DBS is safest bank in Asia for seventh consecutive year

Singapore, Regional, 10 Sep 2015 - DBS Bank announced today that it has been named “Safest Bank in Asia” for the seventh consecutive year by leading trade publication Global Finance. The bank also moved up one place to the 11th spot on the global list of safest banks.

DBS retained its 2nd place position on the list of World’s Safest Commercial Banks, which comprises financial institutions which are not backed by government guarantees. “The past year has been a rollercoaster for companies and investors, as some of the region’s biggest markets have seen intense volatility and major market changes,” said Joseph Giarraputo, publisher and editorial director of Global Finance.

“Geopolitical risk continues to be a concern in regions as diverse as Europe, the Middle East and Asia. This ranking offers companies and investors an objective tool for evaluating the stability and security of the world’s banks—both globally and by region,” Giarraputo notes.

Piyush Gupta, CEO of DBS Bank said, “DBS is honoured to be recognised as the safest bank in Asia for the seventh year running. This year has been marked by slowing growth across the region, and intense market volatility. Despite that, our first-half net profit reached a record high. Topping the Global Finance ranking is testament to the resilience of the franchise, and the strong governance and risk management processes underpinning our business.”

Since 1992, the ranking has been a recognised standard of creditworthiness for the financial world. The banks were selected through an evaluation of long-term credit ratings – from Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings – and total assets of the 500 largest banks worldwide.

DBS’ in-depth knowledge of Asian markets, innovative products, high credit ratings and strong balance sheet have positioned the bank well to grow and capture opportunities in the region. DBS delivered record net profit of SGD 2.39 billion for the first half of 2015. Excluding a one-time gain, net profit rose 12% to SGD 2.25 billion.

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About DBS
DBS - Living, Breathing Asia
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia, with over 280 branches across 18 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS has a growing presence in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's capital position, as well as "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings, is among the highest in Asia-Pacific. DBS has been recognised for its leadership in the region, having been named “Asia’s Best Bank” by The Banker, a member of the Financial Times group, and “Best Bank in Asia-Pacific” by Global Finance. The bank has also been named “Safest Bank in Asia” by Global Finance for seven consecutive years from 2009 to 2015.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking activities across Asia. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. These market insights and regional connectivity have helped to drive the bank’s growth as it sets out to be the Asian bank of choice. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, and positively impacting communities through supporting social enterprises, as it banks the Asian way. It has also established a SGD 50 million foundation to strengthen its corporate social responsibility efforts in Singapore and across Asia.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. The bank acknowledges the passion, commitment and can-do spirit in all of our 21,000 staff, representing over 40 nationalities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.