0110 GMT - Malayan Banking's 2H will serve as a critical window to execute strategic pillars to bridge the ROE gap, after 1H ROE of 11.6% undershot its above 11.8% target, CIMB Securities analyst Ei Leen Tan says in a note. Execution should focus on defending net interest margin within the 2.05%-2.10% guided range, rebuilding noninterest income, containing asset-quality deterioration and keeping the cost-to-income ratio around 49%, while optimizing capital and risk-weighted assets, she says. 2H delivery will be needed to demonstrate that the 1H earnings weakness was cyclical rather than structural and restore confidence in its 13%-14% ROE ambition under its five-year plan, she adds. CIMB maintains its hold rating on Maybank and keeps target price at 10.50 ringgit. Shares are 0.8% higher at 10.70 ringgit.