Malaysia

Maybank expects to issue 10,000 prepaid cards within the next 12 months as it targets double-digit growth in the sector within three to four years.

Hong Leong Islamic expects its debit cards to increase total deposits from RM75 million to RM200 million or US$64.13 million.

ABN AMRO will start providing its escrow and settlement services in Asia as it focuses its international growth on specialist businesses.

Reports say that unexpected legal hurdles hindered CIMB from acquiring RBS India assets.

The Association of Banks in Malaysia is sharing ideas with SMEs, business organisations and banks in Sabah and Sarawak through dialogue.

Bank Simpanan Nasional will appoint 260 agents by year-end to boost the current 57 agents for its 3B services in Penang.

Standard and Poor's foresees most banks in Southeast Asia capable of withstanding external pressures but must brace for slower economic growth amid the uncertain external environment in 2012.

Islamic finance players pay more attention to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member countries before venturing into other continents, says a banker.

Public Bank's return on equity has peaked and is on a declining trend going forward, according to Alliance Research.

Public Bank's pre-tax profit slightly increased by 2.1 percent to RM2.49 billion in the first half from RM2.43 billion in the same period of 2011.

News that Bank Indonesia will make exceptions for higher ownership levels in local banks will reflect positively on the share prices of Maybank and CIMB.

India's LIC Housing Finance Ltd, is looking to expand in Malaysia and Singapore as it seeks to increase its overseas presence.

Moody's gave a stable outlook for Malaysia's banking system in the next 12 to 18 months with its expansionary policies tosupport credit growth.

Malaysia welcomes the continued participation of Japanese financial institutions in the domestic financial sector and in the Labuan International Business and Financial Centre.

Agrobank expects to disburse at least US$15.7 million in loans with the launch of its latest product aimed at reducing the financial burden of the padi farmers.