ASEAN Insight Provider, CrossASEAN Research

Angus Mackintosh

ASEAN Insight Provider

CrossASEAN Research

At CrossASEAN Research we strive to produce unbiased and differentiated on the ground insights on companies across South East Asia. Our Research is produced for the most part after face to face meetings and conversations with company management to dig deep into the long term vision and strategy of the companies we cover. We seek to deliver investable and actionable themes on sectors and markets across SE Asia, often in collaboration with other Insight Providers across the region, pooling the vast experience of the analysts within the Smartkarma Ecosystem. We also offer bespoke work and tailor made trips for our clients. 

Insights across South East Asia

Equity Bottom-Up

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-rakyat-indonesia-persero" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:484:1" rel="noopener">Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ)</a> latest numbers were interesting in that there was evidence of declining provisions, which suggests improving credit quality ahead but what was also evident was the renewed momentum behind micro and ultra-micro loans, which now make up more than 40% of total loans but it aims for 45% by 2025.
Microlending and MSMEs are the bank's key differentiating factor and core competency versus its peers. It a skill-set that they have not been able to replicate, despite best efforts by some in recent years.  It is increasingly the champion of financial inclusion in Indonesia.
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-rakyat-indonesia-persero" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:484:1" rel="noopener">Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ)</a> has re-affirmed its focus on driving continued digitalization as a growth driver, which is enabling the bank to continue to expand with lower costs, even in rural areas. 
The bank continues to increase its commitment to implement ESG practices with 63.9% of the total loan portfolio classified as financing for sustainable business activities in 2020. 
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-rakyat-indonesia-persero" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:484:1" rel="noopener">Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ)</a> was also the first bank in Southeast Asia to issue sustainability bonds in 2019. The sustainability bond market has become more attractive and it's projected that the ESG financing instrument will reach USD11tn in 2025. 
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-rakyat-indonesia-persero" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:484:1" rel="noopener">Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ)</a> is also building digital partnerships and collaborations with P2P players, e-commerce platforms, and ride-hailing firms. 
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<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-rakyat-indonesia-persero" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:484:1" rel="noopener">Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ)</a> remains one of our top picks amongst the Indonesian banks, with its renewed focus on its core competency in microlending, as well as its meaningful digitalization of existing banking business as well as increasingly using digital channels to expand its reach.
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Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ) latest numbers were interesting in that there was evidence of declining provisions, which suggests improving credit quality ahead but what was also evident was the renewed momentum behind micro and ultra-micro loans, which now make up more than 40% of total loans but it aims for 45% by 2025.
Microlending and MSMEs are the bank's key differentiating factor and core competency versus its peers. It a skill-set that they have not been able to replicate, despite best efforts by some in recent years.  It is increasingly the champion of financial inclusion in Indonesia.
Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ) has re-affirmed its focus on driving continued digitalization as a growth driver, which is enabling the bank to continue to expand with lower costs, even in rural areas. 
The bank continues to increase its commitment to implement ESG practices with 63.9% of the total loan portfolio classified as financing for sustainable business activities in 2020. 
Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ) was also the first bank in Southeast Asia to issue sustainability bonds in 2019. The sustainability bond market has become more attractive and it's projected that the ESG financing instrument will reach USD11tn in 2025. 
Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ) is also building digital partnerships and collaborations with P2P players, e-commerce platforms, and ride-hailing firms. 

Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ) remains one of our top picks amongst the Indonesian banks, with its renewed focus on its core competency in microlending, as well as its meaningful digitalization of existing banking business as well as increasingly using digital channels to expand its reach.


Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI IJ) - Both Micro and Digital

Financials Credit Analyst

Hank Calenti, CFA

CreditContinuum

Credit

Asia headquartered banks fared well despite the global tantrum without taper in the Treasury markets. Asia headquartered bond prices fell by less than their benchmark Treasury market notes, resulting in a bout of credit outperformance. Almost all bonds tightened in credit spread terms as investors remained anchored to banks as an economic recovery play. Moderate duration, lower risk, bonds continued to outperform, although there were pockets of outperformance in China-headquartered Additional Tier 1 bonds.Bonds in the belly of the curve, that is those maturing or callable in five-years, outperformed longer dated notes. Moderate duration bonds led as investors lost faith in an inflation free economic recovery which would cap market rate rises. This is the opposite of last weeks’ performance, wherein even longer-duration note outperformed. That seemed odd given policymakers repeated statements that they would let the US economy run hot at the risk of stoking inflation. The rapid sell-off in US Treasuries during the week is evidence of market jitters regarding eventual inflation expectations.The pressure on U.S. Treasuries is largely in-line with what we have been cautioning on since the Senate run-off results in Georgia last month. Friday’s correction at the long end may be tested again.Admittedly, however, we are surprised by the credit strength of Asia-headquartered financials during the global rates rout. We attribute this to two items. First, China is further along the Covid-19 curve in recovery and will clearly benefit as the rest of the world catches-up. Second, financials are a leverage play on the global recovery. Taken together, Asia financials overall are well placed to continue outperforming other markets over the near term.Given the rate of change over the last two weeks, things are moving fast. We identify potential opportunities within. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/state-bank-of-india" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:160:1" rel="noopener">State Bank of India (SBIN IN)</a> represents one credit curve where better opportunities exist in shorter duration bonds, however, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-mandiri-persero-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:441:1" rel="noopener">Bank Mandiri (BMRI IJ)</a> may offer even better values, as we note within.Market Outlook: This week’s Treasury market tantrum was not induced by Fed tapering, but it is a reminder of what it may look like when the Fed does dial back its asset purchases. Combined with the strength of the risk-on moves, this makes us uneasy. Financial repression creates a market, which in its nature, is always a one-sided bet with the Fed / ECB/ BOJ.  There is limited price discover as the market is simply sentiment driven. Credit value should remain driven by larger market forces. However, we may be fast approaching a point where the market outpaces the rate of expected economic recovery, and / or the market outpaces the rate that can be achieved without incurring substantial financial stability concerns. Our preference is for lower duration bonds, preferably in the belly of the curve. Please see our recent <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bank-macro-manifest-risk-rally-gathers-steam-as-bad-news-more-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bank Macro Manifest</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bank-credit-strategy-melt-up-before-meltdown-where-to-position" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bank Credit Strategy</a> notes for more details.

Asia headquartered banks fared well despite the global tantrum without taper in the Treasury markets. Asia headquartered bond prices fell by less than their benchmark Treasury market notes, resulting in a bout of credit outperformance. Almost all bonds tightened in credit spread terms as investors remained anchored to banks as an economic recovery play. Moderate duration, lower risk, bonds continued to outperform, although there were pockets of outperformance in China-headquartered Additional Tier 1 bonds.Bonds in the belly of the curve, that is those maturing or callable in five-years, outperformed longer dated notes. Moderate duration bonds led as investors lost faith in an inflation free economic recovery which would cap market rate rises. This is the opposite of last weeks’ performance, wherein even longer-duration note outperformed. That seemed odd given policymakers repeated statements that they would let the US economy run hot at the risk of stoking inflation. The rapid sell-off in US Treasuries during the week is evidence of market jitters regarding eventual inflation expectations.The pressure on U.S. Treasuries is largely in-line with what we have been cautioning on since the Senate run-off results in Georgia last month. Friday’s correction at the long end may be tested again.Admittedly, however, we are surprised by the credit strength of Asia-headquartered financials during the global rates rout. We attribute this to two items. First, China is further along the Covid-19 curve in recovery and will clearly benefit as the rest of the world catches-up. Second, financials are a leverage play on the global recovery. Taken together, Asia financials overall are well placed to continue outperforming other markets over the near term.Given the rate of change over the last two weeks, things are moving fast. We identify potential opportunities within. State Bank of India (SBIN IN) represents one credit curve where better opportunities exist in shorter duration bonds, however, Bank Mandiri (BMRI IJ) may offer even better values, as we note within.Market Outlook: This week’s Treasury market tantrum was not induced by Fed tapering, but it is a reminder of what it may look like when the Fed does dial back its asset purchases. Combined with the strength of the risk-on moves, this makes us uneasy. Financial repression creates a market, which in its nature, is always a one-sided bet with the Fed / ECB/ BOJ.  There is limited price discover as the market is simply sentiment driven. Credit value should remain driven by larger market forces. However, we may be fast approaching a point where the market outpaces the rate of expected economic recovery, and / or the market outpaces the rate that can be achieved without incurring substantial financial stability concerns. Our preference is for lower duration bonds, preferably in the belly of the curve. Please see our recent Bank Macro Manifest and Bank Credit Strategy notes for more details.

Bank Credit Weekly: Asia Credit Outperforms Despite Treasury Tantrum

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

Bank Indonesia (BI) has increased the Loan to Value ratio (LTV) to 100% for residential property loans from 1st March 2021 until 31st December 2021. This policy applies to all types of property, such as landed houses, flats, and shophouses. The previous limit with 85%-95% depending on the property type. A lot obviously depends on an individual bank's willingness to provide such mortgages.
The most active segment in the residential market is around more affordable units priced at IDR1bn-IDR3bn per unit, which are typically 70%-80% are financed by mortgages. 
The second very interesting policy move by BI, and probably even more significant, is to allow developers to take 100% of the mortgage payment upfront when the property is purchased. This is opposed to a gradual release in phases based on stages of completion. This would dramatically improve developers cash flow and working capital. 
We continue to favor the larger developers including <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bumi-serpong-damai-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15498:1" rel="noopener">Bumi Serpong Damai (BSDE IJ)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ciputra-development-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5513:1" rel="noopener">Ciputra Development (CTRA IJ)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/summarecon-agung-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5693:1" rel="noopener">Summarecon Agung (SMRA IJ)</a>.  <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/lippo-karawaci-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3121:1" rel="noopener">Lippo Karawaci (LPKR IJ)</a> is also interesting having completed its financial restructuring and now refocusing on its core property development business. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alam-sutera-realty-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2312:1" rel="noopener">Alam Sutera Realty (ASRI IJ)</a> is the highest beta play given its more precarious financial position. 
At the same time, BI has reduced the downpayment on auto to zero also from 1st March 2021 until the end of the year. This should provide a welcome boost to the sector and benefit <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/astra-international-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:46:1" rel="noopener">Astra International (ASII IJ)</a> in particular as the market leader in autos in Indonesia through the distribution of Toyota and Daihatsu brands. We also favor <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/astra-international-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:46:1" rel="noopener">Astra International (ASII IJ)</a> as one of our top picks to play the recovery in the domestic economy.

Bank Indonesia (BI) has increased the Loan to Value ratio (LTV) to 100% for residential property loans from 1st March 2021 until 31st December 2021. This policy applies to all types of property, such as landed houses, flats, and shophouses. The previous limit with 85%-95% depending on the property type. A lot obviously depends on an individual bank's willingness to provide such mortgages.
The most active segment in the residential market is around more affordable units priced at IDR1bn-IDR3bn per unit, which are typically 70%-80% are financed by mortgages. 
The second very interesting policy move by BI, and probably even more significant, is to allow developers to take 100% of the mortgage payment upfront when the property is purchased. This is opposed to a gradual release in phases based on stages of completion. This would dramatically improve developers cash flow and working capital. 
We continue to favor the larger developers including Bumi Serpong Damai (BSDE IJ), Ciputra Development (CTRA IJ), and Summarecon Agung (SMRA IJ).  Lippo Karawaci (LPKR IJ) is also interesting having completed its financial restructuring and now refocusing on its core property development business. Alam Sutera Realty (ASRI IJ) is the highest beta play given its more precarious financial position. 
At the same time, BI has reduced the downpayment on auto to zero also from 1st March 2021 until the end of the year. This should provide a welcome boost to the sector and benefit Astra International (ASII IJ) in particular as the market leader in autos in Indonesia through the distribution of Toyota and Daihatsu brands. We also favor Astra International (ASII IJ) as one of our top picks to play the recovery in the domestic economy.  

CrossASEAN Strategy - BI's New Rules a Fillip for Indonesian Property and Autos?

We progressed from melt-up to full risk-on duration admiration as the week progressed. The improved risk sentiment drove spreads tighter last week, with almost all bonds tightening  globally. China’s return from Lunar New Year holidays also pushed Asia’s financial spreads materially lower. Asia’s financial indexes outperformed European notes as Additional Tier 1 bonds in both regions continued to tighten.Debt investors continue to look to banks as a means to play the economic recovery trade. Every Asia bank headquartered Additional Tier 1 (AT1), Tier 2 and X-over rated bank bond compressed over the week. Almost all High Yield bank bonds tightened globally. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yes-bank-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:767:1" rel="noopener">Yes Bank (YES IN)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/indiabulls-housing-finance-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13086:1" rel="noopener">Indiabulls Housing Finance (IHFL IN)</a> bonds were among the few bonds that did not strengthen during the week. Meanwhile <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hsbc-holdings-plc-a723bd63-0890-486f-aaa0-3bb9ad2b95ce" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21976:1" rel="noopener">HSBC Holdings (HSBA LN)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/standard-chartered-plc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:193:1" rel="noopener">Standard Chartered (STAN LN)</a> are expected to report results this week. These results may impact global bank investor sentiment.In addition, HSBC may entreat us to another strategic review. It is hard to not be cynical regarding these, given the lack of success with the last two. Nonetheless, the main risk for credit investors is that of a substantial geographic reorganization which negatively impacts holding company cash flows or attempts to push holding company bonds to less attractive subsidiary operations. While we think both outcomes are unlikely, we will be watching for any potential hints of this. Globally, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/svenska-handelsbanken-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22480:1" rel="noopener">Svenska Handelsbanken's (SHBA SS)</a> 4¾% coupon 2031 callable note led Additional Tier 1 (AT1) and broader bank US$-bond performance. This bond also led global spread performance in the week prior. Other long-callable AT1 bonds also outperformed during the week, including Standard Chartered’s and UBS’s 2031 maturity bonds, as well as HSBC’s coupon 2030 maturity note. These each compressed by 13bps.Given the rate of change over the last two weeks, there are clear opportunities within the credit curves of some banks. These are potential buy or sell opportunities, depending on whether your expectations are for the current risk-on rally to continue.  We identify these by security type within.Market Outlook: Unlike 2019 when we experienced a rally that everyone loved to hate, everyone loves this rally. Combined with the strength of the risk-on moves, this makes us uneasy. Financial repression creates a market, which in its nature, is always a one-sided bet with the Fed / ECB/ BOJ. There is limited price discover as the market is simply sentiment driven. Credit value should remain driven by larger market forces. However, we may be fast approaching a point where the market outpaces the rate of expected economic recovery, and / or the market outpaces the rate that can be achieved without incurring substantial financial stability concerns. Our preference is for lower duration bonds, preferably in the belly of the curve, but the market has duration admiration. Please see our recent <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bank-macro-manifest-risk-rally-gathers-steam-as-bad-news-more-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bank Macro Manifest</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bank-credit-strategy-melt-up-before-meltdown-where-to-position" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bank Credit Strategy</a> notes for more details.

We progressed from melt-up to full risk-on duration admiration as the week progressed. The improved risk sentiment drove spreads tighter last week, with almost all bonds tightening  globally. China’s return from Lunar New Year holidays also pushed Asia’s financial spreads materially lower. Asia’s financial indexes outperformed European notes as Additional Tier 1 bonds in both regions continued to tighten.Debt investors continue to look to banks as a means to play the economic recovery trade. Every Asia bank headquartered Additional Tier 1 (AT1), Tier 2 and X-over rated bank bond compressed over the week. Almost all High Yield bank bonds tightened globally. Yes Bank (YES IN) and Indiabulls Housing Finance (IHFL IN) bonds were among the few bonds that did not strengthen during the week. Meanwhile HSBC Holdings (HSBA LN) and Standard Chartered (STAN LN) are expected to report results this week. These results may impact global bank investor sentiment.In addition, HSBC may entreat us to another strategic review. It is hard to not be cynical regarding these, given the lack of success with the last two. Nonetheless, the main risk for credit investors is that of a substantial geographic reorganization which negatively impacts holding company cash flows or attempts to push holding company bonds to less attractive subsidiary operations. While we think both outcomes are unlikely, we will be watching for any potential hints of this. Globally, Svenska Handelsbanken's (SHBA SS) 4¾% coupon 2031 callable note led Additional Tier 1 (AT1) and broader bank US$-bond performance. This bond also led global spread performance in the week prior. Other long-callable AT1 bonds also outperformed during the week, including Standard Chartered’s and UBS’s 2031 maturity bonds, as well as HSBC’s coupon 2030 maturity note. These each compressed by 13bps.Given the rate of change over the last two weeks, there are clear opportunities within the credit curves of some banks. These are potential buy or sell opportunities, depending on whether your expectations are for the current risk-on rally to continue.  We identify these by security type within.Market Outlook: Unlike 2019 when we experienced a rally that everyone loved to hate, everyone loves this rally. Combined with the strength of the risk-on moves, this makes us uneasy. Financial repression creates a market, which in its nature, is always a one-sided bet with the Fed / ECB/ BOJ. There is limited price discover as the market is simply sentiment driven. Credit value should remain driven by larger market forces. However, we may be fast approaching a point where the market outpaces the rate of expected economic recovery, and / or the market outpaces the rate that can be achieved without incurring substantial financial stability concerns. Our preference is for lower duration bonds, preferably in the belly of the curve, but the market has duration admiration. Please see our recent Bank Macro Manifest and Bank Credit Strategy notes for more details.

Silver Point

Thomas J. Monaco

Independent Insight Provider

Silver Point is a boutique research firm that focuses on the broader financial services sector, with a particular focus on troubled institutions globally. 

Asia Ex Japan

Bank Tabungan Negara Persero / Equity Bottom-Up

*Good Number: Bank Tabungan Negara (BBTN.IJ) [BBTN] reported 4Q20 bottom-line result of IDR 482 bn, increasing IDR 130 bn (36.9%) linked quarter. On an operating basis excluding gains (assumed in 4Q20), we calculate results improved even further – increasing IDR 98 bn or 47.3% linked quarter; and*Credit Outlook Brightens: We were also quite pleased to see that net new NPLs too have decelerated and now amount to IDR 240 bn or just 8.2% on an annualized basis. Given the deceleration of net new NPLs, mix of loans, and the strong reserve cover, BBTN’s reserves appear to right where they need to be.

*Good Number: Bank Tabungan Negara (BBTN.IJ) [BBTN] reported 4Q20 bottom-line result of IDR 482 bn, increasing IDR 130 bn (36.9%) linked quarter. On an operating basis excluding gains (assumed in 4Q20), we calculate results improved even further – increasing IDR 98 bn or 47.3% linked quarter; and*Credit Outlook Brightens: We were also quite pleased to see that net new NPLs too have decelerated and now amount to IDR 240 bn or just 8.2% on an annualized basis. Given the deceleration of net new NPLs, mix of loans, and the strong reserve cover, BBTN’s reserves appear to right where they need to be. 

Indonesia

PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk is formed by the merger of four state-owned banks, namely Pt Bank Bumi Daya, PT Bank Dagang Negara, PT Bank Ekspor Import Indonesia (Bank Exim), PT Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bank Bapindo). The Bank operates in the commercial banking services.

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Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ)

Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI IJ) - Both Micro and Digital

Bank Rakyat Indonesia remains one of our top picks amongst the Indonesian banks, with its renewed focus on its core competency in microlending and...

Angus Mackintosh

Bank Credit Weekly: Asia Credit Outperforms Despite Treasury Tantrum

Global bank bond prices fell by less than their benchmark notes, resulting in a bout of credit outperformance. Given the rate of change, there are...

Hank Calenti, CFA

CrossASEAN Strategy - BI's New Rules a Fillip for Indonesian Property and Autos?

The latest move by Bank Indonesia to increase the loans to value ratio limit for residential property to 100% should be positive in driving...

Angus Mackintosh

Bank Credit Weekly: Duration Admiration

We moved from melt-up to full risk-on duration admiration. Almost all bank bonds tightened globally. Given the rate of change, there are mispriced...

Hank Calenti, CFA

Bank Tabungan Negara – Well Managed

BANK TABUNGAN NEGARA: BBTN reported 4Q20 bottom-line result which increased 36.9% linked quarter. Net new NPLs too have decelerated at just 8.2% on...

Thomas J. Monaco

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