Alliance Bank Wins Big with Five Awards for SME and ESG Excellence
Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd has firmly cemented its status as a major force in Malaysia’s financial services sector, sweeping five prestigious awards in the first quarter of 2025. These accolades highlight the Bank’s sharp focus on digital innovation, sustainable banking, and empowering SMEs nationwide.
At the Global SME Banking Innovation Awards 2025, Alliance Bank was once again named Best SME Bank in Malaysia — securing the title for the second year running. This back-to-back win reflects the Bank’s forward-thinking approach to SME growth, championing innovation, inclusivity and sustainability.
As of 31 December 2024, Alliance Bank achieved a year-on-year SME loan growth of 14% — outpacing the industry average of 8% and increasing its market share to 5.35%. The figures underscore the Bank’s growing influence in strengthening Malaysia’s SME ecosystem, the backbone of the national economy.
Recognised regionally for its green finance initiatives, Alliance Bank also won the ASEAN Banking ESG Award at the 2025 ASEAN Banking and Finance Summit. This award celebrates the Bank’s strides in enabling ESG adoption through its Sustainability Impact Programme (SIP) — which integrates financing, advisory and green technology solutions.
With over RM1 billion in new green financing and more than 1,000 SMEs supported with tailored climate assessments and ESG roadmaps, the Bank has recorded RM14 billion in sustainable banking business to date, drawing closer to its RM15 billion goal by FY2027.
Alliance Bank’s regional clout was further reinforced at the Qorus Reinvention Awards Asia Pacific 2025, where it clinched the Silver Award for Best SME Bank of the Year in Asia Pacific. The award acknowledges the Bank’s digital-first mindset, particularly through its Digital SME (DSME) programme — a streamlined platform offering virtual account openings and a simplified, one-document loan application process.
The Bank’s ability to marry technological innovation with practical banking solutions continues to set it apart in an increasingly competitive market.
In addition, Alliance Bank took home the Best SME Product Initiative award at the Retail Banker International Asia Trailblazer Awards 2025 for its DSME financial solutions, which reached a loan balance of RM514 million by end-2024.
Separately, it was honoured with Most Innovative Payments Initiative for its game-changing Visa Virtual Credit Card (VCC) — a highly secure digital payment tool designed to safeguard customers’ financial data and transform the online payment experience.
“These accolades are more than just awards — they represent our steadfast commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-centricity,” said Kellee Kam, Group Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Bank. “As The Bank For Life, we strive to redefine the banking experience while creating positive change in the communities we serve.”
As the Bank celebrates these milestone wins, it remains focused on driving its Acceler8 strategy — advancing the financial industry with a people-first approach and solidifying its role as a trusted partner for individuals and businesses alike.
