As ethical finance continues to gain global traction, Islamic Wealth Management (IWM) is emerging as a vital contributor to a more equitable and resilient financial system. Rooted in Shariah principles, IWM offers a values-based alternative to conventional financial models—one that balances profit with purpose and promotes fairness, responsibility, and sustainability.
Globally, the IWM industry has maintained steady growth, driven by the rising affluence of Muslim-majority economies and increasing demand for halal investment opportunities. The principles of IWM also appeal to non-Muslim investors who are seeking ethical and socially responsible investment options. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), global Islamic financial assets have exceeded US$2 trillion over the past decade, with Shariah-compliant assets under management (AUM) projected to surpass US$5 trillion by 2026. The Asia Pacific region accounts for 30 per cent of global high-net-worth (HNW) individuals’ wealth, while Southeast Asia holds nearly a quarter of the world’s Islamic finance assets. Across the region, affluent investors are increasingly seeking sophisticated wealth solutions that align with their values, including ethical investing, philanthropy, and Shariah-based protection and succession planning.
Against this positive backdrop, Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) is well-positioned to capture the growing opportunities in the IWM space. The group’s Islamic banking arm, Maybank Islamic Berhad, has transitioned from a product-focused model to a holistic, integrated approach anchored on five key pillars of wealth: creation, accumulation, protection, purification, and distribution. In June 2021, Maybank Islamic launched a comprehensive suite of IWM solutions in Malaysia. This was followed by the establishment of the Maybank IWM regional offshore hub in Singapore and the introduction of Shariah wealth management solutions in Indonesia in 2023. These initiatives have driven consistent growth, with Maybank Group’s IWM assets under management (AUM) rising 17.2 per cent year-on-year to RM98.65 billion in the first half ended June 30, 2025.
As one of the world’s top Islamic banks and the largest in Asia Pacific by total assets, Maybank Islamic continues to pioneer innovative solutions that meet the diverse needs of its clients. Leveraging the group’s universal banking footprint, the bank offers a wide range of services, including estate planning, takaful, Shariah-compliant investments, zakat optimisation, and philanthropy advisory. According to Mohamad Yasin Abdullah, Group Chief Executive Officer of Islamic Banking and CEO of Maybank Islamic, “In this era of accelerated capital mobility and digital transformation, Islamic wealth management must transcend traditional boundaries—not just geographically, but also in mindset. The future lies in integrating values-based finance with innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.”
Maybank Islamic has also seen strong growth among affluent and high-net-worth clients, driven by its ability to combine Shariah integrity with personalised service. At the same time, the bank is democratising wealth management through digital innovation, making ethical financial solutions accessible to a broader base of emerging investors. Beyond its retail offerings, the bank has introduced high-end wealth solutions such as Private Trust-i for estate and succession planning, Avaloq Islamic for portfolio management, and Islamic Lombard Financing for wealth liquidity needs. Complementing these are digital initiatives, including the zakat calculator in the MAE app, the EzyWasiat digital will, and the Dynamic Horizon Takaful Plan, a Shariah-compliant investment-linked takaful solution.
In Singapore, the Maybank IWM hub serves as a gateway for regional clients seeking offshore wealth management services, while in Indonesia, its Shariah wealth platform caters to affluent and emerging-affluent clients with locally tailored solutions. Looking ahead, Maybank Group aims to expand its leadership in regional IWM by strengthening cross-border wealth solutions, particularly along the ASEAN–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) corridor and within emerging halal economies.
In line with Malaysia’s national agenda to foster regional economic integration, Maybank’s involvement in the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) marks a new chapter in cross-border financial collaboration. Yasin noted that the JS-SEZ offers a powerful platform for unlocking new demand in the IWM space. “Maybank pioneered the establishment of the Single Family Office in the Forest City Special Financial Zone, reinforcing our leadership in delivering comprehensive solutions for high-net-worth clients and family offices. We have the capability and expertise to serve the entire wealth continuum—from Private to Premier and Privilege clients,” he said.
Through these strategic initiatives, Maybank Islamic continues to shape the future of Islamic wealth management by combining faith-based principles with financial innovation. The bank remains committed to building a sustainable, inclusive, and values-driven financial ecosystem that creates long-term value for clients across generations.