IBPO Group Berhad, a fintech and financing solutions provider, announced a partnership with Afsha Shariah Advisory Sdn. Bhd. Afsha will serve as IBPO Group's official Shariah Advisor, reinforcing the company's commitment to Shariah-compliant financing. This collaboration seeks to meet the increasing demand for ethical and Shariah-aligned financial solutions.
This strategic appointment aims to strengthen IBPO's Shariah Governance framework. It ensures that all financial products and programs adhere to recognized Shariah Principles. The partnership reflects a broader trend in the financial sector towards responsible and inclusive financial services.
The growth of Islamic financing in Malaysia highlights this trend. Bank Negara Malaysia's (BNM) Annual Report 2025 states Islamic financing reached approximately 48% of Malaysia's total financing. This amounts to RM1.219 trillion, showing a substantial market for such offerings. IBPO's move aligns with Bank Negara Malaysia's efforts to foster a progressive Islamic financial system.
Andy Lim, Founder and Group Managing Director of IBPO Group Berhad, emphasized the significance of this partnership. He stated, "We are proud to have Afsha as our official Shariah Advisor as we strengthen our position as Malaysia's trusted choice for Islamic financing." Lim added that this reinforces IBPO's commitment to delivering inclusive and ethical Islamic financial services. These services contribute positively to the economy and broader society.
The agreement also covers IBPO's new i-Personal Financing program. This program, along with existing offerings like i-Bridge Financing and Payday Financing, will receive Shariah compliance support from Afsha. i-Personal Financing provides customers with accessible cash based on income levels. It offers flexible payment options over 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, aligning with monthly salary cycles. All financing solutions are available through IBPO's Online Customer Financial AI Portal. This portal provides a comprehensive view of customer finances and AI-driven insights for financial management.
This initiative is part of IBPO's ongoing strategy to leverage AI-driven capabilities. The goal is to build an integrated financial ecosystem across the Group and its subsidiaries. These include IBPO Genesis Sdn. Bhd., IBPO Credit System Sdn. Bhd., IBPO Capital Ventures Sdn. Bhd., and IBPO Property Sdn. Bhd. The sustained growth of Shariah-compliant finance suggests this sector will continue expanding. Decision-makers and markets will watch for further innovations and regulatory developments in this space.