Get the key takeaways of the BNM Annual Report 2021 here.

• BNM sees 2022 GDP growth at 5.3% to 6.3%, a shade below official projection

• BNM expects 10.9% and 8.1% growth in exports and imports, current account to remain in surplus of 4.2% to 4.7% of GDP 

• BNM sees vulnerabilities in commercial real estate which makes up 7.8% of total banking system assets 

• Malaysia’s household debt-to-GDP ratio falls to 89% as at end-2021 from a record 93.2% a year ago 

• Limited signs of credit-fuelled speculative house purchases despite low interest rates, says BNM

• Widespread usage of digital assets may undermine effectiveness of BNM’s policies

• BNM: No significant deterioration seen in quality of business borrowings

• Low EPF savings underscore long-term risks to households' resilience, says BNM

• Weaker investment performance weighed on insurance and takaful funds' profitability, says BNM

• BNM: Impact of Covid-19 and December flood claims on insurers manageable

• BNM says it is actively scaling up capabilities to support issuance of central bank digital currency

• BNM says structural reforms needed to address cost of living issues

• BNM: Headline inflation to average 2.2%-3.2% in 2022 amid higher core inflation

• BNM cautions that Malaysia not out of the woods despite transition to endemic phase

• Elevated unsold houses reflect pre-existing affordability issues, says BNM

• BNM: SME loan restructuring requests down from July 2021 peak

• BNM: Negative output gap to narrow further in 2022

• BNM: December 2021 floods highlight significant underinsurance of flood risks

• BNM: Monetary policy in 2022 to continue facilitating sustainable economic recovery while preserving price stability

• BNM says working with MoF, SC to regulate 'Buy Now Pay Later’ schemes

• BNM: Stress test shows banks remain well buffered against credit risks

• BNM: Orderly, just transition to greener financial system crucial to avoid major economic, societal impacts

• BNM: Malaysia’s diversified economic structure will mitigate disruption risk caused by Russia-Ukraine conflict

• New minimum wage should be applied progressively to soften market jolts ⁠— BNM governor

• BNM says no immediate plan to issue central bank digital currency

• Monetary policy to remain accommodative to support recovery and ensure price stability — BNM governor

• BNM to make digital banking licence announcement upon completion of legal process

• Automated Cash Centre processes up to three billion banknotes a year — BNM

• Malaysia’s currency in circulation up 15.1% to RM150.1b in 2021, strongest growth in two decades

• Internet, phone scams among top complaints on BNMTELELINK in 2021