23/06/2025

BANKING & INSURANCE 12 MONDAY | JUNE 23, 2025

HLB named best SME bank in M’sia by The Asian Banker

Liberty General rolls out 365 Plan tailored to motorists’ benefit PETALING JAYA: As the cost of living in Malaysia and the rest of the world continues to rise, consumers are actively seeking more affordable and streamlined solutions in their spending. Recognising this need, Liberty General Insurance has launched the 365 Plan, a comprehensive protection solution de signed to simplify coverage for Malaysian motorists while helping them to save money. Available in three packages – Private Car 365, Commercial Vehicle 365 and Motorcycle 365 – the plan is applicable to Liberty, Kurnia and AmAssurance cus tomers with the Auto 365 policy, and aims to meet the everyday needs of the insured without the requirement for excessive add ons. “We understand that life on the road comes with uncertainties, and we believe protection shouldn’t be complicated,” said CEO Puneet Pasricha. Introducing our new 365 Plan is a huge step forward, as our aim at Liberty is to make insurance coverage a simpler, more straightforward process so our customers can enjoy being on the road ahead, confident and worry-free.” The Private Car 365 Planallows customers to add-on protection for as low as 10 sen a day. It among others provides coverage for accidental death, permanent disablement relief, bereavement and com passionate allowance, international towing assistance, hotel accommodation during vehicle breakdown, key care cover, and others. The Motorcycle 365 Plan is crafted to protect the insured, authorised riders and pillion passengers. The Commercial Vehicle 365 Plan incorporates new and relevant additions such as breakdown towing and a flood relief allowance. Collectively, the 365 Plan offers flexible packages with protection and benefits that would fit any type of motorist – from driving through daily commutes to transport activities for business.

and convenience for partnerships seeking banking services with HLB while allowing the bank to accommodate a wider range of business structures. The in-branch tablet-based onboarding feature can now also be used to support the opening of foreign currency accounts, providing further convenience for businesses dealing in foreign markets. HLB has also enabled businesses to validate their Inland Revenue Board (IRB) registration number via an IRB application programming interface, allowing customers to make statutory payments through the Hong Leong ConnectFirst platform. With this enhancement, customers can conveniently register their IRB number directly at HLB branches, simplifying compliance with regulatory requirements. According to HLB business and corporate banking managing director Yow Kuan Tuck, the consistent positive growth in HLB’s SME segment underscores its dedication to designing tailor-made banking solutions that are innovative, efficient, and cater to customers’ unique business needs. “HLB has a long history of working closely with our customers to deliver tailor-made solutions that cater specifically to their diversified business needs.”

presenting businesses with a spectrum of opportunities and complexities as we witness the unfolding of a ‘new trade world order.’ And on these geoeconomic crossroads, we believe in proactively equipping our SME customers with the necessary resources and strategic support, regardless of global shifts in trade or market sentiment. “The consistent positive momentum within our SME banking segment is powerful evidence of our commitment, demonstrating the strength of our long-term partnerships with our customers, enabling them to confidently pursue their diversified business objectives with our comprehensive suite of bespoke business banking solutions.” HLB’s recognition as the Best SME Bank in Malaysia reflects its comprehensive approach to supporting its SME customers, combining digital innovation and tailored solutions to ensure a seamless customer experience boosted by strategically integrated digital efficiencies. Expanding on the bank’s own tablet-based onboarding feature, one key advancement in HLB’s business banking solutions is the partnership onboarding feature, which allows SME customers to onboard partnership entities directly in-branch, providing more flexibility

o Lender bags award for sixth time PETALING JAYA: Building on its consistent excellence and deep commitment to the SME ecosystem, Hong Leong Bank Bhd (HLB) has been named the Best SME Bank in Malaysia for the sixth time at The Asian Banker Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards 2025. This accolade is a testament to HLB’s history of delivering industry-leading SME banking solutions that serve its customers’ diversified needs. The bank continues to record strong strides in its SME banking sector, achieving an 8.5% year-on-year growth in SME loans and expanding its SME loan book to RM36 billion as of March 2025. This sustained growth has strengthened HLB’s overall performance. According to HLB group managing director and CEO Kevin Lam, the strength of the bank’s SME segment highlights its commitment to supporting its customers in achieving their business objectives. “The global economic landscape is characterised by continuous change,

Hong Leong’s new funds tap Lombard Odier’s expertise PETALING JAYA: Hong Leong Asset Management Bhd (HLAM), in collaboration with Hong Leong Bank Bhd (HLB), has introduced Hong Leong All Roads Funds – three multi-asset funds designed for sophisticated investors seeking a globally diversified portfolio, stability and risk-managed growth – whether they are conservative, balanced, or growth-oriented. The funds leverage the expertise of Lombard Odier, a globally renowned private bank and asset manager, as the strategic alliance partner of HLB and target fund manager. to meet these needs, where each fund employs a risk-based asset allocation strategy, ensuring dynamic adjustments to diverse market condi tions while aligning with investors’ financial objectives.” Exclusively distributed by HLB, the Hong Leong All Roads Funds are seamlessly integrated into its comprehensive ecosystem, allowing clients to access them through the bank’s digital banking platform HLB Connect, vast network of branches and personalised consultations with priority banking relationship managers and private banking client advisers. tools and knowledge to make informed decisions and navigate their financial journey with confidence. “The Hong Leong All Roads Funds, born from these strategic partnerships, are a clear embodiment of this dedication, offering the essential solutions and world-class expertise our clients truly deserve.” Lombard Odier limited partner, Asia group regional head and global head of strategic alliances Vincent Magnenat said,“We are pleased to collaborate with HLAM and Hong Leong Bank in relation to the All Roads strategy. As a strategic alliance of Hong Leong Bank, we have a shared vision of offering long-term, sustainable, and forward-looking solutions to local onshore investors. In an uncertain and volatile market environment, the All Roads strategy, which is a reflection of deep investment expertise, will provide investors with a smooth investment journey.” Bank Muamalat expands presence in Malacca, opens branch in Ayer Keroh The Hong Leong All Roads Funds are tailored to meet the distinct needs of sophisticated investors, accommodating various risk profiles and return objectives. HLAM executive director and CEO Chue Kwok Yan said, “In today’s unpredictable financial landscape, sophisticated investors require solutions that offer both flexibility and resilience. The Hong Leong All Roads Funds are designed HLB group managing director and CEO Kevin Lam said, “As clients become more financially astute and aware that achieving and safe guarding their wealth demands a broader spectrum of financial products, we are dedicated to bringing them top-tier, sophisticated investment solutions and insights. These offerings are designed to equip them with the

transformation, and cashless trans action initiatives, particularly in tourist locations and rural communities. “We believe this branch will strengthen our role as a strategic partner in the state’s development. Our presence in Malacca is a manifestation of Bank Muamalat’s long-term commitment to ex panding access to Islamic financial services for the local community, supporting the digitalisation agenda, and empowering entrepre neurship. “At the end of last year, Bank Muamalat opened two branches in Malacca, in Jasin and Alor Gajah, as well as an Ar-Rahnu centre in Sungai Udang. We now have 70 branches nationwide,” Khairul said. – Bernama

Banking & Finance He said the bank is ready to collaborate with the Malacca state government on development initiatives such as Islamic entrepreneurship programmes, economic empower ment for the B40 group, rural digital the heart of the administrative and industrial centre enables us to deliver added value directly and effectively to local entrepreneurs, the community, and government agencies,” he added. Khairul said the new branch offers a wide range of services including deposit and investment accounts, housing, personal and business financing, Ar-Rahnu services, gold investment, unit trust and takaful. It is also an official agent for Amanah Saham Nasional Bhd, zakat and Tabung Haji services.

MALACCA: The recent opening of Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd’s branch in Ayer Keroh, Malacca, strengthens the bank’s commitment to expanding its Islamic banking network and services in the state. Its president and CEO, Khairul Kamarudin, said the new branch, which is located at the Melaka International Bowling Centre has already attracted more than 400 new customers and recorded business transactions exceeding RM4.9 million within a month. “This new branch is not just premises; it is our commitment to supporting Malacca’s economic growth. Since its opening, the resp onse from the community has been encouraging. Its strategic location in

Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh (second from right) and Khairul (second from left) at the launch of Bank Muamalat Malaysia’s branch at Melaka International Bowling Centre, Ayer Keroh, earlier this month. – BERNAMAPIC

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