CIMB Group is preparing to issue tokenised bonds and sukuk as Malaysia’s regulators move forward with securities tokenisation.
The group said it plans to develop tokenised financial services covering assets, settlement and payment infrastructure under the Securities Commission Malaysia’s (SC) industry pilot programme on securities tokenisation. The initiatives will be introduced in phases.
CIMB is also engaging with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to seek participation in the Digital Asset Innovation Hub.
Group chief executive officer Novan Amirudin said the group is pleased to take a leading role in supporting the development of a modern and resilient financial market infrastructure in Malaysia.
“In line with our purpose of advancing customers and society, as well as our Forward30 strategic plan, we are strengthening our digital and tokenisation capabilities to unlock real opportunities and broaden market access across the financial ecosystem,” he said.
As an initial step, CIMB has committed to participate in the tokenised sukuk issuance pilot by Khazanah Nasional Bhd and the Securities Commission. The bank will support the programme across structuring, execution, custody arrangements and lifecycle servicing, with the pilot expected to run until 2026.
CIMB noted that it has issued approximately RM40 billion worth of conventional bonds and Islamic sukuk in Malaysia over the past three years. As its digital asset capabilities mature, the group intends to raise part of its future funding through tokenised bond and sukuk issuances.
The bank said its tokenisation efforts are aimed at improving efficiency in payments and capital markets. It is also developing capabilities to support tokenised deposits for settling tokenised securities.
According to CIMB, tokenised deposits could reduce manual processing and reconciliation while enhancing transparency and operational efficiency.
Novan said well-designed asset tokenisation has the potential to transform the industry by improving accessibility, efficiency and transparency, particularly in payments and wholesale banking.
“We will start with practical, use-case-driven applications within regulatory frameworks and supported by strong governance and controls. Through close collaboration with partners such as Khazanah, we aim to scale innovation responsibly and deliver tangible value to the market,” he said.
CIMB added that it is working closely with BNM and the Securities Commission to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements, noting that any product rollout will be subject to legal, internal approval and technology readiness conditions.
