The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Affin Bank Bhd have launched a US$400 million long-term financing partnership to expand access to capital for Malaysian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with particular emphasis on women-owned businesses and enterprises in regions where financing gaps remain wide.
Under the partnership, Affin Bank will channel funding to eligible MSMEs to support productive investment, strengthen business competitiveness and promote more inclusive economic development.
IFC said the programme could help create at least 42,000 jobs across Malaysia over the next five years while improving financing access for women entrepreneurs and businesses outside major urban centres, including in Sabah and Sarawak.
IFC Regional Industry Director for Financial Institutions Group (Asia Pacific) Allen Forlemu said small businesses remain a key driver of employment and economic opportunity in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Affin Group President and Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah said the collaboration would strengthen the bank’s ability to support businesses with growth potential, particularly women-owned enterprises and companies operating in areas where financing access remains constrained.
He said greater access to capital would support socio-economic development, strengthen local economies and widen participation in Malaysia’s growth.
The partnership also gives Affin broader access to international capital and IFC’s development finance expertise, while combining IFC’s investor network with the bank’s local market knowledge.
Affin Bank said the collaboration would further expand its capacity to serve MSMEs, building on existing propositions targeting start-ups, women entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
