AmBank Islamic wins Malaysia’s top Islamic corporate & SME bank award
AmBank Islamic Berhad has been named Best Islamic Corporate & SME Bank Malaysia 2026 by the Global Banking & Finance Review, marking its third consecutive industry accolade for Shariah-compliant corporate banking in…
Source: Global Banking & Finance Review · globalbankingandfinance.com · September 23, 2026 at 9:01 AM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourceKUALA LUMPUR, 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
AmBank Islamic Berhad has been named Best Islamic Corporate & SME Bank Malaysia 2026 by the Global Banking & Finance Review, marking its third consecutive industry accolade for Shariah-compliant corporate banking in Malaysia.
Market Impact
The award follows a review of eight criteria, including innovation in Islamic financial products, digital banking capabilities, and customer relationship management. AmBank Islamic’s murabahah, istisna’a, and trade finance solutions—combined with its AmDigital platform, which automates SME financing approvals—were cited as key differentiators in Malaysia’s RM1.2 trillion Islamic banking sector, where demand for compliant corporate finance has surged by 12% annually since 2023.
The bank’s RM500 million Green Sukuk issuance in 2024 and its AmTakaful corporate insurance products, now covering 30% of its SME client base, were highlighted for addressing gaps in Shariah-compliant risk management. Its wakalah-based cash management services—introduced in 2025—have also gained traction amid tightening liquidity conditions, according to the awards committee.
AmBank Islamic’s market share in corporate Islamic financing rose to 12% in 2025, up from 9% in 2023, as it expanded advisory services for mid-tier corporates and SMEs, where Islamic finance penetration remains below 40%, per Bank Negara Malaysia’s 2025 sector report. The bank’s AmCorp advisory unit, serving 150 corporate clients, is targeting 200 by 2027, with a focus on renewable energy and halal logistics—sectors where Islamic finance aligns with ESG priorities.
The award follows AmBank Islamic’s 2024 recognition as Best Digital Islamic Bank Malaysia, reinforcing its dual strategy of scaling corporate services while modernizing retail offerings. With Islamic finance accounting for 28% of Malaysia’s banking assets, the accolade underscores the sector’s role in supporting sustainable economic growth, particularly for businesses seeking Shariah-compliant alternatives amid global financing constraints.
The Global Banking & Finance Review awards, now in their 16th year, have previously recognized Malaysian institutions including Maybank and Public Bank for Islamic finance innovation. AmBank Islamic’s win comes as the bank prepares to launch a blockchain-enabled sukuk for SME project financing, further distinguishing it from peers like CIMB Islamic and Alliance Islamic, which remain more retail-focused.
The award committee noted that AmBank Islamic’s ability to integrate digital efficiency with Shariah compliance—while maintaining strong risk governance—had set it apart in a competitive market where traditional banks lag in agility. Its 40% reduction in financing turnaround times since 2022, driven by AmDigital, was a key factor in its selection, alongside its strategic partnerships with Malaysian SMEs to enhance working capital access.
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