Maybank vs Public Bank Berhad
Maybank holds the stronger position because it runs a larger, ASEAN-wide branch network and posts higher net profit than Public Bank, even though both banks share the same stability and low competitive pressure.
Public Bank Berhad
Public Bank Berhad: 60-year-old Malaysian bank for deposits, loans, and now insurance
Dimension by dimension
| Dimension | Maybank | Public Bank Berhad |
|---|---|---|
| Staying power of the core product | Hard to displace, resting on deposit and lending relationships across the region. | Also built to last, backed by 60 years of deposit and loan business. |
| Exposure to AI | AI is unlikely to absorb Maybank's core banking product. | AI is unlikely to absorb Public Bank's core banking product. |
| How easily a giant could copy them | Copying is blocked, tied to licensing and customer trust built over decades. | Copying is blocked for the same licensing and trust reasons. |
| Pressure from rivals | Faces limited competitive pressure, with no meaningful customer loss shown. | Also faces limited competitive pressure, with no meaningful customer loss shown. |
| Scale and regional reach | Operates branches across all 10 ASEAN countries, giving it the wider footprint. | Description centers on Malaysia with a newer move into insurance, no stated ASEAN-wide branch network. |
| Financial footing | FY2025 net profit of RM10.51 billion, up 4.2% year over year, though Q1 FY2026 profit dipped 4.2% to RM2.48 billion. | FY2025 net profit of RM7.22 billion with a 12 to 13% return on equity, and Q1 FY2026 profit of RM1.75 billion. |
Questions people ask
- Is Maybank or Public Bank better protected from AI disruption?
- Neither bank's core lending and deposit business is likely to be replaced by AI tools, and both carry a blocked score against copying by larger tech firms. Maybank and Public Bank sit in the same position here, with licensing rules and customer trust keeping the business intact for both.
- Which bank makes more profit, Maybank or Public Bank?
- Maybank posted RM10.51 billion in FY2025 net profit, up 4.2% from the prior year, while Public Bank reported RM7.22 billion for the same period. Maybank is the larger of the two by net income.
- Which bank has better regional reach, Maybank or Public Bank?
- Maybank operates branches across all 10 ASEAN countries, giving it a wider regional presence. Public Bank's description points to a more Malaysia-centered business with a newer push into insurance.
- Which bank has stronger quarterly momentum, Maybank or Public Bank?
- Maybank's Q1 FY2026 net profit fell 4.2% year over year to RM2.48 billion, while Public Bank's Q1 FY2026 net profit was RM1.75 billion without a comparable growth figure given. Maybank shows a slight quarterly dip while Public Bank's trend cannot be judged from the same evidence.
- Is Public Bank diversifying beyond traditional banking?
- Public Bank's description notes it now offers insurance alongside deposits and loans, pointing to some diversification. Maybank's description centers on its ASEAN branch network rather than new business lines.
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