Hong Leong Bank group managing director & CEO Kevin Lam (centre) and Hong Leong Bank managing director of business & corporate bankingYow Kuan Tuck (3rd from left).
KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Leong Bank (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.
In a statement, HLB said it has continued to see steady progress in its SME banking segment, with SME loans growing 8.5% year-on-year as of March 2025.
The bank’s SME loan portfolio reached RM36bil, with the segment contributing 12.1% to total revenue. Profit before tax from SME banking rose to 12.6% during the same period.
Group managing director Kevin Lam said the strength of the bank’s SME segment highlights HLB’s commitment to supporting its customers towards achieving their business objectives.
“The global economic landscape is characterised by continuous change, 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,” Lam said.
Meanwhile, HLB’s managing director of business and corporate banking, Yow Kuan Tuck, said the continued positive growth in the bank’s SME segment reflects its commitment to providing tailored banking solutions that are innovative, efficient, and aligned with the unique needs of its customers.
