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

A recent report by the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) revealed that 78% of chairperson roles on federal statutory bodies lacked formal qualifications and political appointments remain widespread. Why have reforms been slow to take shape? We speak with Aira Azhari, Chief Executive Officer of IDEAS.



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A recent report by the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) revealed that 78% of chairperson roles on federal statutory bodies lacked formal qualifications and political appointments remain widespread. Why have reforms been slow to take shape? We speak with Aira Azhari, Chief Executive Officer of IDEAS.The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: Shutterstock

How to Make Statutory Bodies More Independent

Japan’s economy grew 0.3 percent quarter on quarter in the fourth quarter, stronger than first estimated, with domestic demand and business investment revised higher. But risks are building from weaker global trade, higher oil prices and pressure on real wages. We discuss what this means for Japan’s economy and policy with Stefan Angrick, Head of Japan and Frontier Economics at Moody’s Analytics.

Japan’s economy grew 0.3 percent quarter on quarter in the fourth quarter, stronger than first estimated, with domestic demand and business investment revised higher. But risks are building from weaker global trade, higher oil prices and pressure on real wages. We discuss what this means for Japan’s economy and policy with Stefan Angrick, Head of Japan and Frontier Economics at Moody’s Analytics.

Balancing Act for Japan Economy

With mounting speculation that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim may call early GE16 elections to coincide with state polls in Melaka and Johor, we speak to Adib Zalkapli of Viewfinder Global Affairs to unpack recent developments.


He weighs in on the internal tremors within Bersatu following the strategic suspensions of Dato Sri Ronald Kiandee and Dato Mas Ermieyati, Dato Sri Hamzah Zainudin's search for a new political platform, and the strategic motivations behind Umno’s recent invitation for former members to return.

With mounting speculation that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim may call early GE16 elections to coincide with state polls in Melaka and Johor, we speak to Adib Zalkapli of Viewfinder Global Affairs to unpack recent developments. He weighs in on the internal tremors within Bersatu following the strategic suspensions of Dato Sri Ronald Kiandee and Dato Mas Ermieyati, Dato Sri Hamzah Zainudin's search for a new political platform, and the strategic motivations behind Umno’s recent invitation for former members to return.

Singapore Banks Remain Resilient Despite New Headwinds

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