Affin Bank Bhd is set to further expand its influence in Sarawak by increasing the number of its branches from six to 14 by the end of this year.
This strategic expansion will cover key areas in Sarawak including Kuching, Bintulu and Miri, offering both conventional and Islamic banking services.
In addition, Affin Bank is awaiting approval from Bank Negara Malaysia to include stock market investment services in its offering, aiming to provide comprehensive financial solutions from mortgages to car loans.
The Sarawak government is also considering increasing its ownership stake in Affin Bank to about 30%, a move that is being discussed with Bank Negara Malaysia and the bank's largest shareholder, the Armed Forces Fund Board.
This potential increase in holdings is in line with Sarawak's focus on promoting a green economy.
Affin Bank aims to capitalize on Sarawak's abundant green energy resources and government initiatives to enhance its green and social financing package.
Green financing focuses on financing projects that help protect the environment.
Meanwhile, social financing aims to support projects that have a positive impact on society.
Affin Bank's Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah is confident of Malaysia's green economic potential by emphasizing their commitment to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in this sector which is likely to see an influx of entrepreneurs driven by favorable policies and resources in the region.
