01/10/2024 (Malaysia) - Aeon Bank (M) Bhd had received approval from Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance to commence its digital banking operations in Malaysia, making it the first Islamic digital bank in the country. The approval was granted based on the bank's operational readiness, and Aeon Bank is affiliated with Aeon Credit Service (M) Bhd and Aeon Financial Service Co Ltd (AFS Japan).
The bank's core mission was to promote financial inclusion and Islamic banking, offering accessible, inclusive, and syariah-compliant digital banking solutions to Aeon Group customers and all Malaysians. Aeon Bank aimed to empower communities with simplified, safe, and secure digital financial services, as stated by CEO Raja Teh Maimunah.
This development marked a significant leap forward in redefining financial services by the Aeon Group, reaffirming their commitment to supporting financial inclusivity. Aeon Group planned to expand and enhance services for retail and wholesale customers, as well as ecosystem partners such as auto dealers, merchants, suppliers, and tenants. Their focus on digital technology would introduce innovative products and enhance the value proposition for their diverse customer base.
Aeon Bank's goal was to extend financial services to individuals and small businesses that lacked access to funding and other financial services. Additionally, the bank emphasized financial literacy and education initiatives to empower users with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions. They planned a phased rollout of their app, starting with an exclusive beta testing phase involving Aeon Group employees to gather feedback and refine the app before a full release.