OCBC to merge securities units into global markets arm

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. (OCBC) will integrate its securities units — including OCBC Securities, OCBC Securities Brokerage (Hong Kong), and OCBC Sekuritas (Indonesia) — into its global markets division effective July 1, 2025, to better tap institutional and high-net-worth clients. The move aims to develop holistic wealth offerings and strengthen OCBC’s role in primary equity origination, as interest in Asia’s equity markets grows. Kenneth Lai, head of global markets, will oversee the enlarged division and chair OCBC Securities’ board. Retail brokerage remains a key revenue contributor, but OCBC sees untapped potential in institutional equities. Customers and staff will not be affected operationally. OCBC shares fell 1.3% to SGD16.14 (USD12.44) at midday Wednesday following the announcement.