KUALA LUMPUR, 29 September 2025 — Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) has announced the appointment of Mohamad Yasin Abdullah as Group Chief Executive Officer, Islamic Banking and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maybank Islamic Berhad, effective 1 October 2025, signaling a renewed push into the Islamic finance domain.
In his new dual role, Yasin will lead the bank’s entire Islamic banking franchise—steering business strategy, product innovation, and governance—while ensuring adherence to Shariah principles and robust risk management. He will report to the President & Group CEO of Maybank and join the Group Executive Committee.
Yasin, 52, is no newcomer to Maybank’s leadership pipeline. He currently serves as Group Chief Audit Executive, during which he oversaw the development and execution of the Maybank Group Audit Strategic Plan (GRASP25), raising the audit function’s alignment with global best practices.
His banking pedigree runs deep: Yasin began his career at Maybank in 1997, held finance roles outside the bank, and later returned in 2010 to join Maybank Investment Bank as Chief Financial Officer. He subsequently advanced to leadership in Maybank’s investment banking group, including roles as COO and CEO (International).
Concurrently, Maybank also announced the appointment of Malique Firdauz Ahmad Sidique (aged 47) as the new Group Chief Audit Executive, succeeding Yasin. Malique will report functionally to the Audit Committee and administratively to the Maybank President & Group CEO.
Strategic Significance & Observations
This leadership realignment underscores Maybank’s ambition to solidify its position in Islamic banking, one of Malaysia’s core banking growth levers. With regulatory support and rising demand for Shariah-compliant financial services, Yasin’s appointment places a trusted internal executive at the helm of this expansion.
From an investor and market perspective, the move provides continuity and confidence in Maybank’s long-term strategy. Elevating a senior internal auditor to the role also signals emphasis on governance, risk management, and compliance—areas that carry heightened scrutiny within Islamic finance. Moreover, given Maybank’s regional footprint, Yasin’s role may influence how the group captures cross-border Islamic banking opportunities in ASEAN and beyond.
The shift also reflects robust succession planning. Transitioning Yasin from audit to executive operations—and simultaneously appointing his audit successor—demonstrates Maybank’s internal development depth. The new structure may facilitate better integration between risk assurance and growth execution.
