Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (Kenanga) is a public listed company incorporated on 6 September 1973 and domiciled in Malaysia. Listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Sdn Bhd, Kenanga has built a strong financial foundation over more than 45 years. As a leading independent investment bank, Kenanga specializes in equity broking, investment banking, treasury, Islamic banking, listed derivatives, investment management, wealth management, structured lending, and trade financing. With a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and digitalization, Kenanga remains one of the country’s top brokerage houses, offering services through a vast network of over 30 locations nationwide.
A Legacy of Resilience and Innovation
The investment banking industry is highly competitive, yet Kenanga has consistently remained at the forefront by focusing on digitalization, innovation, and efficiency. Since its inception, the company has navigated financial turbulence while maintaining its reputation for delivering top-tier products and services. Its unwavering commitment to progress and adaptability has helped sustain long-term success.
Strategic Milestones and Digital Expansion
Kenanga has achieved numerous milestones throughout its journey. One of the most significant was in 2016, when the bank signed a joint venture agreement with Rakuten Securities, Inc., a leading online broker in Japan with a vast client base. This collaboration led to the launch of Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s first full-fledged online stockbroker, which quickly gained market traction. Recognized as Malaysia’s FinTech Company of the Year 2018, Rakuten Trade underscored Kenanga’s forward-thinking approach to financial services.
At the end of 2019, Kenanga further strengthened its position in the asset management space by completing a business consolidation exercise with its wholly owned subsidiary, Libra Invest Berhad. This strategic acquisition increased Kenanga’s assets under management to over RM10 billion, reinforcing its stature as a leading unit trust and asset management company in Malaysia.
Kenanga continues to push the boundaries of digital transformation. With one of Malaysia’s largest networks of dealers and remisiers, the company enabled seamless remote operations during the Movement Control Order (MCO) through the Kenanga remisier portal. The bank also introduced algorithmic trading calls via Telegram, providing retail investors with automated trading strategies. Further advancing its digital portfolio, Kenanga recently received approval in principle from the Securities Commission Malaysia to roll out a robo-advisory platform.
In a bid to transform Malaysia’s traditional factoring market, Kenanga announced a strategic partnership with Bay Group Holdings Sdn Bhd (CapBay), an award-winning digital supply chain financing company. This move underscores Kenanga’s ongoing pursuit of innovation in financial services.
Industry Recognition and Awards
Kenanga’s excellence has been widely acknowledged through numerous accolades. In 2020, the bank was honored with multiple awards, including Best Institutional Equities Participating Organisation, Best Retail Equities Participating Organisation – Investment Bank, and Best Institutional Equities Participating Organisation – Investment Bank. The bank has also maintained its position as Best Trading Participant for Equity & Financial Derivatives for 17 consecutive years.
Kenanga’s asset management division continued its winning streak at the Refinitiv Lipper Fund Awards 2020, securing five awards, along with three accolades at the FSMOne Recommended Unit Trusts Awards 2020-2021. The bank remains a consistent recipient of distinguished industry recognitions from Lipper Fund, Fundsupermart, and Morningstar.
In 2019, Kenanga was named Company of the Year (Investment Bank) at the CSR Malaysia Awards, an honor endorsed by the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development. This award highlighted Kenanga’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its efforts to contribute to a better Malaysia.
Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility
Kenanga’s CSR initiatives reflect its dedication to making a positive impact on society. The #KenangaGivesBack initiative has supported causes such as Dialogue in the Dark Malaysia (DID), an effort to raise funds for the visually impaired. Another impactful project, #KenangaGivesBack to Silent Teddies Bakery, was organized in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri in 2019. This initiative supported the Silent Teddies Bakery, a social enterprise by the Community Service Centre for the Deaf (CSCD) that equips deaf youths with entrepreneurial skills. Kenanga has been supporting Silent Teddies Bakery since 2012, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive empowerment.
Additionally, Kenanga has been organizing an annual Blood Donation Drive since 2012. The two-day event sees participation from employees, remisiers, and tenants, reflecting the company’s dedication to social welfare and community service.
A Powerhouse in Investment Banking
Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad stands out as a financial powerhouse, combining a strong market position with a progressive mindset and a deep commitment to corporate responsibility. With a focus on innovation, digital transformation, and social impact, Kenanga continues to shape Malaysia’s investment banking landscape while fostering sustainable growth for the future.
