After reaping the rewards of a “higher for longer” interest rate environment over the past few years, the banking sector is facing new headwinds as lower benchmark rates and competitive pricing squeeze lending margins. How are the big three Singapore banks navigating this new landscape? We check in with Sarah Jane Mahmud, Senior Industry Analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence for the Singapore banking sector outlook in 2026.

After reaping the rewards of a “higher for longer” interest rate environment over the past few years, the banking sector is facing new headwinds as lower benchmark rates and competitive pricing squeeze lending margins. How are the big three Singapore banks navigating this new landscape? We check in with Sarah Jane Mahmud, Senior Industry Analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence for the Singapore banking sector outlook in 2026.

Opinion and analysis of today’s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Opinion and analysis of today&rsquo;s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Morning Brief

Singapore Banks Remain Resilient Despite New Headwinds

Iran has submitted a revised 14-point peace proposal to the US amid ongoing threats of military escalation and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. With Tehran offering limited nuclear concessions while demanding sanctions relief and an end to the naval blockade, how serious is this attempt at de-escalation, and what would the failure of these talks mean for global energy markets, regional stability, and economies across ASEAN?



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Iran has submitted a revised 14-point peace proposal to the US amid ongoing threats of military escalation and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. With Tehran offering limited nuclear concessions while demanding sanctions relief and an end to the naval blockade, how serious is this attempt at de-escalation, and what would the failure of these talks mean for global energy markets, regional stability, and economies across ASEAN?Image Credit: Shutterstock

Can Iran’s New Peace Plan Prevent a Wider War?

Malaysia is seeking more than RM1 billion in compensation after Norway revoked an export licence for a key naval missile system despite most of the contract already being paid. As defence supply chains become increasingly shaped by geopolitics and strategic alliances, what does this dispute reveal about the risks of long-term military procurement and the need for ASEAN countries to rethink defence partnerships and self-reliance?



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia is seeking more than RM1 billion in compensation after Norway revoked an export licence for a key naval missile system despite most of the contract already being paid. As defence supply chains become increasingly shaped by geopolitics and strategic alliances, what does this dispute reveal about the risks of long-term military procurement and the need for ASEAN countries to rethink defence partnerships and self-reliance?Image Credit: Shutterstock

What Malaysia’s Missile Dispute Says About Defence Dependence

Global equity markets staged a strong rebound in April and early May, reversing earlier-year volatility as AI-driven optimism and improving risk sentiment fuel a broad rally. Todd Brighton, Senior Vice President and portfolio manager at Franklin Income Investors, unpacks whether this equity surge is sustainable in this current mixed economic environment.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Global equity markets staged a strong rebound in April and early May, reversing earlier-year volatility as AI-driven optimism and improving risk sentiment fuel a broad rally. Todd Brighton, Senior Vice President and portfolio manager at Franklin Income Investors, unpacks whether this equity surge is sustainable in this current mixed economic environment.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Singapore Banks Remain Resilient Despite New Headwinds

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