AFFIN is putting people at the heart of Malaysia’s AI-powered banking future
Powered by Microsoft’s cloud and AI technologies, AFFIN Group is blending agility, intelligence, and empathy to deliver human-centered banking experiences
Malaysia’s banking landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. As consumer expectations grow more sophisticated, financial institutions are under pressure to adopt advanced technologies like cloud and AI. But delivering innovation at scale also demands a human touch – one that keeps relationships, trust, and empathy at the heart of banking.
AFFIN Group (“AFFIN” or “the Group”), one of the fastest-growing banks in Malaysia, is embracing this challenge through a bold, multi-year transformation journey under its AFFIN Axelerate 2028 (AX28) Plan. By reimagining banking around one constant – people – the Group is delivering on its vision to provide Unrivalled Customer Service and become a digital leader in Malaysia’s financial landscape.
“To stay ahead, we did not just adapt – we reimagined the very core of how we operate, innovate, and serve our customers,” said Encik Risham Akashah, Chief Technology and Operating Officer of AFFIN Group. “It is not just innovation for innovation’s sake. It is about creating real, measurable impact – and putting people at the heart of every solution”.
Banking that’s digital at the core, human at the edges
To turn its AX28 vision into reality, AFFIN embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to modernize its legacy core banking systems, a process widely considered as one of the most complex undertakings in banking. This strategic shift was aimed at breaking away from the rigidity of legacy systems to unlock new levels of agility, scalability, and innovation.
“We saw this as an opportunity to future-proof our operations and shift focus toward higher-value work,” shared Risham. With a clear vision for its digital evolution, the Group identified Möbius by Silverlake Cloud Computing as the right fit; its capabilities and cloud-native design align seamlessly with AFFIN’s long-term ambitions. Delivered as a Platform-as-a-Service on Microsoft Azure, Möbius built on the Group’s existing cloud foundation, which had been steadily established over the previous two years.
Anchored on the digital leadership pillar, the group launched its “digital core,” a modern banking platform that is one of the first of its kind among banks in Malaysia. Built on a cloud-native foundation, the platform positions the Group at the forefront of innovation, delivering agility, security, and personalized services at scale.
“Where digital rollouts once took longer, this transformation now enables us to launch new products faster, while delivering secure, personalized experiences across every customer channel,” said Risham.
Preparing employees to thrive in an AI-enabled future
AFFIN’s transformation does not stop at infrastructure – it extends to the people powering the business. Freed from routine system maintenance and hardware replacements, IT teams now have more time to focus on innovation and strategic priorities.
The Group has rolled out Microsoft 365 Copilot to its over 5,700 employees, embedding AI-powered productivity at scale across the organization: from streamlining workflows, summarising notes and meetings, generating insights, to crafting impactful presentations.
“Microsoft 365 Copilot is broadening how our people work – driving faster decisions, better outcomes, and more time to focus on what matters most: serving our customers,” said Risham.
Beyond tools, AFFIN is investing in AI upskilling to ensure all employees feel confident and ready for what’s next. “Digital transformation only works when it includes everyone,” Risham adds. “It is how we stay agile, inclusive, and truly human in our approach.”
Banking Malaysia forward
Building on its strong foundation with “At AFFIN, we see technology as more than just infrastructure – it is a platform for impact,” said Risham. “From faster loan approvals to personalised services and smarter risk management, we are unlocking new possibilities that empower our customers, communities, and the country alike.”
For AFFIN, progress is not just about speed, it is also about reach. “We are using innovation to extend banking access to underserved communities, simplify financial experiences, and give more Malaysians the tools to take control of their financial futures,” said Risham.