OCBC Malaysia has been named Best Bank for SMEs in Malaysia (International category) at the FinanceAsia Awards 2026, marking its third consecutive win and reinforcing its position as a trusted banking partner for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The award recognises OCBC Malaysia's strong SME franchise, underpinned by innovative digital solutions and enhanced financing capabilities that help businesses improve productivity, manage costs and accelerate growth.

In response to the Government’s e-invoice mandate, OCBC Malaysia is the first in the country to directly integrate the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia's MyInvois Portal with OCBC Velocity, the Bank’s digital business banking platform, streamlining e-Invoicing compliance for businesses. The Bank also leveraged its digital capabilities to reduce working capital loan approval and disbursement turnaround times by more than 50%, enabling SMEs to gain quicker access to financing, respond to opportunities faster and strengthen cash flow management amid evolving market conditions.

Complementing these efforts is the Bank's Serial Entrepreneurs Programme, which offers tailored banking solutions and dedicated relationship management support to business owners operating multiple ventures. To date, the programme has provided more than RM2 billion in financing, helping entrepreneurs to scale existing businesses and pursue new growth opportunities.

Commenting on the award, OCBC Malaysia’s Head of Emerging Business Mr Chan Kok Leong, said, "We are honoured to receive this recognition for the third consecutive year, which reflects the trust that SMEs place in us. As businesses navigate an increasingly dynamic operating environment, we remain committed to supporting their growth ambitions through tailored financing solutions, digital innovation, market insights and regional connectivity that enable them to seize opportunities with confidence.”

FinanceAsia’s recognition also reflects the Bank's ability to support SMEs as they expand beyond Malaysia through its extensive network across ASEAN and Greater China, complemented by a suite of cross-border banking and trade solutions. 

Through FX Online, OCBC Malaysia's digital treasury platform, SMEs can transact across currencies, make same-day cross-border payments at preferential rates and manage foreign exchange risks more efficiently. In 2025, the platform facilitated more than USD1.3 billion in foreign exchange transactions, reflecting strong adoption of the Bank's digital treasury capabilities for regional trade.

Now in its 30th year, the FinanceAsia Awards recognise financial institutions across Asia for excellence in performance, innovation, leadership, customer service and resilience.

The latest accolade adds to a growing list of SME banking recognitions received by OCBC Malaysia this year, including Best SME Bank in Malaysia by Global Finance SME Bank Awards, Best Overseas SME Bank in Malaysia by The Digital Banker Global SME Banking Innovation Awards, and Best in Treasury and Working Capital – Malaysia SMEs by The Asset Triple A Treasurise Awards.