KUALA LUMPUR: Standard Chartered Malaysia is supporting eligible small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including micro-enterprises, through Bank Negara Malaysia’s SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SME SRF).
In a statement, the bank said the SME SRF is part of BNM’s broader RM5bil financing initiative for affected SMEs and aims to help viable businesses manage short-term cash flow disruptions and sustain operations amid economic uncertainties arising from the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Under the facility, eligible businesses may obtain financing of up to RM750,000 for a tenure of up to five years, at a maximum financing rate of 3.75% per annum, inclusive of guarantee fees.
The financing is backed by guarantees of up to 80% from Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Bhd or Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Bhd, particularly for SMEs without sufficient collateral.
Applications opened on May 15 and will remain available until Dec 31, 2026, or until the facility is fully utilised.
Mushahid Syed, interim chief executive officer, head of coverage and chief financial officer of Standard Chartered Malaysia, said SMEs play a key role in the country’s economy.
“SMEs play a vital role in Malaysia’s economy and in supporting jobs, supply chains and communities across the country,” he said.
“In a more challenging operating environment, timely access to working capital can make a meaningful difference in helping businesses manage cash flow pressures and continue operating with confidence.”
He added that the bank is committed to supporting eligible clients with practical financing solutions and encouraged businesses facing financial stress to engage early with the bank to explore available support options.
SMEs seeking more information or assistance on the application process may contact their relationship managers or visit Standard Chartered Malaysia’s website.
It was reported recently that Standard Chartered plans to cut more than 7,000 jobs globally over the next four years as it steps up automation and the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), while targeting higher long-term returns and growth.
Commenting on the news, Standard Chartered said its workforce-reshaping efforts and AI investments are part of a broader strategy to drive long-term growth, productivity, and efficiency.
The bank said there are “no specific market targets”, adding that the bank remains committed to investing in Malaysia and Asean to support business growth.
“Within Malaysia and Asean, we remain committed to investing to support business growth, in line with global aspirations.
“We will continue to hire more relationship managers, accelerate product innovation, improve our digital and client experience, as well as upgrade and launch new client centres,” it said.
According to Standard Chartered, the move aligns with Malaysia’s push to build a digitally fluent workforce as the bank expands the use of automation, analytics and AI while investing in reskilling and redeployment initiatives.
“In Malaysia, we empower our employees to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape by investing in their development and career growth plans,” it said.
“As we do this, our workforce and the work will evolve. We recognise the uncertainty this can create. We are supporting our people through change, with respect and care. Some roles will reduce, others will grow, and new ones will emerge,” the bank added.
