BEST BANK
DBS
BEST EQUITY HOUSE
UBS
BEST DEBT HOUSE
HSBC
BEST M&A HOUSE
CSFB
DBS retains the best bank in Singapore award as it continues to dominate the island state's growing economy. With total bank assets of $85.6 billion as at December 2004, DBS is Singapore's largest bank, just ahead of rival UOB. DBS is a full retail and corporate banking operation with a network of more than 170 branches in Singapore and 11,000 employees. The group operates a "two brands, one bank" strategy, with DBS operations aimed at the wealthier local customers and POSB addressing the mass market.
DBS holds a 56% market share in deposits and is number two in consumer finance and credit cards, with market shares of 26% and 18% respectively. DBS is a leading player in the local housing market, with an outstanding mortgage loan portfolio of $2.2 billion. The bank also boasts more than 620,000 online customers.
DBS is also Singapore's most profitable bank, with net income in 2004 of $1.2 billion and a return on average equity of 11.39%.
UBS wins the best equity house in Singapore award as a result of a strong performance in primary issuance over the past 12 months as well as its continuing pre-eminent position in secondary trading.