

Bank Negara keeps Maybank, CIMB and Public Bank on systemically important banks list, with capital buffers unchanged — Bank Negara kept the country’s three biggest banks on its systemically important banks list.

BNM’s annual assessment covers the country’s three biggest banks, and it is based on data as at end-2025. The result was posted on the central bank’s website.

The HLA requirement is an extra capital buffer for banks whose financial distress or failure could significantly disrupt the domestic financial system and wider economy.

How Much Extra Capital Must Maybank Hold Compared With CIMB and Public Bank?

Maybank: HLA of 1% of risk-weighted assets
CIMB: HLA of 0.5% of risk-weighted assets
Public Bank: HLA of 0.5% of risk-weighted assets

Maybank carries twice the HLA rate of CIMB or Public Bank. It is the only one of the three at 1%.

BNM’s statement does not put a ringgit figure on these buffers, so the capital cost in RM cannot be worked out from it.

What Powers Does BNM Have Under the D-SIB Framework?

Under the framework, BNM may impose additional capital requirements, enhance supervisory oversight and conduct closer monitoring to safeguard financial stability.

BNM’s 2020 policy document said rising interconnections in the financial system and the regional expansion of financial groups underscore the need to strengthen oversight of these institutions.

What Does Unchanged HLA Mean for Maybank, CIMB and Public Bank Shareholders?

No buffer was raised or cut, so none of the three banks faces a new HLA charge from this assessment. The rates that applied before the assessment still apply.

Worth monitoring: each bank’s capital position in its next results, measured against the 1% (Maybank) and 0.5% (CIMB and Public Bank) HLA rates. For how payouts fit into the wider picture, see our Dividend Investing Guide.

This article is for information only and is not investment advice. Do your own research before making any decision on Maybank, CIMB or Public Bank shares.

Key Takeaways

BNM kept Maybank, CIMB and Public Bank on the systemically important banks list.
HLA rates are 1% for Maybank and 0.5% each for CIMB and Public Bank, unchanged.
The assessment is based on end-2025 data.
Under the D-SIB framework, BNM can add capital requirements, supervision and closer monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which banks are on Bank Negara’s systemically important banks list?

Bank Negara kept Malayan Banking Bhd (KL:MAYBANK), CIMB Group Holdings Bhd (KL:CIMB) and Public Bank Bhd (KL:PPBANK) on the list. The source describes them as the country’s three biggest banks.

What is Maybank’s HLA requirement?

Maybank’s higher loss absorbency requirement is 1% of risk-weighted assets. CIMB and Public Bank each have 0.5%, and all three were unchanged in the assessment based on end-2025 data.

What is the D-SIB framework?

The D-SIB framework covers banks whose financial distress or failure could significantly disrupt the domestic financial system and wider economy. Under it, BNM may impose additional capital requirements and closer supervision.

Does an unchanged HLA requirement affect Maybank shareholders?

Maybank’s extra capital requirement stays at 1% of risk-weighted assets, the same as before this assessment. The source does not say how this affects dividends, so check the bank’s next results.

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