KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Bank Bhd has been named Best Retail Bank in Malaysia and Best SME Bank in Malaysia at The Asian Banker Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards 2026.
The Asian Banker attributed the recognition to CIMB’s strong role in advancing the industry, particularly through enhanced digital origination, faster decision-making processes and embedded finance partnerships.
It said CIMB’s innovative expansion of customer acquisition beyond branches and high automation in areas such as lending approvals demonstrated this market leadership.
The bank’s focus on customer experience and prudent risk management supported strong consumer banking performance.
“We share this strong market recognition with our customers. Our efforts to advance customers and society is supported by the relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to a future-forward digital framework, scalable technology and a customer-first approach.
“These accolades underscore our market leadership and dedication to delivering excellence across the retail and SME banking sectors in a continuously evolving financial landscape,” CIMB Malaysia and CIMB Bank chief executive officer Gurdip Singh Sidhu said in a statement.
In naming CIMB as Best SME Bank in Malaysia, The Asian Banker highlighted CIMB Bank Berhad’s leadership in serving SMEs through an integrated approach combining digital innovation and comprehensive product offerings, driving growth and expanding its market presence.
It also acknowledged the impact of CIMB’s accessible, technology-enabled solutions in strengthening its SME propositions.
Co-chief executive officer, group commercial and transaction banking Lawrence Loh, said the award affirms CIMB Bank Berhad’s transformation alongside its SME customers.
“Being named Best SME Bank in Malaysia affirms CIMB’s continued transformation in parallel with our SME customers, boosting their progress up the value chain through a wide menu of empowering solutions and industry knowledge to contribute to Malaysia’s regional growth story,” he said.
He added that the 2025 launch of OCTO BIZ with Asean connectivity, alongside tools such as SME Instant Apply, SME FlexiCash/-i and AI-enabled support, has strengthened the bank’s SME offerings.
“Our flagship CIMB BizReady, GreenBizReady and Halal Biz Ready platforms jointly present a universal offering that helps businesses achieve their aspirations, while reflecting CIMB’s purpose of advancing customers and society,” Loh said.
