The bank bagged titles across seven categories of the prestigious awards programme.
UOB was recently celebrated at the Asian Banking & Finance Corporate & Investment Banking Awards 2025 for its pivotal role in significant transactions across the ASEAN region. This awards programme is a hallmark of excellence within the corporate and investment banking sector, recognising banks and financial institutions that demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
Delivering Best-in-Class Financing and Advisory Across ASEAN
For the second consecutive year, UOB was awarded the title of Corporate & Investment Bank of the Year – Singapore, which underscores its leadership within the competitive banking landscape. With a diverse clientele spanning various sectors, UOB is dedicated to delivering tailored financing and advisory solutions. Their seasoned bankers employ a multi-product approach to create bespoke solutions, covering areas such as debt and equity capital markets, corporate finance, and infrastructure finance.
As the One Bank for ASEAN, UOB takes pride in offering a comprehensive suite of financing and capital-raising solutions. The bank’s extensive local insights, combined with its strong regional connectivity, enable it to serve clients adeptly in various markets.
In 2024, UOB achieved an impressive milestone by securing the highest number of sole loan mandates and was a Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner (MLAB) in Singapore. Even in situations involving multiple MLABs, UOB has carved out a reputation as the go-to coordinator, demonstrating its execution excellence across a broad range of loan transactions from development loans to project financing.
Pioneering Mergers & Acquisitions
UOB has proven itself a titan in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) arena. In Singapore alone, the bank announced nearly a dozen public transactions between 2023 and 2024, many with accompanying financing support. Their track record in handling complex cross-border transactions is commendable, as they adeptly advised both local and international clients on takeovers and privatisations of Singapore-listed companies.
In 2024, UOB earned the acclaim of being the top SGD bond bookrunner (excluding self-led deals) and played a leading role in ten of the fourteen largest transactions within the Singapore market, reinforcing its position as a leader in financing activities.
Syndicated Loans Recognition
The bank was awarded the Syndicated Loan of the Year – Thailand for facilitating a US$4,200m syndicated term loan facility for Gulf Energy Development PCL and Intouch Holdings PCL. This substantial financing endeavor was critical for their merger exercise and subsequent tender offers. As a mandated lead arranger, underwriter, and bookrunner, UOB’s expertise was pivotal in the transaction’s success.
The merger aimed to streamline ownership structures and enhance operational efficiency, indicating UOB’s adeptness in handling significant corporate transactions amidst a competitive financial landscape.
Innovative Financing Solutions in Vietnam
In Vietnam, UOB received the Debt Deal of the Year – Vietnam award for its successful coordination of the largest industrial real estate platform’s first syndicated Holdco financing. BW Industrial Development Joint Stock Company secured US$368m in syndicated secured term loan facilities in 2024, with subsequent opt-ins bringing the total to US$400m. UOB’s strategic leadership and extensive collaboration with sponsors enabled this innovative deal to attract a diverse lender base across multiple regions.
Such achievements reflect UOB’s commitment to bolstering its clients’ growth ambitions with effective financial solutions in turbulent market conditions.
Leading the Mergers and Acquisitions Arena
A standout achievement for UOB in the M&A domain is the Mergers and Acquisitions Deal of the Year – Singapore. UOB acted as the sole financial adviser and acquisition finance provider in E2I Ltd.’s voluntary general offer for Silverlake Axis Ltd., valued at around SG$905m. This transaction marked a significant event in the local market, solidifying UOB’s leadership in high-profile take-private activities.
Trailblazing Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability is a core focus for UOB, as reflected in securing the Sustainability-linked Bond of the Year – Singapore for the SG$500m issued by ST Telemedia Global Data Centres. This transaction attracted unprecedented investor interest, surpassing initial objectives and showcasing UOB’s role as a joint global coordinator and bookrunner.
Such innovative initiatives align with UOB’s commitment to sustainability, marking significant milestones in their financing endeavours.
Pioneering Social Contributions
UOB’s dedication to social impact was exemplified through its involvement in the issuance of HK$23,800m in multi-currency senior unsecured social notes for the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation. This transaction secured UOB the Social Bond of the Year – Hong Kong award, demonstrating their commitment to empowering small- and medium-sized enterprises through financial support.
Major Debt Initiatives in China
In China, UOB distinguished itself by facilitating a US$345m syndicated loan for Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. This deal, met with overwhelming demand, showcases UOB’s expertise as a leader in orchestrating meticulous financial arrangements amidst evolving market conditions.
These commendations at the Asian Banking & Finance Corporate & Investment Banking Awards 2025 reaffirm UOB’s robust capabilities and relentless pursuit of excellence in delivering impactful financial solutions to clients across the region.
To explore more about the awards and see the complete list of winners, click here. For those interested in joining the 2026 awards programme, please reach out to Julie Anne Nuñez-Difuntorum.