DBS Inks MOU With Australian Trade Commission
Singapore-based DBS has signed an agreement with a trade commission in Australia to deepen investment links as the bank celebrates a decade in Sydney.
DBS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), according to a statement, which aims to create opportunities for Australian companies and investors to expand into the bank’s markets in Southeast Asia including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Under the agreement, the two partners will offer essential resources, such as market insights and regulatory guidance, as well as facilitate connections with regional partners and industry leaders for commercial opportunities. Where appropriate, DBS will leverage its capabilities to provide advisory services such as support on market entry strategies, financial planning and risk management.
Plans are already underway to jointly organize an investor roundtable in Sydney in the third quarter of 2025 to engage businesses and showcase regional investment opportunities.
10th Anniversary
The collaboration was announced in conjunction with the Singapore lender's 10th anniversary in Australia after it set up a branch in 2015 to facilitate business growth in the country, as well as to connect clients there with Asia and vice-versa. Notable areas of focus include real estate, energy transition, digital infrastructure and outbound investments for regional expansion strategies.
«We are pleased that over the past decade, we have been able to facilitate investment and trade flows for our customers in Australia and to structure and support business initiatives of Australian corporates in the region,» said DBS CEO Tan Su Shan.
«Looking ahead, the bank will continue to dial up support for customers in key growth sectors such as technology, renewables, energy and infrastructure. We will also continue to support the growth of financial institutions including superannuation funds. The MOU with Austrade reaffirms our belief in the potential of Australia-Southeast Asia connectivity and enables us to deliver on our shared ambition to drive meaningful impact across the region.»
Five-Year Target
During a press conference, Tan added that DBS aims to nearly double its Australian lending book in five years from the current A$11 billion ($7.1 billion) to A$20 billion.
«Australian companies have been more domestic-centric. We are trying to change that narrative,» according to a «Reuters» report citing Tan.
