29/12/2025

MONDAY | DEC 29, 2025

12

BANKING & INSURANCE

Alliance Bank and SJPP expand strategic partnership

HLeBroking e-IPO allows investors to

apply for shares via HLIB website PETALING JAYA: Aligned with its commitment to democratising invest ments and broaden the bank’s service offerings, Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) recently launched its innovative HLeBroking e-IPO. The new feature allows clients to access and apply for initial public offering (IPO) shares directly through the HLeBroking website, providing convenience and accessibility to both seasoned and prospective in vestors. The HLeBroking e-IPO platform fully integrates the entire IPO application process directly into the HLeBroking website. This move tackles the tradi tional complexity of applying for IPOs, which typically requires cumbersome applications via external channels such as automatic teller machines or separate online banking portals. HLIB CEO Lee Jim Leng said, “The Malaysian IPO market has been very active, having recorded close to 50 IPO listings so far in 2025. The introduction of our e-IPO service is a clear testament to our commitment to making high growth investments accessible and aligns perfectly with our consistent call for improved product servicing and offerings. “By eliminating the typical admini strative barriers involved in applying for an IPO, our platform creates a truly seamless and streamlined investment experience for all clients and in vestors.” HLeBroking e-IPO allows investors to manage their IPO applications entirely within the HLeBroking eco system. Clients can view their trust balances and portfolios, and apply, cancel, or reapply for offerings with ultimate ease. Furthermore, they can track all their activities, status, and history directly within their secure account login. This integrated approach re moves the necessity for continuous cash withdrawals and external fund transfers, dramatically improving fund management efficiency and convenience.

o Lender and Finance Ministry arm to deliver RM2 billion boost to SMEs PETALING JAYA: Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd has strengthened its strategic partnership with Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Bhd (SJPP), a company owned by Minister of Finance (Incorporated), to extend RM2 billion in financing to SMEs through government gua rantee schemes. The bank will actively participate in SJPP’s guarantee schemes, including Government Guarantee Scheme Madani, Working Capital Guarantee Scheme and Working Capital Guarantee Scheme – Start Up. These schemes aim to improve access to financing for SMEs across various sectors and business stages, enabling them to fund capital expenditure, working capital needs, and business expansion. Since 2020, Alliance Bank has disbursed over RM2.59 billion under SJPP guarantee schemes, benefitting more than 2,500 SMEs nationwide. This achievement reflects the bank’s strong commitment in supporting the SME ecosystem and its ability to deliver financing solutions that meet the evolving needs of entrepreneurs. The continued collaboration with SJPP will strengthen this effort, enabling more businesses to access tailored financial support and thrive in a competitive landscape. In addition to financial support, the part nership will also focus on enhancing the digital readiness of SMEs by offering innovative, technology-driven financing solutions. Through digital platforms, SMEs will benefit from faster, more efficient loan processing while leveraging government-backed guarantees to scale their operations sustainably. Alliance Bank Group CEO Kellee Kam said: “Alliance Bank has always been focused on helping SMEs grow through fast, convenient and personalised solutions tailored to their evolving needs. This has enabled us to deepen our engagement with the SME segment and broaden our reach within the segment over the years, allowing us to support more businesses in achieving their growth ambitions. Under our Acceler8 strategy, we continue to build momentum in this space, and this extended partnership with

From left: Alliance Bank Malaysia group chief business and transaction banking officer Raymond Chui and Kam, together with Fazlur and COO Juanita Rusmini Abdul Jalil at the signing ceremony to mark the strategic partnership between the two parties to extend RM2 billion in SME financing through government guarantee schemes.

facilitating SMEs access to financing and the potential contribution of SMEs to the economy, the government has given its special focus in Budget 2026 where RM30 billion worth of government guarantee has been made available for SJPP as compared to RM20 billion in the previous years,” said Fazlur. “It is important that all related parties play a role in reaching out and offering assistance to SMEs and continue to support the nation’s economic agenda. I strongly believe that the collaboration between SJPP and Alliance Bank in providing financing and guarantees by the government will encourage many related parties to become more innovative and forward-looking to continuously explore the best solutions to address the challenges faced by SMEsin gaining greater access to financing.” The strategic partnership between Alliance Bank and SJPP not only supports the growth of SMEs but also contributes to national economic priorities. The collaboration is aligned with Malaysia’s digital transformation agenda and the Madani economic framework, reinforcing both organisations’ role in driving inclusive and sustainable growth for the SME sector.

SJPP allows us to further empower local SMEs through targeted financing solutions. “We are committed to participating actively in SJPP schemes to deliver unique value propo sitions that support SMEs at every stage of their journey. This collaboration reflects our role as ‘The Bank For Life,’ helping businesses achieve their goals and thrive in a dynamic economy.” SJPP principal officer Datuk Fazlur Rahman Zainuddin said: “SJPP is a company under the Minister of Finance (Incorporated), established in 2009 and mandated to manage the government’s guarantee schemes extended to financial institutions that provide business financing to the SMEs. The goal is to enable access to financing for the unserved and underserved SMEs.” He added that they are proud to mention that since their inception in 2009 to September 2025, more than 80,000 SMEs have benefited from the various schemes. In ringgit terms, he said, SJPP has guaranteed about RM112 billion worth of financing extended by 33 financial institutions to SMEs across all sectors and across all states in Malaysia. “Recognising the success of SJPP in

Islamic finance evolves from niche to mainstream offering PETALING JAYA: Islamic banking has evolved from a niche offering to a mainstream financial segment, spanning more than 80 countries and assets exceeding US$5 trillion (RM20.24 trillion). with their global expansion plans. The knowledge gap among corporates on Islamic banking, therefore, represents an exciting opportunity for the Islamic banks.”

initiatives such as the Digital Asset Innovation Hub and the Malaysia Blockchain Infrastructure. Islamic banking provides strategic access to critical trade corridors and economies where syariah-compliant finance is increasingly ex pected or mandated, particularly across the Gulf Cooperation Council, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Africa. syariah-compliant finance underpins much of the US$5.7 trillion South-South Corridor connecting these regions, which now accounts for nearly a quarter of global trade. Bilal said, “Islamic finance is now a strategic conversation, especially with frameworks like Malaysia’s Value-Based Intermediation supporting Islamic banks in structuring financing that contributes to national sustainability goals. Our role is to bridge interest with expertise, helping global corporates deploy practical, cross-border syariah-compliant banking solutions that sup port their business expansion.”

identifies a lack of product familiarity as a key factor restricting corporates from accessing US$5.5 trillion in global Islamic finance assets, which is projected to reach US$7.5 trillion by 2028. The number of corporate sukuk issuers has nearly doubled since 2020, driving a 38% increase in issuance volumes to US$58.8 billion in 2024. “Islamic finance has evolved into one of the world’s fastest-growing sources of capital, and is being positioned as a mainstream tool to mobilise capital

Islamic finance principles align closely with ESG frameworks, both prioritising transparency, fairness, ethical conduct and environmental responsibility. Sustainable sukuk were oversubscribed by an average of 4.3 times their issuance value in 2024, compared to 3.1 times for regular sukuk, reflecting heightened investor demand for instruments that meet both syariah and sustainability criteria. Digital innovation is accelerating this momentum. Tokenised sukuk, blockchain-based settlements, and AI-enabled syariah-compliance tools are set to transform how capital is raised and managed, whilst reducing issuance costs and improving cross-border governance. Regionally, Malaysia is leading in efforts to integrate digital assets into Islamic finance with

As a key contributor, Malaysia has seen a 48% growth in Islamic banking market share growth between 2000 and 2024. Yet, ambiguities around what Islamic finance is – its principles, structures, and market dynamics –

and drive private sector growth,” said Standard Chartered Saadiq Malaysia CEO Bilal Parvaiz ( pic ). “The Malaysian government’s strategic focus to build on the nation’s position as a global leader in Islamic finance and ESG will further enhance access to green and sustainable funding solutions including sukuk to support corporates

pose challenges for corporate leaders seeking to engage with or invest in this space, with 65% of corporates indicating interest in syariah compliant solutions having no prior background or exposure to Islamic banking. Islamic Banking for Corporates: Broadening Horizons , a report by Standard Chartered,

Banking & Finance

Education News/Health & Wellness TUES

ESG

Property

WED

MON

THUR