$DBS(D05.SI)$ **Why DBS is the Best Bank on the SGX**

DBS Group Holdings (SGX: D05) stands as Singapore’s largest bank and Southeast Asia’s biggest by assets, consistently outperforming peers OCBC and UOB on profitability, digital leadership, and shareholder returns.

In the first nine months of 2026, DBS delivered record net profit of S$8.82 billion and total income of S$17.9 billion. Return on equity held strong at 17%, well ahead of OCBC and UOB. Even in a tougher rate environment, its wealth franchise shone: assets under management reached a new high of S$544 billion, while fee and commission income rose 15% year-on-year, driven by wealth management.

DBS maintains among the highest credit ratings globally (AA-/Aa1) and has been named the Safest Bank in Asia by Global Finance for 18 consecutive years. It also claimed World’s Best Digital Bank 2026 (first Asia-headquartered winner), World’s Best Corporate Bank, and multiple AI awards, reflecting genuine technological leadership that peers struggle to match.

Shareholders benefit from consistent capital returns. The bank pays a quarterly dividend (most recently 81 cents, including a capital-return component), delivering a trailing yield around 4.5–4.6%—among the highest of the local banks. Strong capital ratios and low non-performing loans (around 0.9%) underpin this sustainability.

While OCBC shows solid underlying banking momentum and UOB offers competitive ordinary yields, DBS combines superior profitability, scale, digital edge, and safety. For investors seeking quality compounders on the SGX, DBS remains the clear leader.