OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad recognised at Asian Banking & Finance Wholesale Banking Awards 2025

The awards honour the Bank’s role as a steadfast advocate of sustainable and green financing in the bond and loan markets.

OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (OCBC Bank) won the Malaysia International Green Financing Bank of the Year category at the Asian Banking & Finance Wholesale Banking Awards 2025 and the Green Deal of the Year - Malaysia at the Asian Banking & Finance Corporate & Investment Banking Awards 2025 for its leadership in sustainable finance as well as its efficient collaboration with Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB).

The Asian Banking & Finance Wholesale Banking Awards is a platform that recognises wholesale banks for their innovative solutions, products, services, and deals that have proven to be game-changers in the industry.

A leader in sustainable and green finance

As a premier, full-service investment and corporate banking platform, OCBC Bank has solidified its position as a market leader in ESG and sustainable financing, earning recognition for structuring some of Malaysia’s most transformative investment banking solutions. The bank's strengths lie in providing end-to-end solutions and seamlessly integrating conventional practices into sustainable and Islamic financing across sectors and borders.

Strategically positioned as a specialised investment and corporate banking powerhouse, OCBC Bank is the partner of choice for government-linked companies, leading conglomerates, and major corporations across local and international markets. This support goes beyond conventional banking. The OCBC Group operates as an integrated financial services group — with commercial and Islamic banking arms in Malaysia, one of the largest private banks in the region, Bank of Singapore, one of the leading asset management companies, Lion Global Investors and one of the longest-established insurance groups, Great Eastern.

Recognised as a top lead arranger in the syndicated loan market in Malaysia, OCBC continues to lead the way in structuring complex, multi-currency, and cross-border transactions. Its proven track record spans sectors such as digital infrastructure, telecommunication, construction & real estate, and healthcare in both conventional and Islamic financing expertise.

By continually pioneering first-of-their-kind transactions, OCBC Bank’s team establishes itself as a prime mover in ESG financing adoption amongst Malaysian publicly listed companies and government-linked companies. 

Amongst other notable deals for which OCBC Bank was lead arranger recently is Gamuda Berhad’s inaugural shariah-compliant sustainability-linked financing facility with an embedded sustainable derivative solution totalling up to RM550 million. This ESG-linked financing solution has created another new benchmark in Malaysia, especially given that it embeds the Islamic principles with an added feature of a derivative solution. 

Looking ahead, OCBC Bank remains dedicated to championing sustainability and innovation and delivering high-impact, value-driven solutions. OCBC Bank is poised to shape the future of investment and corporate banking particularly in sustainable finance, building enduring partnerships and driving responsible growth across the region.

PNB’s partnership with OCBC Bank to establish landmark green financing

OCBC Bank also led a GBP210 million Islamic Green Financing arrangement for PNB’s wholly-owned subsidiary, PNB Jersey Ltd, its first-ever Islamic Sustainable Financing Facility. OCBC Bank acted as the lead coordinating mandated lead arranger, facility agent, security agent, and sustainability structuring adviser.

The financing is intended to partially fund the redevelopment of One Exchange Square, a landmark office property located at 175 Bishopsgate, London.

Notably, the financing will contribute towards the estimated GBP300 million gross development cost of the project, including all refurbishment and financing-related expenses. This planned redevelopment is part of PNB’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability, Islamic finance, and long-term value creation.

This transaction also marks PNB’s entry into Islamic green financing. With this, the company combines Shariah-compliant principles with globally recognised sustainability standards. The structure of the facility was crafted in accordance with Green Loan Principles. It is aligned with PNB’s Islamic investment framework and its sustainability ambitions.

Upon completion in 2026, the refurbished One Exchange Square is poised to meet a BREEAM “Excellent” certification (or higher) for new construction, as well as a 5-star NABERS UK energy performance rating.

The building aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions through comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades, electrification of systems, and on-site renewable energy generation. Beyond environmental goals, the project incorporates meaningful social impact initiatives as well. These include repurposing demolition materials for local charities, supporting community engagement programmes, and providing inclusive activities for children.

PNB is a credible and forward-thinking institutional investor in Malaysia, and the establishment of this financing facility strengthens its position in the global market. By integrating Islamic finance with rigorous green lending standards, PNB meets its funding objectives and, more importantly, contributes to broader ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.

The ABF Wholesale Banking Awards is presented by Asian Banking & Finance Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2026 awards programme and be recognised for your company's innovative solutions, products, services, and deals that impacted the banking and finance industry, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez-Difuntorum at [email protected].