Latest news with #MBSBInvestmentBank


New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Wan Kamaruzaman named MBSB Investment Bank chairman
KUALA LUMPUR: MBSB Group has appointed Datuk Wan Kamaruzaman Wan Ahmad as the new chairman of MBSB Investment Bank, effective today. In a statement, the group said this expanded role represents a key step in unifying leadership across its commercial and investment banking operations. Wan Kamaruzaman currently chairs MBSB Bhd and MBSB Bank Bhd. Wan Kamaruzaman currently serves as Chairman of both MBSB Bhd and MBSB Bank Bhd. With over four decades of experience in banking and public-sector finance, his appointment is expected to enhance alignment and accelerate the group's push toward integrated, client-focused solutions under its FLIGHT26 strategic roadmap. "I am honoured to serve in this expanded capacity. MBSB Group has a unique opportunity to build something enduring – where commercial banking, investment banking, and values-based finance come together to meet real needs. "I look forward to working with both teams to move closer to that vision," said Wan Kamaruzaman. Before joining MBSB Group, Wan Kamaruzaman served as the Retirement Fund Inc. (KWAP) chief executive officer (CEO). His earlier roles include general manager of treasury at Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and senior leadership positions at Malayan Banking Bhd, with international postings in Hamburg and London, as well as CEO roles within the Affin Group. Meanwhile, his governance experience spans multiple boards, including Bursa Malaysia Bhd, Bank of America Malaysia, and Malakoff Corp Bhd, while he remains actively involved in industry bodies such as the FTSE Russell Advisory Committee and the Institutional Investors Council Malaysia. He currently sits on the boards of Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) and Bermaz Auto Bhd. MBSB Group also extended its appreciation to outgoing MBSB Investment Bank Chairman Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali, who concluded his six-year tenure on August 4.


The Sun
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia targets 4-5% GDP growth under 13MP, says MBSB Research
KUALA LUMPUR: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is expected to target sustainable annual GDP growth of 4.0 to 5.0 per cent from 2026 to 2030, according to MBSB Investment Bank (MBSB Research). Key drivers include infrastructure development, domestic consumption, and strategic initiatives like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will table the 13MP later today. MBSB Research highlighted private consumption, which contributes over 60 per cent of GDP, as a major growth engine, supported by rising employment and incomes. Development expenditure is projected at RM80 billion annually, accounting for 3.3 per cent of GDP, ensuring steady project flow for construction firms. 'This spending level is crucial to sustain infrastructure projects without excessive fiscal tightening,' the bank noted. Key infrastructure projects under the 13MP include MRT3, Penang LRT, East Coast Rail Link, Pan Borneo Highway, and airport expansions. Sabah and Sarawak are set to receive significant funding for roads, water supply, and health facilities. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) will play a vital role, with projects like the West Ipoh Span Expressway and Putrajaya-Bangi Expressway boosting private sector involvement. The 13MP also addresses structural reforms in public services, education, and labour markets, aiming for 35 per cent skilled employment by 2030. MBSB Research forecasts corporate earnings to grow at 5.0 per cent annually, potentially lifting the FBM KLCI to between 1,810 and 2,510 points by 2030. - Bernama

Barnama
22-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Research Firms Lower Inflation Forecasts To 1.5-1.8 Pct In 2025
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- Research firms have revised their forecasts for Malaysia's headline inflation in 2025, lowering it to 1.5 per cent to 1.8 per cent. MBSB Investment Bank Bhd has adjusted its 2025 inflation projection to 1.8 per cent, considering the sustained moderate inflation reading and weaker cost pressures in recent months as well as the delay in the RON95 subsidy adjustments, which may lead to a more gradual pickup in inflation than initially forecast. 'We adjust our inflation forecast lower in light of the latest policy developments,' it said. Citing Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, it said there is a slight delay in the implementation of targeted subsidies for RON95 petrol which stems from the necessity for a comprehensive review and meticulous fine-tuning of the policy mechanism to ensure the rollout will not adversely affect the public. 'Overall, we project that higher price pressures will predominantly be driven by supply-side factors, particularly those arising from the expanded sales and service tax (SST) implementation. 'Complementing this, additional demand-side pressures could also grow following the recent Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) adjustment, which may encourage larger consumer expenditures on the back of resilient labour market conditions, with healthy employment and wage growth,' it added. It said that despite the potential rise in demand, MBSB Investment Bank expects the OPR will be kept at 2.75 per cent for the rest of year as overall inflation remains under control. Meanwhile, OCBC senior ASEAN economist Lavanya Venkateswaran said the outlook for headline consumer price index (CPI) remains relatively subdued for the remainder of the year. 'We are reducing our 2025 CPI forecast to 1.5 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) from 2.0 per cent previously based on low inflation of 1.4 per cent in the first half of 2025 (1H 2025) and reduced prospects of RON95 rationalisation.