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This is a risk where bond holders cannot replace investments at a similar return, as bonds are called when interest rates are falling. Our Credit Analyst, Andrew Wong, suggests that one way to overcome this is to invest in non-callable securities or zero-coupon bonds, as they are usually traded at a deep discount.
Experience Day. 5 teams, 5 awesome business pitches to senior management. The #Frankprenuership experience is an internship programme like no other where students are introduced to the world of banking. This year, 30 students were attached to different units in the bank to understudy specially selected line managers, giving them real hands-on experience of ongoing business transformation projects and product development. #WeSeeYou
OEL Singapore, part of Transworld Group Singapore, has plenty to celebrate this month. Not only does it turn 20 – a milestone that we celebrated with a specially-made vessel-shaped cake – but it is also welcoming new vessels to its fleet. OEL Fortune is one of these vessels, and today, a blessing ceremony was held to protect the vessel and ensure safe travels to all onboard. It is always rewarding for us to see our customers succeed and know that we have played a part in their growth journey. #OCBCxSMEs
We’re proud to have been named Asia’s Best Bank for SMEs by Euromoney! This win is not something that we take for granted. Rather, it is added motivation for us to work even harder for our customers. What can they expect from us going forward? Even better digital banking – and beyond banking – solutions, continued internationalisation support from our regional franchise, and most importantly, our customers can expect long-term partnership from us through the different stages of their growth. #OCBCxSME
Our people pull no punches when it comes to living life to the fullest. Caleb Teo works in OCBC Bank’s COO’s office, a place he says is dynamic, energetic and passionate – an atmosphere that reflects his personality. But Caleb, a passionate sportsman, also gives his time to teaching boxing classes at a gym just around the corner from the Bank. “I love boxing because there are life lessons to be learnt,” he says. “As Mike Tyson said, boxing is not a tough man’s sport, it’s a thinking man’s sport.” #PeopleOfOCBC
Recently, our alert staff helped to prevent two love scams. At our Ang Mo Kio Central branch, a female customer in her 40s wanted to transfer USD$30,000 for “lawyer fees” to a personal account in Turkey. Service Ambassador Yeo Xuan Bing (middle) alerted Service Officers Jefferson Yeo (right) and Leung Jia Hui (left). It turned out the money was to help the customer’s detained “British architect boyfriend”, whom she had never even met. The Service Officers showed the customer newspaper clippings of online love scams, and stopped the funds transfer. Jefferson’s advice to customers: Don’t believe in the “sweet talk of online lovers”, and always seek professional advice before making any financial transactions. At our Toa Payoh Central branch, a female customer in her 40s insisted on remitting $113,000 to a personal account for "anti-money laundering" purposes, as her “husband's luggage was detained at the Indonesian customs”. Service Officer Kenneth Chia alerted Customer Service Officer Lena Tan of his suspicions. After much persuasion, the transfer was stopped. Good job!
As partners of the Start Digital scheme, we are proud to see that it has helped so many Singapore businesses digitalise. Take Mr Faisal Masri, founder of branding and marketing outfit 3D Brand Agency. With the help of our Start Digital solution, he digitalised his accounting and HR processes.
With the continuing tug-of-war between positive and negative headlines and market expectations of falling interest rates, the Singapore bond market may remain volatile in the months ahead. OCBC Bank credit analyst Andrew Wong discusses how investors should go back to basics in their approach to bond investing, in light of this challenging environment.
At the launch of the two-day Future Smart Learning Festival at OCBC Campus, Group CEO Samuel Tsien interacted with Nadine, a socially intelligent robot. Said Mr Tsien, “We shouldn’t be fearful of artificial intelligence (AI). "AI is only a result of our knowledge; while it can now be accumulated in robots to carry out certain tasks, humans will always be in charge." He encouraged all employees to have a mindset change and to upskill themselves while leveraging on technology in this increasingly automated workforce.
Bonds could be difficult to sell when trading volumes are low, which limits an investor’s ability to sell the bond. This is typically the result of a lack of interest in the market for certain classes of bonds, which commonly occurs in bear markets.
