KUALA LUMPUR, 23 July 2026 — Maybank and Credit Guarantee and Investment Facility ("CGIF"), a trust fund of the Asian Development Bank ("ADB"), today signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") to strengthen and deepen local currency capital markets in ASEAN+3 markets (Southeast Asia, China, Japan and South Korea).

Leveraging Maybank's regional network and expertise and CGIF's credit enhancement capabilities, the collaboration includes developing innovative financing solutions and capital market instruments such as digital bonds and Islamic finance solutions, promoting sustainable and transition finance, mobilising financing for initiatives such as energy transition, digital economy and digital infrastructure, building capacity and supporting issuers in accessing diversified funding sources.

John Chong, group chief executive officer of global banking, Maybank said, "Having successfully partnered with CGIF on several landmark bond and Sukuk transactions in Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Hong Kong, with Maybank Investment Banking Group acting as arranger and lead manager and CGIF as guarantee provider, this collaboration builds on a strong track record and reinforces Maybank's leadership in regional capital markets. As foreign direct investments into Asia continues to accelerate, we see significant opportunities to develop innovative financing solutions, deepen local capital markets and enable businesses to access more diverse funding sources to support their growth."

Reflecting this optimism, in Malaysia, Maybank has raised its full-year 2026 private debt securities issuance forecast to MYR160–170 billion ($39.1–41.6 billion) from MYR150 billion ($36.7 billion) following a robust first half of the year. The stronger outlook is supported by a healthy pipeline of issuances, resilient macroeconomic fundamentals and favourable domestic funding conditions, underscoring sustained confidence among issuers and investors. Rating migration trend remained positive, with positive rating actions including upgrades and outlook revisions. Maybank expects credit conditions to remain stable in the second half of 2026, supported by resilient economic fundamentals and continued strength in domestic capital markets.

Noriko Nasu, chief executive officer of CGIF said, "Deep and resilient local currency bond markets are essential to financing Asia's long-term development priorities. Our partnership with Maybank brings together complementary capabilities to broaden access to capital, catalyse private sector investment and advance innovative financing solutions for the ASEAN+3 region. We look forward to working together to support sustainable infrastructure, accelerate the energy transition and contribute to stronger, more integrated regional capital markets."

Past landmark deals involving CGIF and Maybank Investment Banking Group include Tecomen Holding, SCommerce Investment Corporations' maiden bond issuances and BIWASE Long An's AAA-rated bond & award-winning deal in Vietnam, Vantage Data Centre's first rated data centre bond in ASEAN and ALSREIT Capital Malaysia's MYR455.0 million ($111.3 million) senior Sukuk Wakalah.

The MOU was signed at CGIF and Maybanks' joint inaugural forum, "Accelerating Digital Infrastructure Investment Through the Bonds and Sukuk Markets 2026 – Securing Malaysia's Digital Future," attended by about 150 policymakers, corporate leaders and industry players. Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance Malaysia and the Securities Commission Malaysia, the Forum featured a keynote address by Zain Azhari Mazlan, executive director of corporate finance and investments, Securities Commission Malaysia, as well as a fireside chat with Marzunisham Omar, deputy governor of Bank Negara Malaysia.

Re-disseminated by The Asian Banker