KUALA LUMPUR – AHAM Asset Management Berhad (“AHAM Capital”) and Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (“Bank Islam”) today announced a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aimed at expanding the accessibility of Shariah-compliant investment solutions to a broader segment of Malaysian investors.

Through this collaboration, AHAM Capital’s suite of Shariah-compliant funds will now be available through Bank Islam’s extensive distribution network, spanning over 100 branches across the country as well as its digital banking platforms.

The partnership is a timely response given the rising demand for value-based investment in the country. As of end-2024, the Islamic capital market accounted for over 63% of the total capital market, with total Islamic assets under management (AUM) reaching RM246 billion. These figures underscore the sustained growth and resilience of Malaysia’s capital market as an Islamic finance hub in the region.

Chong Lee Choo, Chief Operating Officer at AHAM Capital said, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to Shariah-compliant and values-based investing across Malaysia. Bank Islam’s robust distribution network makes them a strategic partner in reaching a broader segment of investors, enabling more Malaysians to access professionally managed solutions that align with their values. Through this collaboration, we aim to provide greater access to our diverse range of Shariah-compliant offerings spanning equities, sukuk, and multi-asset strategies to meet long-term investment goals.”

“At the same time, we are seeing strong demand for Shariah-compliant and sustainable investments, not only from traditional investors, but also from a younger generation who are actively seeking to align their financial decisions with their values. Many are drawn to investments grounded in ethics, sustainability, and social purpose.
“As the alignment between Shariah principles and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) considerations gain greater recognition, we believe this partnership is well-positioned to support the next wave of growth in values-based investing. Both frameworks emphasise ethical conduct, social responsibility, and long-term sustainability which are concerns increasingly prioritised by investors.” Lee Choo said.

Datin Zaharah Abd Muttalib, Director, Wealth Management at Bank Islam said, “At Bank Islam, we take pride in offering Shariah-compliant financial solutions that help Malaysians grow their finances in ways that are meaningful and aligned with their values. This collaboration with AHAM Capital strengthens our commitment to ethical investing by expanding access to thematic, ESG, and gold-backed funds.

“As more investors seek to align their financial choices with their values, Bank Islam is proud to be at the forefront of this shift. More than just a new offering, this partnership reflects our belief in creating a more inclusive and purposeful investment landscape for all Malaysians. It reinforces our commitment to building a future where faith, sustainability and financial resilience come together, and strengthens our position as a purpose-led Islamic bank that empowers customers to make informed and meaningful investment decisions.”

To kickstart the collaboration, five (5) of AHAM Capital’s Shariah-compliant funds will be made available through Bank Islam’s distribution channels. These include: -
i. AHAM Aiiman Growth Fund - Focuses on high-quality, Shariah-compliant equities listed in Malaysia, targeting long-term capital appreciation.
ii. AHAM Aiiman Quantum Fund - Provides exposure to growth opportunities in Malaysian small and mid-cap equities.
iii. AHAM Aiiman Global Thematic Mixed Asset Fund - A flexible multi-asset strategy seeking to capture global megatrends through a Shariah-compliant lens.
iv. AHAM Shariah Gold Tracker Fund – Offers exposure to gold through a Shariah-compliant structure, where each investment of the Fund is backed by physical gold.
v. AHAM Aiiman ESG Income Plus Fund - A qualified Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) Fund that aims to provide steady income by investing in sukuk.

As part of the MOU, both institutions also plan to deepen collaboration to advance the adoption of Shariah and sustainable investing through investor education initiatives and potential product innovation to meet the diverse needs of investors.