Alliance Bank plays a critical role in the SME business journey by providing comprehensive financial solutions and strategic support to help SMEs grow and scale. Recognizing the vital role SMEs play in the Malaysian economy, the bank has developed a multi-faceted approach that combines innovative digital banking, tailored financing, and advisory services to empower businesses at every stage of their lifecycle.
"The bank’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions ensures that SMEs receive the financial and advisory support they need to thrive in an evolving economic landscape."
How would you describe your bank’s role in the SMEs business journey considering their importance in the economy?
Key Contributions to SMEs:
Segmented SME Banking Approach
- Micro & Small SMEs: Digital-first solutions for fast and simple banking, including digital account opening, unsecured lending up to RM500K, and minimal documentation requirements.
- Medium SMEs: Relationship management for more complex needs, including working capital, trade facilities, and tailored credit solutions.
- Large SMEs & Commercial Enterprises: Personalized advisory and financing solutions, including capital markets and IPO preparation.
Digital Transformation & Innovation
- Acceler8 Digital SME program focuses on digital onboarding, automated underwriting, and real-time loan approvals using AI and ML.
- Digital Guarantee Schemes for young businesses (6 months old and above) to improve access to credit.
- E-KYC & Digital Current Account Opening streamlining banking for SMEs.
- Bank Statement Analyzer & AI-driven credit scoring to enhance credit assessment efficiency.
Growth-Focused Financing & Advisory
- Strong SME loan growth since the bank’s transformation journey in FY18, achieving 12% CAGR—2.6x faster than the industry.
- Supply Chain Financing Partnerships (SOLV) to enable SMEs to leverage credit based on anchor companies.
- IPO Support & Capital Market Advisory, assisting SMEs in scaling to public listing (e.g., Evergreen Max Cash Capital Berhad).
Beyond Banking Solutions
- BizSmart Challenge: A premier accelerator for innovative SMEs and startups, providing mentorship, funding, and market exposure.
- SupportLokal: A platform promoting local SMEs through digital marketing and strategic partnerships.
- Halal-in-One: Comprehensive halal business support, from certification to financing.
Sustainability & ESG Initiatives
- Sustainability Improvement Programme (SIP) with a RM12 billion sustainable banking target met ahead of schedule, revised to RM15 billion by FY2027.
- Strategic ESG partnerships with industry leaders to drive SME sustainability.
- Financial literacy and education workshops to equip SMEs with essential skills.
Measurable Impact:
- Top 2 in SME market share growth post-transformation.
- Top 3 in SME loan growth, consistently outperforming industry benchmarks.
- Strong CASA acquisition and deposit growth, supporting accelerated loan expansion.
- Fee income up 14% YoY, driven by trade and FX services.
Alliance Bank’s strategic investments in SME banking, digitalization, and ecosystem partnerships have positioned it as a leading enabler of SME success in Malaysia.
Alliance Bank has consistently demonstrated excellence in SME banking through strong financial performance, digital innovation, and strategic initiatives that empower SMEs across all business stages.
Why do you think your bank deserves to be awarded the SME Bank of the Year?
Below are the key reasons why Alliance Bank stands out as the best SME bank of the year:
Market-Leading SME Growth & Financial Strength
The bank has achieved strong double-digit growth in SME lending and deposits, reinforcing its position as a top SME bank:
Key Metric | 2024 Performance | YoY Growth | Impact |
| Loan Growth | +15.0% | ▼ 0.6% pts |
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| Deposit Growth | +19.1% | ▲ 3.0% pts |
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| Total Income Growth | +11.2% | ▲ 0.2% pts |
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| GSME & Commercial PAT | +4.1% | ▲ RM16M |
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- Top 2 in SME market share growth in Malaysia
- Sustained double-digit income and loan growth, proving strong SME-focused execution
Pioneering Digital SME Banking Transformation
Alliance Bank has revolutionized SME banking through AI, automation, and seamless digital experiences:
Digital Initiative | Key Achievements |
| Acceler8 Digital SME |
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| Digital Onboarding & e-KYC |
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| Merchant & SME Ecosystem |
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- Over RM302M in Digital SME Loans disbursed in FY24
- AI & automation reduced approval times, improving financial access for SMEs
Leading the ESG & Sustainable SME Financing Movement
Alliance Bank is at the forefront of sustainable banking, helping SMEs transition to ESG-driven business models:
Sustainability Initiative | Impact |
| Sustainability Improvement Programme (SIP) |
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| Green Supply Chain Financing (RM1B Allocation) |
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| ESG Education & Advisory |
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- Malaysia’s SME sustainability leader with RM12B+ in ESG financing
- Driving industry-wide ESG adoption through strategic partnerships
Holistic SME Support Beyond Banking
Alliance Bank goes beyond traditional banking, offering business acceleration, education, and growth opportunities for SMEs:
Beyond Banking Initiative | Impact |
| BizSmart Challenge |
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| SupportLokal Initiative |
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| Halal-in-One Program |
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- Award-winning SME ecosystem support through financing, mentorship & partnerships
- Helping SMEs scale from startup to IPO, reinforcing Alliance Bank’s leadership
Industry Recognition & Customer Trust
Alliance Bank is recognized as a top-performing SME bank, backed by strong customer satisfaction and industry awards:
- #1 Net Promoter Score (NPS) in SME Banking – highest customer satisfaction in the industry
- Top SME digital banking innovator, winning Best Digital SME Bank Malaysia 2023
- Proven track record in helping SMEs achieve IPO success
Conclusion: The Clear Choice for SME Bank of the Year
Alliance Bank’s unwavering commitment to SME growth, digital innovation, ESG leadership, and holistic support makes it the best SME bank in Malaysia. The bank’s strategic initiatives not only drive financial performance but also empower SMEs at every stage of their journey, making it the clear choice for SME Bank of the Year.
These three projects—Acceler8 Digital SME, Supply Chain Financing with SOLV, and BizSmart Challenge—demonstrate Alliance Bank’s unwavering commitment to SME success. By combining digital innovation, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem support, the bank has positioned itself as the leading SME bank in Malaysia.
Describe, what are top 3 projects/achievements delivered by your bank in the last 18 months for SME customers?
Over the last 18 months, Alliance Bank has delivered several impactful initiatives that have significantly benefited SME customers. Here are the top three projects/achievements that showcase the bank’s leadership in SME banking:
1. Acceler8 Digital SME – Transforming SME Banking with Digital Innovation
What is it?
Acceler8 Digital SME is Alliance Bank’s flagship digital transformation initiative aimed at making SME banking faster, simpler, and more accessible. This initiative focuses on three key areas: lead generation, process automation, and credit decisioning.
Key Achievements:
- Fully Digital SME Account Opening – Enabled through e-KYC, allowing SMEs to open business accounts online in minutes.
- AI-Powered Credit Decisioning – Automated credit scoring and real-time loan approvals using AI/ML.
- Bank Statement Analyzer (BSA) – Uses AI to analyze financial transactions for faster underwriting and fraud detection.
- Digital Guarantee Scheme – Provides financing to businesses as young as 6 months old.
- RM302M in Digital SME Loans disbursed in FY24, exceeding targets and proving the success of this initiative.
Impact:
- Reduced loan approval time from weeks to as fast as 24 hours.
- Expanded financial access for SMEs with lower documentation requirements.
- Positioned Alliance Bank as a leader in digital-first SME banking.
2. Supply Chain Financing with SOLV – Unlocking Growth for Smaller SMEs
What is it?
A strategic partnership with SOLV to provide invoice-based financing solutions for SMEs that struggle to access credit. This program allows smaller SMEs to secure working capital based on the credit strength of their corporate buyers rather than their own credit history.
Key Achievements:
- Seamless Digital Supply Chain Financing – SMEs can request financing against invoices uploaded by their buyers.
- Fraud Prevention & Transparency – Buyers confirm invoices online, ensuring legitimacy and reducing disputes.
- Faster Working Capital Access – SMEs can receive financing within days instead of waiting for payment cycles.
Impact:
- Helped smaller SMEs secure financing they wouldn’t traditionally qualify for.
- Increased access to working capital, allowing businesses to scale faster.
- Strengthened SME supply chain ecosystems by reducing cash flow constraints.
3. Alliance BizSmart Challenge – Empowering High-Growth SMEs & Startups
What is it?
The BizSmart Challenge is Malaysia’s premier SME accelerator program, designed to identify, mentor, and fund the country’s most promising SMEs and startups. The program was revived in 2024 after a 3-year hiatus and focuses on sustainability, digitalization, and business scalability.
Key Achievements:
- 600+ SME applications received – Demonstrating strong interest in business development support.
- Top 30 businesses selected for intensive mentoring and business coaching with industry leaders.
- Cash prizes, funding opportunities, and nationwide recognition provided to top SMEs.
- IPO Success Story: Past winners have scaled into publicly listed companies, proving the program’s long-term impact.
Impact:
- Provided SMEs with mentorship, industry exposure, and funding.
- Helped bridge the gap between startups and scalable SMEs.
- Strengthened Alliance Bank’s position as Malaysia’s top SME champion.
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