1990

1999 - Bank of Commerce (Malaysia) Berhad merges with Bank Bumiputra Malaysia Berhad to form Bumiputra-Commerce Bank Berhad.

1999 - Formation of Bumiputra-Commerce Bank
In October 1999, Bank Bumiputra emerged from the Asian financial crisis and other financial problems to merge with Bank of Commerce, resulting in the biggest merger in Malaysia's banking history.

They formed Bumiputra-Commerce Bank, under the control of CAHB, and became the bank of choice to many multinational and local corporations, government organisations and individuals.The acquisition was the starting point for more significant expansion to come. The Bank of Commerce branch network increased almost fourfold, complementing its established reputation in the corporate lending market.

1991 - Bank of Commerce merges with United Asian Bank. In a major restructure, the merged banks become Bank of Commerce (Malaysia) Berhad, under holding company Commerce-Asset Holding Berhad (CAHB). CIMB becomes a separate CAHB subsidiary.

1991 - Bank of Commerce merges with United Asian Bank
Bank of Commerce Bhd acquired United Asian Bank in November 1991, which resulted in a new entity named Bank of Commerce (M) Bhd. Meanwhile, Bank of Commerce Bhd, the listed holding company, was renamed Commerce-Asset Holdings Bhd (CAHB).

The acquisition was the starting point for more significant expansion to come. The Bank of Commerce branch network increased almost fourfold, complementing its established reputation in the corporate lending market.

1987 - Bank of Commerce successfully lists on Bursa Malaysia

1986 - PBSM changes name to Commerce International Merchant Bankers Berhad (CIMB) after acquisition by Bank of Commerce.

1986 - Pertanian Baring Sanwa Multinational renamed Commerce International Merchant Bankers Bhd

In 1986, Bank of Commerce replaced Bank Pertanian as the controlling shareholder of Pertanian Baring Sanwa Multinational, following which its name was changed to Commerce International Merchant Bankers Bhd (CIMB). The new shareholders retained its focus on corporate finance and IPOs and in 1989, it emerged as Malaysia's top advisor for new listings.

CIMB soon added stockbroking to complement its advisory and listings expertise, establishing an award-winning reputation as an equities broker and IPO house. This positioned the firm to enjoy high profits during the early 1990s equities "bull run".

At the height of the buoyant era in equities, CIMB took a major strategic decision to build its capabilities in fixed income in anticipation of future market opportunities. This placed CIMB in an excellent position to reap rewards from the exponential bond market growth in the late 1990s.

1979 - Bian Chiang Bank renamed Bank of Commerce Bhd

The purchase of Bian Chiang Bank by Fleet Group led to the formation of Bank of Commerce Bhd in November 1979. Retaining the initials BCB, the new bank had a strong focus on systems and transparency from the very beginning, reflecting the management style of co-shareholder JP Morgan.

An aggressive, performance-driven work culture pushed the bank forward, contributing to its emergence as one of the most progressive banks in the industry.

In 1982, just three years since incorporation, what started out as a one-branch bank worth MYR8 million had become an institution with the total assets of MYR367 million and total shareholders' funds of MYR12.8 million.

1974 - Pertanian Baring Sanwa Multinational Bhd was incorporated

Pertanian Baring Sanwa Multinational Bank (PBSM) was founded in April 1974 Bank Pertanian of Malaysia, Baring Brothers and Multinational Bank of the UK, and Sanwa Bank of Japan. It was established in Kuala Lumpur and launched by Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.

Under the management of Baring Brothers, Pertanian Baring Sanwa Multinational provided corporate advisory and funding services to multinationals, and undertook corporate restructuring and merger and acquisition activities for Malaysian companies.

Practising a conservative and prudent approach, with a strict credit culture that limited its trading activities, the merchant bank remained relatively small compared to others.

1972 - United Asian Bank Bhd established in Kuala Lumpur

United Asian Bank started as a banking joint-venture between Malaysia and India, as a result of the merger of three Indian-owned banks – Indian Overseas Bank Ltd, Indian Bank Ltd and United Commercial Bank Ltd. United Asian Bank took over the operations of the Malaysian branches of these Indian banks in 1972.

The bank's business was mainly directed at small businesses and individuals. In its time, it established a reputation for encouraging enterprise amongst the less prosperous sections of the community.

1965 - Southern Bank Bhd was founded as Southern Banking Ltd

Founded in 1965 from humble roots in Penang, Southern Banking Ltd quickly expanded to other parts of Malaysia.

It was later renamed Southern Bank Bhd and gained recognition as an important player in wealth management products, credit cards and SME lending. The bank was the first in Malaysia to set up the MEPS/ATM system.

1965 - Bank Bumiputra Malaysia Bhd was incorporated

Bank Bumiputra was established in 1965, in line with government initiatives to increase Bumiputra participation in the Malaysian economy.

By the 1980s, it had become the largest bank in the country in terms of assets. Its infrastructure provided access to banking facilities where there was none before, contributing to the growth of small-scale enterprises and assisting the flow of investment into rural areas.

It was the first Malaysian bank to have operations in New York, London, Tokyo, Bahrain and Hong Kong. In 1982, it was listed as the largest bank in Southeast Asia by Asian Finance magazine.

1955 - Bank Niaga founded in Indonesia

Established as a national private bank, Bank Niaga gained a great deal of trust from its customers and expanded to become a full service bank in 1974.

1948 - Bank Lippo founded in Indonesia

Bank Lippo was founded in 1948 with headquarters in Tangerang, Indonesia.

1935 - Ban Hin Lee Bank established in Penang, Malaysia

Ban Hin Lee Bank Bhd, founded by "Towkay" Yeap Chor Ee, was formally incorporated as a private limited company on 17 September 1935.

The bank's original business focus was to serve local businesses in their trade and merchant activities. In the 1960s, it also branched into real estate and home financing.

By the 1990s, the bank had become a modern and thriving financial institution, with its headquarters in Penang and operations throughout Malaysia and Singapore.

It became a public-listed company on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) on 7 January 1991.

1924 - Bian Chiang Bank established in Kuching, Sarawak by brothers Wee Kheng Chiang and Wee Kheng Whatt and seven other partners.