The increase was attributed to strong performances at its CIMB Niaga, CIMB Bank Singapore and corporate banking and treasury businesses, which helped the third quarter net profit rise by 3 per cent from Q2 to MYR1.143 billion. This represents a 12.9 per cent increase from the year-earlier period. 

The consumer banking operations remain the largest contributor at 39 per cent, unchanged from last year. Treasury and markets rose from 16 per cent in the first three quarters of 2011 to 26 per cent, while corporate banking, investment banking and investments account for 22 per cent, 4 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively. 

"Our momentum is strong going into 4Q12... We remain focused on 'CIMB 2.0' which includes implementing large scale internal changes and integrating the ex-RBS APAC investment banking platform and Bank of Commerce (Philippines)," said Dato Sri Nazir Razak, group chief executive of CIMB Group.

CIMB went into a sales and purchase agreement with the Royal Bank of Scotland for the acquisition of selected cash equities, equity capital markets and M&A corporate finance businesses in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand for around MYR431.8 million in April 2012. All acquisitions were completed by 2 November, except India, which was terminated due to a legal issue.