The Times Australia
News From Asia

.

Kenanga Investment Bank Celebrates 50 Years of Growth, Innovation, and Excellence

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach - 12 June 2023 - Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad ("Kenanga" or "The Group") recently commemorated its 50th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history.

Over the past five decades, Kenanga has been instrumental in empowering generations of Malaysians in the realm of investing, while fuelling possibilities for numerous corporations and start-ups alike. As a homegrown brand, the Group has defied all odds over the course of half a century.

YM Tan Sri Dato’ Paduka Tengku Noor Zakiah Tengku Ismail, Founder Emeritus and Adviser of Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad
YM Tan Sri Dato’ Paduka Tengku Noor Zakiah Tengku Ismail, Founder Emeritus and Adviser of Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad

With 50 years of experience, the Group has undergone remarkable growth and transformation since its humble beginnings as a modest stockbroking firm in 1973. Today, it stands tall as a leading and an award-winning independent investment bank in Malaysia, offering innovative and comprehensive financial services across the country.

Kenanga has achieved notable milestones over the years, including the launch of Rakuten Trade, Malaysia's first digital equity broker, in partnership with Rakuten Securities, Inc. It also became the first organisation to be recognised as "Most Innovative Participating Organisation" by Bursa Malaysia for bringing transformative ideas to the marketplace.

In 2021, the Group demonstrated its commitment to responsible business practices by becoming the first Malaysian investment bank to join the United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative. The following year, it introduced Kenanga Digital Investing, an artificial intelligence-driven robo-advisor, crossing RM100 million in Asset Under Management within two months of its launch. In the same year, Kenanga signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ant Group to launch Malaysia's first Wealth SuperApp, and was later included in the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index, signifying its adherence to global Environmental, Social and Governance standards.

"As we celebrate 50 years of Kenanga, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. This milestone is a testament to the dedication, hard work and the unwavering support of our incredible clients, partners, employees and stakeholders. I am proud of our accomplishments, and I have great confidence in the organisation's continued growth and success in the years ahead. In recognition of this momentous achievement, my heartfelt appreciation goes out to our clients, business partners, shareholders, employees and community of stakeholders who have been with us throughout this remarkable journey," said YM Tan Sri Dato' Paduka Tengku Noor Zakiah Tengku Ismail, Founder Emeritus and Adviser of Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad.

"We are very proud to celebrate our 50th anniversary as a leading independent investment bank and one of the largest retail brokers and asset management companies in the country. This milestone is a testament to the trust and support of our clients and the dedication of our talented team. Over the years, we have continuously strived to provide exceptional service, innovative solutions, and a seamless trading experience to our valued clients. We remain committed to driving success for our clients and maintaining our position as the industry leader. Here's to 50 years of excellence and many more to come," said Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director of Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad.

To mark this milestone, Kenanga held a celebration at its Kuala Lumpur headquarters, which included a series of events and activities for its employees. The Group is also preparing to enhance its existing offerings to provide even greater value and convenience to its clients. Clients can look forward to the launch of the Group's Wealth SuperApp, geared to revolutionise how Malaysians approach wealth generation and management.

Hashtag: #Kenanga

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (197301002193 (15678-H))

Established for almost 50 years, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad ("The Group") is a financial group in Malaysia with extensive experience in equity broking, investment banking, treasury, Islamic banking, listed derivatives, investment management, wealth management, structured lending and trade financing.

An innovative and established home-grown brand, the Group's digital ambition includes building a robust digital ecosystem that meets the needs of its clients and businesses. Some of its game-changing products include Malaysia's fully online digital stockbroking platform Rakuten Trade and a fully A.I. robo-advisor, Kenanga Digital Investing. The Group also launched Malaysia's first securities broking e-wallet, Kenanga Money, paved the way in AI-led Quan and algorithmic trading, kick-started a revolutionary supply chain financing solution for SMEs and made inroads into the digital assets space through its investment in Tokenize Technology (M) Sdn.Bhd.

The Group has garnered a host of awards and accolades reflecting its strong market position. It was awarded Highest Returns to Shareholder Over Three Years, Highest Growth in Profit After Tax Over Three Years and Highest Return on Equity Over Three Years by The Edge Malaysia Centurion Club in the Financial Services Category, Best Overall Equities Participating Organisation (Champion), Best Retail Equities Participating Organisation (Champion), and Best Online Retail Participating Organisation (Champion), as well as Best Institutional Derivatives Trading Participant (Champion) and Best Overall Derivatives Trading Participant (1st Runner Up) in the Bursa Excellence Awards 2022. The Group was also accorded the title of Best House, South and Southeast Asia Award in the SRP Asia Pacific Awards 2022.

The Group continues to be a regular and repeat recipient of distinguished industry accolades, such as the Lipper, Fundsupermart and Morningstar awards. Rakuten Trade, Malaysia's first fully digital securities broker in 2017 via a joint venture with Japanese fintech giant Rakuten Securities Inc was also named Malaysia's Digital Experience of the Year – Brokerage at the Asian Experience Awards 2022. For its continued efforts towards community outreach and employee volunteerism, the Group was awarded the coveted Bank of the Year Award for Environmental, Social & Governance Excellence, as well as Long-Standing Excellence in Sustainability at Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2022. The Group is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principle-based approach to responsible business.

Today, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad is an award-winning leading independent investment bank in the country with a continuous commitment towards driving collaboration, innovation, digitalisation and sustainability in the marketplace.

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...