Alliance Bank committed to empowering SMEs

6 May 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad has cemented its position as a significant player in the financial services sector, securing five prestigious awards in the first quarter of 2025.

These accolades highlight the Bank’s unwavering dedication to digital innovation, sustainable banking practices, and its commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Malaysia.

For the second consecutive year, Alliance Bank was named the Best SME Bank in Malaysia at the Global SME Banking Innovation Awards 2025. This recognition reflects the Bank’s pioneering strategies aimed at fostering SME growth through innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.

As at 31 December 2024, the Bank’s year-on-year SME loan growth of 14% has outstripped the industry average of 8%, increasing its SME loan market share to 5.35%. This further reinforces its standing as a leader in this segment and underscores the Bank’s vital role in supporting Malaysia’s SME ecosystem, which is the bedrock of the nation’s economy.

The Bank was also presented with the ASEAN Banking ESG Award at the 2025 ASEAN Banking and Finance Summit, acknowledging its efforts to facilitate ESG adoption among businesses through practical tools, advice, and green financing solutions.

Central to these initiatives is the Bank’s Sustainability Impact Programme (SIP), which encompasses both banking and non-banking solutions, including financing and green technology offerings. This programme has contributed over RM1 billion in new financing and assisted more than 1,000 SMEs in generating tailored climate assessments and ESG roadmaps.

The Bank has achieved RM14 billion in new sustainable banking business, moving closer to its RM15 billion target by FY2027.

On a regional level, Alliance Bank’s innovative approach was recognised with the Silver Award for Best SME Bank of the Year in Asia Pacific at the Qorus Reinvention Awards Asia Pacific 2025. This award highlights the Bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs and acknowledges its achievements in digital innovation through Digital SME (DSME) and ESG excellence via the SIP.

The Digital SME programme offers SMEs a straightforward process for virtual account opening and a simplified online loan application with just one document to secure funding for their businesses. The award underscores the Bank’s ability to adapt to evolving customer requirements while maintaining a strong presence in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Furthermore, Alliance Bank’s innovative spirit in product development for the Digital SME (“DSME”) segment earned it the Best SME Product Initiative at the Retail Banker International Asia Trailblazer Awards 2025.

This award recognises the success of the Bank’s financial solutions, with the DSME business achieving a loan balance of RM514 million as at 31 December 2024. Separately, the Bank was also acknowledged with the Most Innovative Payments Initiative for its groundbreaking Alliance Bank Visa Virtual Credit Card (VCC). This pioneering product has revolutionised payments by offering a highly secure method that safeguards customers' financial information.

“These accolades are more than just awards – they represent our unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and being customer-focused. As The Bank For Life, we aim to continually redefine the banking experience by delivering cutting-edge solutions and fostering meaningful change within the communities we serve,” stated Kellee Kam, Group Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Bank.

As Alliance Bank celebrates these notable achievements, it remains focused on advancing the banking industry through innovation, sustainability, and a people-first approach. These recognitions signify key milestones in the Bank’s Acceler8 strategy while reinforcing its role as a trusted financial partner for both individuals and businesses.