The Association of Banks in Malaysia

What The Association of Banks in Malaysia does

The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) is a non-profit industry trade association founded in November 1973, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur at the AICB Building. Its membership comprises all 27 commercial banks operating in Malaysia, including incumbent conventional banks (Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, RHB, AmBank, HSBC Malaysia, OCBC Malaysia, etc.) and three digital banks (GX Bank, Boost Bank, and Ryt Bank, admitted 2024-2025). ABM does not develop proprietary technology products; it operates as a coordination and advocacy body funded by undisclosed membership dues from its member banks.

ABM's core activities span industry-wide consumer protection, anti-fraud coordination, SME financing support, regulatory engagement, and policy advocacy. Its flagship initiatives include the #JanganKenaScam national anti-scam awareness campaign (launched October 2023 with AIBIM, PDRM, and MCMC), the ABMConnect consumer inquiry and complaint resolution portal, the PARTNER programme streamlining SME loan applications, and the Safe Online Banking education portal. Recent policy-driven initiatives coordinated through ABM include the RM5 billion SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (May 2026), the RM1 interbank ATM withdrawal fee waiver effective July 2026, and industry-wide implementation of the Hire-Purchase Amendment Act 2026.

ABM operates through tripartite collaboration with the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM) and the Association of Development Finance Institutions Malaysia (ADFIM), and maintains direct engagement with Bank Negara Malaysia, PDRM, MCMC, PayNet, MPC/PEMUDAH, and AICB. The association is led by Executive Director Dr Amina Josetta Kayani and governed by a Council of member-bank representatives. ABM's "go-to-market" is institutional advocacy and public education rather than commercial sales, targeting member banks as its core constituency, with downstream impact on Malaysian retail banking customers, SMEs, and the broader financial ecosystem.

Name

The Association of Banks in Malaysia

Legal name

The Association of Banks in Malaysia

Website

https://abm.org.my

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) is a non-profit industry trade association founded in 1973 representing all 27 commercial banks in Malaysia. It coordinates industry-wide anti-fraud programs (#JanganKenaScam), consumer protection services (ABMConnect), SME financing initiatives, and regulatory engagement with Bank Negara Malaysia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Kuala Lumpur

HQ country

Malaysia

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Association membership contributions: ABM is a not-for-profit industry association funded by membership dues from its 27 member commercial banks. It does not generate commercial revenue from products or services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) is a non-profit industry trade association established in November 1973 that represents all 27 commercial banks operating in Malaysia. It serves as the unified collective voice of the conventional banking sector, providing industry advocacy, regulatory engagement, and coordinated consumer-facing initiatives including the #JanganKenaScam anti-scam awareness campaign, the ABMConnect consumer inquiry and complaint resolution service, the PARTNER SME lending programme, and policy-driven programs such as the RM1 interbank ATM fee waiver.

Product overview

The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) is an industry association representing 27 commercial banks operating in Malaysia. Rather than a single technology product, ABM operates a portfolio of industry initiatives, consumer services, and public-facing programs. Core offerings include ABMConnect (consumer inquiry portal), the #JanganKenaScam anti-scam awareness campaign with associated security features (Money Vault, Malware Shielding, Kill Switch), the Safe Online Banking education portal, the PARTNER SME lending initiative, and policy-driven programs like the Interbank ATM Fee Waiver and SME Stabilisation Relief Facility. These offerings work together to support consumers, promote safe banking practices, and advance industry-wide initiatives across Malaysia's commercial banking sector.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ABMConnect: Consumer enquiry and complaint resolution platform operated by ABM for customers of member banks.
• #JanganKenaScam

Products and services

• ABMConnect Online and toll-free (1300-88-9980) consumer inquiry and complaint resolution service operated by ABM for customers of Malaysia's 27 member commercial banks. Provides clarification on conventional banking issues, complaint submission, and credit-related assistance. Operational Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm.
• #JanganKenaScam Campaign National anti-scam awareness campaign jointly operated by ABM and AIBIM with PDRM and MCMC to educate Malaysian consumers about financial fraud. Includes an anti-scam resource centre at JanganKenaScam.com, video and poster content, seasonal campaign extensions, the Bank Heroes Recognition Event, and celebrity-ambassador outreach.
• Safe Online Banking Portal Online consumer education portal that provides security tips, scam alerts, fraud-prevention guidance, a directory of bank fraud contacts, and educational videos on phishing, malware, and safe banking practices. Targets individual banking customers of ABM's 27 member banks.
• PARTNER Programme Industry initiative to streamline and simplify SME loan application processes across ABM member banks. Includes standardised application forms, document checklists, common processing timelines, and a directory of SME contact information for the 27 member banks.
• Repayment Assistance Campaign (RAC) Campaign providing guidance on loan repayment assistance options for individuals facing financial difficulties. Helps customers understand available support mechanisms and engage with their banks on suitable repayment arrangements.
• URUS Financial Management and Resilience Programme Banking industry collaboration with AKPK (Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit) to assist vulnerable Malaysians with repayment assistance and financial management support. Estimated industry contribution value of RM1 billion.
• Interbank ATM Fee Waiver Initiative Industry-wide initiative removing the RM1 interbank ATM cash withdrawal fee effective 1 July 2026, enabling unlimited free cash withdrawals at over 14,000 bank-operated ATMs and Smart Recycler Machines (SRMs) nationwide for Malaysian debit cardholders. Implemented via collaboration with PayNet, AIBIM and ADFIM.
• SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SME SRF) RM5 billion financing facility introduced by Bank Negara Malaysia and supported by ABM, AIBIM and ADFIM to assist micro, small and medium enterprises affected by the West Asia conflict. Provides working capital access and loan repayment assistance to affected SMEs. Applications opened 15 May 2026.

Quantifiable outcome

• Banks blocked RM1.19 billion in fraudulent/suspicious transactions in 2025, a three-fold increase year-on-year, with 46% more blocked scam attempts vs 2024.
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, core, minor and key.

• EcosystmsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 8 July 2026AICB and Ecosystm co-authored the AI in Practice report launched at the 4th Malaysian Banking Conference and 2nd Bank Audit Conference (July 2026). The report found that while AI is deployed across KYC onboarding, fraud detection, and AML/CFT, only 25% of respondents trust AI-generated outputs enough to act on them in key business decisions.
• Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet)coreTechnology or Integration · 15 June 2026PayNet collaborated with ABM, AIBIM, and ADFIM to implement the RM1 interbank ATM cash withdrawal fee waiver effective 1 July 2026, covering over 14,000 bank-operated ATMs and SRMs nationwide. This initiative improves financial accessibility and reduces everyday banking costs for Malaysian consumers.
• ISRA International Consulting Sdn. Bhd.supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 3 June 2026ISRA International Consulting organized a Familiarisation Programme on Digital Banking and Transformation for a senior delegation from Bunna Bank, Ethiopia. ABM participated by hosting the visit and coordinating member bank representatives from GXBank, Boost Bank, Bank Simpanan Nasional, and EXIM Bank to share knowledge on Malaysia's digital banking landscape.
• Bunna Bank (Ethiopia)minorOthers · 3 June 2026Senior delegation from Bunna Bank, Ethiopia, comprising Board of Directors and senior management, visited ABM on 3 June 2026 as part of a Familiarisation Programme on Digital Banking and Transformation. The visit focused on Malaysia's banking industry landscape, digitalisation initiatives, and emerging trends in financial services.
• Association of Development Finance Institutions Malaysia (ADFIM)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 April 2026ABM, AIBIM, and ADFIM jointly welcomed the RM5 billion SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SME SRF) from Bank Negara Malaysia for SMEs affected by the West Asia conflict. The three associations committed to proactive outreach to ensure affected businesses access available support measures, and jointly issued statements on hire-purchase reforms and ATM fee waivers.
• Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) / PEMUDAHkeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 April 2026ABM hosted a courtesy visit from PEMUDAH (with MPC as its Secretariat) on 28 April 2026, focusing on the Technical Working Group on Financial Services (TWGFS). Discussions covered improving access to financing, enhancing regulatory efficiency, and addressing SME pain points in line with the World Bank's B-READY framework.
• Kantar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Kantar Malaysia independently conducted the Malaysian Retail Banking Industry Customer Satisfaction Survey 2025 for ABM and AIBIM, with support from Bank Negara Malaysia. The survey obtained 9,500 responses from customers of 19 participating banks, measuring Customer Satisfaction and Net Promoter Score (NPS).
• Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 October 2023ABM and AIBIM jointly launched the #JanganKenaScam national anti-scam awareness campaign on 3 October 2023, with cooperation from PDRM and MCMC. The partnership also covers joint press releases on fee waivers, SME support facilities, and hire-purchase reforms. AIBIM represents Islamic banking institutions, enabling ABM's initiatives to extend across the entire Malaysian banking landscape.
• Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 October 2023PDRM collaborates with ABM and AIBIM on the #JanganKenaScam anti-scam campaign, including the Bank Heroes Recognition Event (attended by the Commissioner of Police/CCID Director), scam awareness talks, and ongoing public-private cooperation in financial crime prevention. PDRM's Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) participates in scam alert dissemination and law enforcement coordination.
• Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 October 2023MCMC participates in the #JanganKenaScam anti-scam campaign as a key government stakeholder, contributing to the multi-agency public awareness initiative alongside ABM, AIBIM, and PDRM to address evolving scam tactics across communications platforms.
• Hairul Azreen (Celebrity Brand Ambassador)supportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 October 2023Malaysian celebrity and entrepreneur Hairul Azreen serves as the official brand ambassador for the #JanganKenaScam campaign since its launch on 3 October 2023. With strong social media presence, he advocates for public scam awareness and participates in #JanganKenaScam Fest events nationwide.
• Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 September 2022AICB and ABM jointly hosted the inaugural Malaysian Banking ESG Conference 2022, marking ABM's role in sustainability and ESG practices across the banking industry. AICB and ABM co-organize major industry conferences (4th Malaysian Banking Conference and 2nd Bank Audit Conference, July 2026), with ABM providing industry participation and AICB providing professional development frameworks and research.
• Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBank Negara Malaysia is Malaysia's central bank and primary regulator for the banking industry. BNM works with ABM on SME financing facilities (SME SRF), consumer protection regulations (Hire-Purchase Amendment Act), cybersecurity guidance, and service standard-setting. BNM Governor Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour opened the #JanganKenaScam campaign launch.
• Financial Market Ombudsman Service (FMOS)supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFMOS is appointed by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission Malaysia to provide dispute resolution services to financial consumers and investors. Listed as a useful link on ABM's website, indicating referral pathway for customers with unresolved banking complaints.
• Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM)supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPIDM administers the Deposit Insurance System (DIS) and Takaful and Insurance Benefits Protection System (TIPS) to protect bank depositors and owners of takaful certificates and insurance policies in the event of a member institution failure. Listed as a useful link on ABM's website.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Indonesian Banks Association (Perbanas): Indonesia's national banking industry association covering conventional commercial banks. Comparable to ABM as a unifying industry voice and coordination body for a large and diverse member base across an emerging ASEAN banking market.
• Japan Bankers Association: Japan's primary banking industry association with extensive coordination roles across retail banking, payments, and consumer protection. Directly comparable in function to ABM and a potential benchmark for ABM's evolution into deeper industry standardization.
• American Bankers Association: Largest US banking trade association representing banks of all sizes. Comparable in function (industry advocacy, fraud coordination, training, regulatory engagement) at scale; relevant peer for ABM's role as collective voice for member banks.
• The Bankers Association of the Philippines: Philippines' universal banking and commercial bank industry association. Closest ASEAN peer to ABM in terms of market structure and convening role, with parallel regulatory engagement and consumer-facing initiatives.
• Australian Banking Association: Australia's peak banking industry association, performing parallel advocacy, fraud-prevention, and consumer-protection coordination roles for member banks in Australia. Directly comparable function and structure to ABM in a similar APAC banking market.
• UK Finance: UK banking and finance industry trade association covering retail and wholesale banking, payments, and fraud prevention. Comparable in scope to ABM at a national level for a developed banking market, with similar GTM of policy advocacy and coordinated industry programs.
• Hong Kong Association of Banks: Hong Kong's banking industry trade association, including representation of international and local banks. Comparable to ABM in convening a cross-border member base and engaging with regulators on consumer protection and industry standards.
• Thai Bankers' Association: Thailand's commercial banking trade association. Operates with a near-identical mandate to ABM — representing commercial banks, engaging with the Bank of Thailand, and coordinating industry-wide consumer protection and fraud programs.

Direct peers

• Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM): Sister Malaysian banking trade body representing Islamic banking institutions. Co-launches #JanganKenaScam and joint SME support facilities with ABM; explicitly comparable as a parallel industry association within Malaysia's banking ecosystem.
• Association of Development Finance Institutions Malaysia (ADFIM): Malaysian trade body for development financial institutions. Co-issues joint press releases with ABM on SME SRF and Hire-Purchase reforms; a third leg of the conventional-Islamic-DFI tripartite model that makes up Malaysia's full banking industry representation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@abm4377
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/abm-org-my
• Instagraminstagram.com/abm.org.my
• Facebookfacebook.com/abm.org.my

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Association of Banks in Malaysia