KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) and the Asian Banking School (ABS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the development of a professional certification framework for wealth advisory in Malaysia.
In a statement, Maybank said the proposed ABS Wealth Advisory & Management Certification Programme aims to establish industry-recognised competency standards for wealth advisory professionals in the banking sector.
Upon its launch, it will be Malaysia’s first industry-wide professional certification framework dedicated to wealth advisory.
Maybank will serve as the founding industry partner, contributing its experience in developing wealth management talent, while ABS will provide its expertise in professional banking development and certification.
ABS will retain independence over the programme’s standards, assessment and certification.
Maybank group chief executive officer of community financial services Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar said the bank has continued to invest in developing its wealth professionals through the Maybank Wealth Academy.
“This collaboration with the Asian Banking School allows us to contribute that experience beyond our organisation, to raise professional standards for wealth advisory in Malaysia, with the opportunity to extend elements of the programme across the region over time,” he said.
ABS chief executive officer Professor Dr Manivanan Saman said the collaboration aims to create a credible pathway for wealth professionals while raising the quality of wealth advisory in Malaysia.
The programme’s first intake is expected in the second half of 2027.
Maybank also intends to incorporate the certification into its Maybank Wealth Academy, linking it with structured learning, career development and practical workplace application.
The parties will also explore opportunities to extend relevant certification pathways to wealth professionals across the region.