CIMB Islamic first Malaysian bank to be awarded World’s Best Islamic Bank at Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards 2026 since inception

29 July 2026

The marquee award underscores the Bank’s leadership in integrated Islamic banking, scale and sustainable growth

Kuala Lumpur: CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad (“CIMB Islamic” or “the Bank”) has been named the World's Best Islamic Bank at the Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards 2026, becoming the first Malaysian bank to receive the prestigious global accolade since its inception. The recognition reinforces CIMB Islamic’s thought leadership in Islamic finance and highlights Malaysia’s continued prominence as an international Islamic finance hub. 

The award acknowledges CIMB Islamic’s successful execution of its ‘Islamic-first’ approach, which has embedded Shariah-compliant banking as the primary proposition across every customer segment within CIMB Group’s Malaysian franchise. By integrating Islamic banking seamlessly across its digital ecosystem, capital markets capabilities and end-to-end customer journeys, CIMB Islamic has established a differentiated operating model that delivers a consistent and holistic customer experience at scale, while setting new benchmarks for Islamic banking innovation and accessibility. 

Ahmad Shahriman Mohamad Shariff, Chief Executive Officer, Group Islamic Banking, said, “We are honoured to be recognised by Euromoney as the World's Best Islamic Bank 2026. As the first Malaysian bank since the inception of the award to receive this distinction, this is a proud milestone not only for CIMB Islamic, but also a recognition of Malaysia’s achievement as a global leader in Islamic finance. This accomplishment reflects the successful execution of our Forward30 strategy, where Islamic banking is one of the key drivers of CIMB Group’s ambition to be the top-of-mind bank by 2030.”

“Guided by our ‘Islamic-first’ approach, we have reimagined Islamic banking as an integrated, accessible and inclusive proposition that empowers individuals, businesses and communities to achieve sustainable financial progress. By embedding Shariah-compliant solutions across every customer segment and touchpoint, supported by digital innovation, capital markets expertise and a comprehensive financial ecosystem, we are making Islamic finance the natural choice for more customers.”

The recognition follows another year of strong and balanced growth for CIMB Islamic, underpinned by continued expansion across its consumer, wealth, commercial and wholesale banking franchises, while continuing to strengthen its integrated digital banking and wealth management ecosystem. CIMB also maintained regional capital markets leadership as the largest global sukuk arranger for 16 consecutive years among ASEAN-based banks*.

The award also reinforces the validity of the Bank’s regional platform for Islamic banking.  Regionally, the planned spinoff of Indonesia’s Bank CIMB Niaga Syariah as a standalone entity will enable the bank to meet regulatory requirements and enhance its ability to expand. This positions the bank to become the second-largest Islamic bank in Indonesia in line with greater demand for Islamic banking from Indonesia’s population.

CIMB Islamic has continued to differentiate itself through customer-centric innovation, offering one of Malaysia's most comprehensive digitally enabled Islamic wealth ecosystems, supported by more than 80 Shariah-compliant unit trust funds and fully integrated digital investment capabilities through both CIMB’s retail and non-retail OCTO platforms. The Bank has also continued to expand sustainable Islamic finance solutions that create positive environmental and social impact.

“Looking ahead, we see significant opportunities for Islamic finance to play an even greater role in driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth across ASEAN. We remain committed to advancing the industry through continuous innovation, responsible finance and solutions that create long-term value for our customers, communities and the broader economy, in line with our purpose of Advancing Customers and Society”, he added.

The award also reinforces the Group's Moving You Forward brand promise, reflecting its continued focus on empowering customers and communities through accessible, inclusive and purpose-driven financial solutions.

*as at end-2025