KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 14): Banking institutions from Thailand and Malaysia are invited to indicate their interest to be a qualified Asean bank (QAB) in Malaysia and Thailand, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Bank of Thailand (BOT) in a joint statement today.

This followed the bilateral arrangement under the Asean Banking Integration Framework (ABIF) between BNM and BOT that was concluded in April 2019, which along with its commitments form part of the Asean Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS).

“The QABs are envisioned to facilitate greater intra-ASEAN trade and investment in the region, in accordance with the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025 that aims to create an integrated and highly cohesive ASEAN economy.

“To ensure the financial stability of both countries, a QAB candidate, whether a new entrant or an existing bank in the host country, must be a strong and well-managed bank that has its interest endorsed by the home country’s regulator; and comply with the host country’s prudential requirements.

“A successful QAB candidate will enjoy market access and operational flexibilities accorded under the bilateral arrangement,” said the central banks in the statement.

BNM governor Datuk Nor Shamsiah Yunus said the bilateral arrangement “signified the strengthening of economic ties between Malaysia and Thailand and is poised to benefit the people of both countries as they will be able to enjoy better banking convenience and access to a wider range of banking products”.

“We are taking great strides towards creating an integrated and cohesive ASEAN economy, and we are confident that the QAB arrangement will foster more business opportunities and economic activities between the two countries to facilitate both our economic recoveries amidst the ongoing pandemic,” she said.

Meanwhile, BOT governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput said the QAB arrangement “marks another important milestone for the long-standing partnership between our two countries”, as well as the region’s efforts towards “deeper financial integration”.

“The arrangement will bring about a wider range of high quality financial products that will better serve the needs of businesses and consumers in both countries.

“It is our aspiration to see QAB arrangements pave the way for further financial cooperation among ASEAN members as the region embraces new financial innovations,” he added.