Maybank Launches Tokenised Deposit Pilot and Cross-Border Blockchain Payments Under ROAR30 Strategy
PETALING JAYA — Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) has launched its inaugural tokenised deposit and blockchain-based cross-border payment pilot, marking a significant step in its ROAR30 transformation agenda to become a leading Islamic financial institution and transaction bank in ASEAN.
The pilot is conducted in collaboration with Yinson Holdings Berhad under the Digital Asset Innovation Hub (DAIH) facilitated by Bank Negara Malaysia.
Exploring On-Chain Cross-Border Settlements
The initiative will test cross-border payments executed on-chain involving ringgit and other ASEAN tokenised deposits via Maybank’s proprietary blockchain platform.
The objective is to evaluate technical feasibility, operational readiness and regulatory compliance in executing secure, near real-time transactions.
Such capabilities could lay the groundwork for next-generation payment infrastructure, reducing settlement friction and enhancing transparency across jurisdictions.
Reimagining Money Movement
Group president and CEO Datuk Seri Khairussaleh Ramli said ROAR30 requires the bank to rethink how money moves within the region, particularly for corporate treasury and transaction banking services.
He emphasised that digital asset and tokenisation initiatives will be rolled out progressively, spanning investment solutions, Islamic finance structures and SME support.
The strategy balances innovation with governance, cybersecurity resilience and regulatory integrity.
Corporate and SME Impact
Yinson group CEO Lim Chern Yuan noted that blockchain-enabled settlements could significantly shorten settlement cycles, enabling more efficient working capital management and reducing foreign exchange exposure.
For SMEs, programmable money could automate payment flows from large anchor clients such as government-linked entities and corporations, potentially unlocking improved access to financing.
Tokenised Islamic Investment Products
Maybank is also exploring tokenised Islamic financial instruments, including sukuk and investment funds, leveraging fractionalisation to widen investor participation.
With its strong ASEAN network footprint, the bank aims to position itself as a gateway for tokenised ASEAN currencies and assets, enhancing regional transaction efficiency.
The pilot signals Malaysia’s growing ambition to integrate blockchain-based financial infrastructure into mainstream banking, while maintaining regulatory safeguards and systemic stability.
-wilayah.com.my
