CIMB Group Holdings is a leading Malaysian banking group with a rich history dating back to 1924, evolving through mergers and acquisitions into a regional financial powerhouse. This timeline traces its corporate journey from its inception as Bian Chiang Bank to its current status as a key player on Bursa Malaysia.
Chronological Storyline (34 Milestones)
1924 CE
Bian Chiang Bank Founded
Bian Chiang Bank is established in Kuching, Sarawak, as a small local bank, laying the foundation for what would later become CIMB Group. #banking #history
Bian Chiang Bank Founded By Chongkian - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42861812
1959 CE
Incorporation of Bian Chiang Bank Berhad
Bian Chiang Bank is incorporated as a public limited company, expanding its operations across Sarawak. #corporate #history
1965 CE
Bian Chiang Bank Acquired by Malaysian Government
The Malaysian government acquires a controlling stake in Bian Chiang Bank, renaming it to Bank Bumiputra Malaysia Berhad (BBMB), a key step in promoting Bumiputera economic participation. #banking #malaysia
1972 CE
Bank Bumiputra Malaysia Berhad Listed on Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange
Bank Bumiputra Malaysia Berhad becomes a public listed company on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (now Bursa Malaysia), enhancing its capital raising capabilities. #finance #ipo
1974 CE
Formation of Bumiputra Merchant Bankers
Bank Bumiputra establishes a merchant banking arm, Bumiputra Merchant Bankers, to diversify into investment banking. #banking #investment
1983 CE
Establishment of Commerce International Merchant Bankers (CIMB)
Commerce International Merchant Bankers (CIMB) is incorporated as a merchant bank, initially a joint venture between Bank Bumiputra and other partners. #merchantbank #history
1987 CE
CIMB Acquires Asian International Merchant Bankers
CIMB expands its footprint by acquiring Asian International Merchant Bankers, strengthening its investment banking capabilities. #mergers #acquisitions
1993 CE
CIMB Becomes a Universal Broker
CIMB obtains universal broker status, allowing it to engage in a full range of securities activities, including stockbroking and fund management. #finance #securities
1994 CE
Bank Bumiputra Merges with Bank of Commerce
Bank Bumiputra Malaysia Berhad merges with Bank of Commerce (M) Berhad to form Bank of Commerce (BOC), creating a larger commercial banking entity. #merger #banking
1996 CE
CIMB Acquires Commerce Asset Fund Managers
CIMB enters the asset management industry by acquiring Commerce Asset Fund Managers, later renamed CIMB-Principal Asset Management. #assetmanagement #finance
1999 CE
Bank of Commerce Merges with Bank Bumiputra Malaysia
Bank of Commerce merges with Bank Bumiputra Malaysia (the rump of the original bank) to form Bumiputra-Commerce Bank (BCB). #merger #banking
2000 CE
Renaming to Bumiputra-Commerce Bank Berhad
The merged entity is officially renamed Bumiputra-Commerce Bank Berhad, consolidating its brand under the 'Commerce' umbrella. #rebranding #banking
2003 CE
CIMB Group Established as Holding Company
CIMB Group Sdn Bhd is formed as the holding company for the banking group, unifying commercial banking, investment banking, and asset management under one corporate structure. #corporate #restructuring
2004 CE
CIMB Group Acquires G K Goh Holdings
CIMB Group acquires Singapore-based G K Goh Holdings, a stockbroking and financial services firm, marking its first major international expansion. #international #expansion
2005 CE
Rebranding to CIMB Bank and CIMB Investment Bank
The group rebrands its commercial and investment banking units to CIMB Bank and CIMB Investment Bank, respectively, establishing a unified brand identity. #rebranding #banking
2006 CE
CIMB Group Acquires Southern Bank Berhad
CIMB Group acquires Southern Bank Berhad, a mid-sized Malaysian bank, expanding its commercial banking branch network. #mergers #acquisitions
2007 CE
CIMB Group Lists on Bursa Malaysia
CIMB Group Holdings Berhad lists its shares on Bursa Malaysia through a restructuring exercise, becoming the flagship listed entity for the group. #ipo #bursamalaysia
2008 CE
CIMB Group Acquires Bank Thai Subsidiary
CIMB Group acquires Bank Thai's retail banking business, entering the Thai market and expanding its ASEAN presence. #international #banking
2009 CE
CIMB Group Acquires PT Bank Niaga in Indonesia
CIMB Group completes the acquisition of PT Bank Niaga Tbk in Indonesia, a significant move to establish a strong retail and corporate banking presence in Indonesia. #acquisition #indonesia
2010 CE
CIMB Niaga Becomes Major Subsidiary
CIMB Group renames PT Bank Niaga to CIMB Niaga, integrating it fully into the group's brand and operations, becoming one of Indonesia's largest banks by assets. #rebranding #indonesia
2011 CE
CIMB Group Acquires Royal Bank of Scotland's Asian Cash Equities Business
CIMB Group acquires the Asian cash equities business of Royal Bank of Scotland, strengthening its equity capital markets capabilities across Asia. #investmentbanking #acquisition
2012 CE
CIMB Group Launches CIMB Islamic
CIMB Group establishes CIMB Islamic as a dedicated Islamic banking subsidiary, capitalizing on the growing demand for Shariah-compliant financial products. #islamicbanking #finance
2013 CE
CIMB Group Acquires Overseas-Chinese Banking Corp's (OCBC) Malaysian Unit
CIMB Group acquires OCBC's Malaysian asset management and stockbroking businesses, further consolidating its market position in Malaysia. #acquisition #malaysia
2014 CE
CIMB Group Wins Best Bank in Malaysia Award
CIMB Group is named Best Bank in Malaysia by The Asset magazine, reflecting its strong financial performance and regional integration. #awards #banking
2015 CE
CIMB Group Appoints Tengku Zafrul Aziz as CEO
Tengku Zafrul Aziz is appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Group, leading a major transformation and digitalization strategy. #leadership #ceo
2016 CE
CIMB Group Launches TNG (Touch 'n Go) Digital Services
CIMB Group partners with Touch 'n Go to introduce digital financial services, including e-wallets and micro-lending, driving fintech innovation in Malaysia. #fintech #digital
2017 CE
CIMB Group Reports Record Profit
CIMB Group announces a record net profit of RM 4.1 billion for the 2016 financial year, driven by strong performance across all business segments. #finance #profit
2018 CE
CIMB Group Completes Acquisition of Thai Bank Assets
CIMB Group finalizes the acquisition of a portfolio of assets from a Thai bank, expanding its presence in Thailand and strengthening its ASEAN network. #acquisition #thailand
2019 CE
CIMB Group Launches CIMB Digital Bank in Philippines
CIMB Group announces plans to launch a digital bank in the Philippines, targeting the unbanked population with mobile-first banking services. #digitalbank #philippines
2020 CE
CIMB Group Implements 'CIMB 2023' Strategic Plan
CIMB Group unveils its 'CIMB 2023' strategic plan, focusing on digital transformation, cost optimization, and sustainable growth in the post-pandemic era. #strategy #digital
2021 CE
CIMB Group Partners with Ant Group for Digital Banking
CIMB Group collaborates with Ant Group to accelerate digital banking solutions, including cloud-based infrastructure and AI-driven services. #partnership #fintech
2022 CE
CIMB Group Sells Its Indonesian Life Insurance Business
CIMB Group divests its Indonesian life insurance subsidiary, CIMB Sun Life, as part of its strategy to focus on core banking operations. #divestiture #strategy
2023 CE
CIMB Group Announces Net Profit of RM 3.9 Billion
CIMB Group reports a net profit of RM 3.9 billion for the 2022 financial year, reflecting resilience amid global economic challenges. #finance #profit
2024 CE
CIMB Group Celebrates 100 Years of Banking
CIMB Group marks its centennial anniversary, commemorating a century of growth from a small Sarawak bank to a leading ASEAN financial institution. #anniversary #milestone