Explore the latest earnings, dividends, and outlook for Singapore’s top bank stocks—DBS, UOB, and OCBC—and how to invest in them with Syfe.
As Singapore celebrates its 60th birthday, we reflect not only on our nation’s remarkable progress but also on the institutions that have powered our economic growth. At the heart of Singapore’s financial success are the Big Three banks: DBS, UOB, and OCBC.
These banks are essential pillars of the local economy, consistent dividend payers, and reliable performers for investors seeking long-term income and stability. Whether you’re building a core income portfolio or looking for resilient dividend stocks in uncertain markets, Singapore bank stocks continue to stand out.
In this SG60 special, we look at how Singapore’s banks have performed in recent years, their earnings and dividend outlook, and how investors can easily gain exposure to these blue-chip dividend stocks.
Singapore Bank Stocks Performance Overview
Despite facing global uncertainties—from the pandemic to high inflation and interest rate hikes—Singapore banks have delivered solid results across the board.
| Bank | FY2024 Net Profit | Dividend per Share | Forward Dividend Yield (%) | Dividend Payout Ratio (%) | 5-Year Total Return* |
| DBS | S$11.4B | S$2.22 | 5.0% | 56% | 229% |
| OCBC | S$7.6B | S$1.01 | 5.0% | 60% | 141% |
| UOB | S$6.0B | S$2.30 | 4.9% | 65% | 130% |
*Total return includes capital appreciation + reinvested dividends over the last 5 years (2019–2024). Sources: DBS, OCBC, UOB, July 2025.
DBS Group Holdings (SGX: D05)
DBS, Southeast Asia’s largest bank, has been a leader in digital innovation and regional expansion. It posted a record net profit of S$11.4 billion in FY2024, and continues to show resilience in 2025 with solid loan growth and improved fee income.
Shareholders have been well rewarded. DBS’s dividend per share rose to S$2.22 this year, and it has committed to quarterly payouts, a move that enhances predictability and appeal for income-focused investors. With a dividend yield around 5%–6%, it remains one of the top-yielding blue chips on the SGX.
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (SGX: O39)
OCBC has successfully diversified beyond banking through its insurance arm Great Eastern and asset management business. It reported record earnings of S$7.59 billion in 2024, driven by strong net interest income and growth in its wealth management segment.
Its full-year dividend rose to S$1.01 per share and a yield of 5%. OCBC also boasts one of the highest CET1 ratios in the region, providing ample buffer to sustain or even raise dividends ahead.
United Overseas Bank (SGX: U11)
UOB has maintained its reputation for prudent growth and strong fundamentals. Its earnings for FY2024 came in at S$6.0 billion, up from the previous year, with positive momentum from its acquisition of Citibank’s consumer business in ASEAN markets.
It declared a total dividend of S$2.30 per share, offering a yield of around 4.9%. UOB’s stable dividend policy and consistent earnings make it a favourite among conservative, income-seeking investors.
Why Dividend Investors Favour Singapore Bank Stocks
Singapore’s Big Three banks are known for strong balance sheets, steady cash flows, and high dividend payout ratios. In a world of fluctuating bond yields and volatile equity markets, bank stocks offer a rare combination of yield, growth, and defensiveness.
Dividends from DBS, UOB, and OCBC are typically well-covered by earnings, with payout ratios ranging between 50–65%, providing room for sustained or rising payouts. For investors looking to replace or supplement income from fixed deposits or SSBs (Singapore Savings Bonds), bank dividends offer a compelling alternative — with the potential for capital appreciation too.
Moreover, Singapore banks benefit from structural tailwinds such as rising regional wealth, ASEAN economic growth, and Singapore’s growing status as a global wealth and fintech hub.
How to Invest in Singapore Bank Stocks with Syfe
If you’re looking to add DBS, UOB, or OCBC to your portfolio, Syfe makes it simple and accessible.
SG Banks Bundle on Syfe Brokerage
The SG Banks Bundle offers an equal-weighted basket of the three major banks. This curated bundle provides instant diversification within the banking sector and is ideal for investors who want stable dividend income without having to analyse each bank individually.
You’ll also receive dividends from each stock, proportionate to your holdings. And thanks to fractional shares, you can start investing with just a small amount.
Straits Times Index (STI) ETFs
For those seeking broader exposure, STI ETFs (like the SPDR STI ETF or Nikko AM STI ETF) include heavy weightings in DBS, UOB, and OCBC. This approach gives you diversification across other top Singapore companies, such as REITs and telcos, while still enjoying bank-driven dividend returns.
Both investment options are available on Syfe Brokerage, with low-cost, seamless execution for stocks and bundles.
What’s Ahead for Bank Earnings and Dividends?
Looking ahead, Singapore banks may face moderating net interest margins as central banks begin to ease interest rates. However, loan books remain healthy, asset quality is stable, and fee income is recovering, especially from wealth management and credit cards.
Banks have also become more digitally agile, with strong adoption of AI and digital banking tools, which should support efficiency gains. Meanwhile, capital ratios remain robust, giving management ample flexibility to maintain or even grow dividends.
In other words, while the high rate tailwind may soften, the long-term thesis for investing in Singapore banks remains intact. Investors can expect:
- Sustainable dividend payouts
- Capital preservation and modest growth
- Exposure to Asia’s rising financial flows and digitalisation trends
SG60 Promo
For SG60, you can help your friends get started on their investing journey. Refer a friend, and you will each receive complimentary stocks of DBS (D05), UOB (U11) and OCBC (O39).
How does it work?
- Send your referral link to your friends and family.
- They sign up and deposit S$2,000 into their Syfe Brokerage.
- They can keep it in cash or buy shares, as long as they maintain their deposited amount for 30 days.
- You will both receive your DBS, UOB and OCBC bank shares on 30 October 2025.
To receive your shares without delay, ensure your Brokerage account is verified and funded with any amount.
Read the Terms & Conditions here.
Final Thoughts: Invest the Singapore Way
As we mark SG60, there’s no better way to celebrate Singapore’s resilience than by investing in the institutions that have helped build it. DBS, UOB, and OCBC are more than just bank stocks—they represent the values of stability, prudence, and long-term vision.Whether you’re just starting your dividend journey or looking to reinforce your income portfolio, Singapore bank stocks remain a core pillar of smart investing. With Syfe Brokerage, getting started is easy, and you can invest in these national champions with confidence.
You must be logged in to post a comment.