KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 02): Maybank Islamic Bhd is cautiously optimistic that it will be able to maintain its growth momentum over the second half of the year, said its chief executive officer Muzaffar Hisham.

Speaking to the press after a panel session at the Global Islamic Finance Forum this evening, he said there are a number of domestic and external factors that could affect the group's contribution to the Maybank group.

"We are cautious about things like the domestic economy and [further] tapering measures, but we do need to see the opportunities out there and grab it. And when we do, then we will increase the yield accordingly," he said.

Over the first half of the financial year ended June 30, Hisham said the Islamic business had grown at an average of about 40% year-on-year, in terms of revenue.