Malaysian treasury professionals are increasingly optimistic about the potential of artificial intelligence and digital currencies, although integration challenges, fragmented legacy systems and cyber risks remain major obstacles to wider adoption, according to HSBC.
In its Redefining Treasury in Asia Pacific 2026: Voices of Treasury report, HSBC found that 76% of Malaysian respondents expect AI to be extremely or very useful to treasury functions within the next three years, above the Asia-Pacific average of 72%.
A further 21% said AI would be somewhat useful, underlining broad confidence in the technology’s role in areas such as automation, analytics and treasury decision-making.
However, 82% of Malaysian respondents said treasury functions are not keeping pace with AI adoption across the wider organisation.
Integration with existing systems was cited as the biggest barrier by 69% of respondents, ahead of cost at 45% and a lack of expertise at 36%.
“There is a real appetite among Malaysia’s treasury community to explore what new payment instruments and AI-enabled tools can deliver,” said Anand Mukati, Head of Global Payments Solutions at HSBC Malaysia.
“At the same time, treasurers recognise that the challenge is often less about the technology itself and more about how it is integrated into existing, fragmented legacy and ERP systems.”
Malaysia Leads Region On Digital Currency Intent
Malaysia also emerged as the most enthusiastic market in the region for digital currency adoption.
Half of Malaysian respondents said they were very likely to use digital currencies within the next two years, significantly higher than the regional average of 19%.
That willingness to adopt comes despite relatively high perceived risks. Some 42% of Malaysian respondents said digital assets in treasury carry high risk, broadly in line with the regional average of 44%.
HSBC said Malaysian treasurers nevertheless see clear potential benefits, with 73% citing greater treasury efficiency and 50% pointing to improved liquidity management as key reasons for adoption.
“What comes through quite clearly from the Malaysia findings is that treasurers aren’t viewing risk and adoption as an either-or decision,” Mukati said.
“They understand the operational and regulatory considerations around digital currencies, but they also see the potential to improve efficiency, manage liquidity and shape new payment models.”
Cybersecurity remains another major concern as treasury operations become more digital.
Malaysian respondents rated the threat of cybercrime and fraud at 8.4 out of 10, higher than the regional average of 7.78, highlighting the need for stronger resilience and controls as companies modernise their treasury functions.
The report was based on insights from treasury and finance professionals across 11 Asia-Pacific markets, including Malaysia.
