BNM to Pay Record RM5.25 Billion Dividend to Government

25 March 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will pay a record-high dividend of RM5.25 billion to the government this year, marking an increase of over 80% compared to the RM2.85 billion paid in the previous year.

According to BNM’s annual report, the central bank recorded a net profit after tax of RM13.16 billion in 2024, a substantial rise from RM7.16 billion in 2023.

BNM attributed the surge in income— which grew to RM14.98 billion from RM8.77 billion the previous year— to improved returns from its reserves portfolio and global securities investments.

“The higher income was largely driven by stronger investment returns from international reserves and portfolio activities in the foreign exchange and global securities markets,” the central bank said in a statement.

It noted that of the RM13.16 billion net profit, RM7.91 billion will be allocated to BNM’s Risk Reserve, which stood at RM147.90 billion at the end of 2024.

“As our international reserves are in foreign currencies, building sufficient financial buffers is crucial to cushion against financial market volatility and shocks, as well as to manage exchange rate risks in an uncertain global landscape,” BNM noted.

Despite a strong financial year, BNM reported a slight decline in total assets to RM621.54 billion from RM631.74 billion in 2023, while international reserves remained the largest component, accounting for 84% of total assets.

BNM also reported that its liabilities were mainly comprised of currency in circulation and deposits by financial institutions, totaling RM170.72 billion and RM131.92 billion, respectively, as of the end of 2024. This compares to RM161.82 billion and RM176.66 billion in 2023.