DBS Group Holdings (DBS) is one of the largest financial services groups in Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, DBS is a well-capitalised bank with "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings that are among the highest in the Asia-Pacific region.
DBS was established in 1968 as the development bank of Singapore. It was the catalyst to Singapore's economic development during the nation's early years of independence. Since then, DBS has transformed into a successful financial services institution, offering a comprehensive range of innovative products and solutions to meet its clients' needs. With operations in 16 markets, the bank has a regional network spanning more than 200 branches and over 1,000 ATMs across 50 cities.
As one of the leading banks in Asia, DBS also acknowledges the passion, commitment and can-do spirit in each of its 14,000 staff, representing over 30 nationalities. We are committed to empowering, educating and engaging our staff so as to build a high performance organisation renowned for its good customer service and innovative business solutions.
Market Leadership in Singapore and Hong Kong
DBS' primary operations are in Singapore and Hong Kong, two of Asia's best regulated markets, which contributed 65% and 19% of net profit in 2008 respectively. The bank operates two brands in Singapore - DBS and POSB. POSB is a well-loved mass market franchise that currently has a customer base of over 3.2 million Singaporeans. Together, DBS and POSB operate close to 80 branches and over 930 ATMs at various locations. DBS also has leading market shares in mortgage loans and credit cards in Singapore. In Hong Kong, DBS has an extensive branch and ATM network, operating more than 50 branches and over 70 ATMs.
DBS is a leading consumer bank in Singapore and Hong Kong, serving over 4 million and 1 million retail customers respectively.
The bank has also been a key partner in spearheading and financing the growth of Singapore's small and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs. In Hong Kong, DBS is a leading player in the SME banking space, with leading market shares in equipment and trade finance.
DBS is also a pioneer in the capital markets with extensive product origination and risk management capabilities. The bank was the first to launch Singapore's first real estate investment trust (Reit) in 2002 and is instrumental in meeting the growing demand of such funds in the region. It is also a well-regarded custodian for institutional investors and provider of wealth management products for individuals.
A leader in treasury operations, DBS extends a broad range of capabilities in foreign exchange and derivatives, money market and securities trading to corporations and financial institutions.
Growing in the Region
Building on the strengths of its Singapore and Hong Kong businesses, DBS is steadily making its mark in the region. Greater China - comprising China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, is a key part of DBS' regional strategy. DBS is the first Singapore bank to incorporate in China in May 2007, and has 7 branches and 6 sub-branches across the country. In May 2008, DBS integrated Taiwan's Bowa Bank into its operations after acquiring the “good bank assets” in February. It now has 40 distribution outlets and 5 DBS Treasures centres across the country.
In India, DBS has 10 branches across key cities like Mumbai and Delhi. DBS India also has a 37.5% stake in Cholamandalam DBS Finance Ltd, a non-bank financial institution. In Indonesia, DBS has a 99%-owned subsidiary, PT Bank DBS Indonesia, and is rapidly expanding its footprint across the country. It currently has a network of 40 branches spread across 11 cities.
In July 2008, DBS opened a representative office in Vietnam to spearhead its wholesale banking business in the country as well as the greater Indochina region. DBS also made inroads into the Middle East through a representative office in Dubai. In May 2007, it launched The Islamic Bank of Asia (IB Asia), a partnership between DBS and more than 30 investors from prominent families and industrial groups based in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. IB Asia is headquartered in Singapore and has a representative office in Bahrain.
Last updated 19 May 2009