Al Rajhi Bank Malaysia (ARBM) has announced the appointment of Ikram Khaliq as the head of digital bank, ARBM and launched the new digital bank division office at Menara Hap Seng 3, Kuala Lumpur.
In December 2021, the Islamic bank announced that it would be launching a digital bank in 2022 as part of its growth plans in Malaysia. In addition to ARBM’s digital bank team, the new workspace will also house several other ARBM divisions.
Specialising in fintech consultancy with over 16 years of international experience in the fintech and insuretech industries, ARBM said in a statement that Ikram had successfully implemented innovative solutions across banking, wealth and asset management, insurance, and financial services.
He holds a degree in financial mathematics from Brunel University, UK with Agile and Prince 2 certifications and has relocated from the UK to Malaysia following the appointment.
“We have invested significantly in digital innovation as we lay the foundation of a customer-focused digital bank, and we are indeed pleased to have Ikram on board to lead the team. We aspire to set a new standard of excellence for Islamic banking in Malaysia through best-in-class digital banking propositions and channels to benefit ARBM’s individual and business customers.
“This is in line with the strategic thrusts of the Financial Sector Blueprint 2022-2026 which focuses on the advancement of digitalisation of the financial sector as well as Islamic finance leadership, on top of the Malaysian government’s emphasis on digital technology as outlined in the 12th Malaysia Plan,” said Arsalaan (Oz) Ahmed, CEO, ARBM.
“We are excited to be here as the new workspace enables ARBM to grow our Digital Bank in line with our vision of becoming the #1 Islamic innovation bank in Malaysia. The new location provides the ideal environment for idea creation and innovation; thus, attracting the right talent and fostering active collaboration between teams of the existing bank and the upcoming digital bank.
“This gives ARBM the opportunity to focus on innovation as we enhance our capabilities to better serve current and potential markets with the digital bank,” he added.
ARBM’s new premises was officiated by ARBM chairman John Roger Winfield, together with independent non-executive directors Zulkiflee Hashim and Lim Jit Jee.
The workspace, in partnership with Hap Seng and Common Ground, meets top-notch industry standards with compliance to Grade-A office building, Green Building Index (GBI) certification, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification and the MSC zone.
Designed by Common Ground, the new office offers an open concept with various seating configuration to encourage collaboration between employees including a games area equipped with recreational facilities for employees to unwind and socially interact. This is an addition to ARBM’s existing corporate headquarters in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
For more information, visit www.alrajhibank.com.my.
