Maybank and the Asian Banking School (ABS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the development of a professional certification framework for wealth advisory in Malaysia, aimed at introducing an industry-recognised benchmark for advisory capability.
The proposed certification framework, to be known as the ABS Wealth Advisory & Management Certification Programme, is intended to establish competency standards specifically for wealth advisory professionals in banking. Upon its launch, it will be Malaysia’s first industry-wide professional certification framework dedicated to wealth advisory.
The parties noted that as wealth management needs grow more complex, clients increasingly require advice that connects different aspects of their financial lives. This initiative they added aims to establish a consistent benchmark for the advisory capabilities required to serve clients holistically.
Maybank will serve as the Founding Industry Partner, contributing insights and its experience in developing wealth talent, while ABS will bring its expertise in professional banking development and certification. ABS will retain independence over the standards and how they are assessed and certified.
“This collaboration with the Asian Banking School allows us to contribute that experience beyond our organisation, to raise professional standards for wealth advisory in Malaysia, with the opportunity to extend elements of the programme across the region over time,” said Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar, Group CEO, Community Financial Services, Maybank.
The programme’s first intake is expected in the second half of 2027, and Maybank intends to incorporate the programme into Maybank Wealth Academy, connecting it with structured learning and career development through practical workplace application. The parties will also explore opportunities to extend relevant certification pathways to wealth professionals across the region.
