CIMB moves to collaborate with Bank Negara Malaysia on digital asset initiatives
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 – CIMB Group Holdings Bhd plans to engage Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) on its application to join the Digital Asset Innovation Hub. As part of its broader strategy, CIMB aims to develop its tokenised financial services within Malaysia’s digital finance landscape. In particular, the group seeks to expand offerings in tokenised assets, settlement solutions, and next-generation payment rail technologies. Together, these initiatives support the creation of a more resilient and modern financial infrastructure.
CIMB commits to tokenised sukuk pilot driven by Khazanah Nasional and the Securities Commission
Meanwhile, CIMB has committed resources to participate in the tokenised sukuk issuance pilot jointly led by Khazanah Nasional Bhd and the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC). Specifically, the pilot includes multiple workstreams such as structuring, execution, custody arrangements, and full lifecycle servicing. Moreover, the project follows a phased approach and is expected to run through 2026. At the same time, it aligns with regulatory requirements and operational readiness benchmarks. As a result, the SC’s industry pilot programme on securities tokenisation could improve efficiency and accessibility in the bond and sukuk markets.
The official confirmation highlights structured collaboration and phased implementation
According to CIMB Group chief executive officer Novan Amirudin, the initiative aligns with the group’s Forward30 strategic plan and its purpose of advancing customers and society. Furthermore, he highlighted the role of digital and tokenisation capabilities in expanding access to market participation across banking and financial sectors. In addition, CIMB cited its recent issuance track record in the statement. Over the past three years, the group issued approximately RM40 billion in conventional bonds and Islamic sukuk in Malaysia. Consequently, as its digital asset capabilities mature, CIMB plans to issue portions of future funding in tokenised formats while continuing to complement traditional instruments.
Industry observers note growing momentum in Malaysia’s digital finance sector amid the expansion of CIMB Tokenized Financial Services
Meanwhile, CIMB’s initiative coincides with broader regional trends, as financial institutions increasingly adopt blockchain and tokenisation. In turn, these technologies aim to improve transparency, operational efficiency, and scalability. Notably, observers highlight that regulated tokenised deposits play a key role as settlement instruments for tokenised securities. As a result, the digital transformation of payment rails and capital markets is expected to strengthen connectivity among market participants. However, public and social media discussions continue to stress the importance of regulatory oversight and strong governance, despite cautious optimism. Additionally, experts note that Malaysia’s digital finance infrastructure remains at an early stage, with pilot projects such as Khazanah’s serving as important testbeds.
CIMB Tokenized Financial Services is poised to transform market operations
In the short term, initiatives such as the tokenised sukuk pilot are expected to deliver gradual improvements in issuance and settlement processes. Importantly, these changes will not disrupt existing market operations. In the near term, technical and operational assessments under the pilot will guide future scaling and refinements. Over time, deeper integration of tokenised assets into market infrastructure could increase liquidity, fractionality, and accessibility across wholesale and retail segments. Furthermore, automation embedded in tokenised instruments may reduce manual processing and reconciliation efforts. Ultimately, these developments could enhance transparency and operational resilience across Malaysia’s financial ecosystem. Taken together, CIMB’s collaboration with regulators and industry stakeholders reflects a measured approach to adopting digital asset technologies within established regulatory frameworks.
Location: KUALA LUMPUR
Date: 2025-12-18
