HLB and DCAP Digital Partner to Advance SME Lending and Financial Inclusion Through AI Innovation

13 June 2025

KUALA LUMPUR : In line with its ongoing commitment to support the SME ecosystem and deliver bespoke financial solutions that foster business growth, Hong Leong Bank (HLB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DCAP Digital Sdn Bhd (DCAP Digital). The partnership aims to strengthen HLB’s SME lending infrastructure and promote financial inclusion among underbanked communities in Malaysia.

Established in 2020, DCAP Digital is a fintech company offering transparent, fair credit solutions via its full-stack Lending-as-a-Service (LaaS) platform. The platform facilitates capital deployment to pre-vetted, high-quality borrowers, supported by cutting-edge digital tools that enhance efficiency, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

Through this collaboration, HLB will harness DCAP Digital’s technological capabilities, particularly its proprietary AI-driven credit scoring engine, which enables more accurate and inclusive credit assessments. By integrating these tools with HLB’s strong financial offerings and wide reach—especially within the consumer financing and mobility sectors (motorcycles and electric vehicles)—the Bank will be able to provide lending solutions tailored to the specific needs of SMEs.

In May 2025 alone, more than 61,000 new motorcycles were registered in Malaysia, highlighting strong and consistent demand in this segment. However, financing remains a challenge, especially for underbanked individuals and businesses, due to difficulties in establishing robust credit profiles and navigating Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures.

"This marks a significant step forward for HLB as we enhance our lending capabilities to better serve our growing base of dynamic business customers," said Woon Siew Hoong, Head of SME Banking at HLB.

"Staying true to our brand promise of being ‘Built Around You’, we strive to offer a comprehensive suite of banking solutions that are both personalised and seamlessly delivered. Our partnership with DCAP Digital is a major milestone—combining AI innovation, digital tools, extensive market access, and tailored financing to elevate the customer experience."

The collaboration will initially focus on supporting motorcycle dealers, streamlining their loan application processes and accelerating access to HLB’s Dealer Hire Purchase Programme.

In addition, HLB will leverage DCAP Digital’s ecosystem to offer dealers a broader range of financial services, including cash management, bankers' acceptance, and trade lines.

Sonia Ng, Co-Founder and CEO of DCAP Digital, commented, “We are excited to collaborate with HLB in advancing financial inclusion through AI-powered credit solutions. This partnership unites HLB’s financial expertise with our technology-first approach, enabling smart SME transformation, seamless customer journeys, and sustainable growth across the motorcycle ecosystem.”

The partnership will also include joint promotional activities such as workshops, seminars, and marketing campaigns aimed at boosting awareness within the motorcycle industry. Additionally, dealer training sessions will be held to promote best practices in financing applications.