CIMB Group Holdings Berhad has reported a successful first year for its Forward30 strategy, achieving an annualised return on equity (ROE) of 11.3% for the financial year ending 31 December 2025. The announcement was made during the Group’s 69th Annual General Meeting held at the KLGCC Convention Centre, where all 14 ordinary resolutions were passed.
Despite a challenging economic environment marked by rate cuts and foreign exchange volatility, CIMB Group’s focused execution of its Forward30 strategy resulted in a record net profit of RM7.9b, a 4.2% increase on a constant currency basis from the previous year. The strategy focuses on capital reallocation, enhancing cash franchise, improving cross-sell performance, and scaling capabilities.
Datuk Syed Zaid Albar, Chairman of CIMB Group, emphasised the importance of strong governance and strategic oversight, stating, “Anchored by our diversified ASEAN footprint, sound balance sheet and a franchise built on trust, CIMB is well-positioned to participate in the region’s next phase of development.”
The Group also announced a RM2 billion capital return programme to shareholders by 2027 and declared a total annual dividend of 47.1 sen per share, amounting to a record total dividend payout of RM5.1b. Novan Amirudin, Group CEO, highlighted the Group’s commitment to customer engagement through digital solutions and investment in technology, with over RM1b allocated annually to modernise systems and enhance efficiency.
Looking ahead, CIMB plans to expand its Islamic banking sector and continue its nation-building efforts, pledging RM200m to societal initiatives by 2030. As the Group advances its Forward30 strategy, it aims to become the leading ASEAN bank by 2030.
