IFS Capital Malaysia recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of commitment to the Malaysian SME community. The milestone, commemorated during a Hari Raya Open House on 8 April 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, highlights the company’s evolution from a niche financier into a regional pillar of support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Since its inception, IFS Capital Malaysia has prioritised long-term partnerships over short-term transactions. This philosophy has allowed the company to scale its monthly funding from an initial range of RM5 million to RM7 million to over RM30 million today.

A Foundation of Trust

The cornerstone of this growth has been a relationship-first model that complements the broader financial ecosystem. This approach was a central theme of the celebration, emphasising that longevity in the financial sector requires more than just efficient processing. It requires a deep-rooted partnership with clients that evolves alongside their needs.

"Our twenty-year journey in Malaysia is built on a foundation of relationship and trust," said Kelvin Tan, Country Head of IFS Capital Malaysia. "In an industry that can often feel transactional, we focus on the human side of finance. Thank you very much for partnering with us and growing with us. May we continue to grow together for another 20 years to come."

This commitment to the person behind the business allows IFS Capital to provide flexible, bespoke solutions that sit alongside traditional banking products, ensuring SMEs have a well-rounded suite of financial support.

A Culture of Resilience

The celebration also served as a tribute to the leadership that steered the company through pivotal market shifts. Ab Razak bin Khalil, who recently retired as CEO after 16 years with the firm, remembers a time when the company’s path was less certain.

"When I first joined IFS Capital, I served as Marketing Head for about four years. At that time, we were doing about RM5 million to RM7 million in terms of funding per month," Razak recalled.

The company’s strength was tested in 2015 when market conditions shifted. By leveraging its regional synergy with its Singapore headquarters, IFS Capital Malaysia successfully navigated the period, returning to a path of consistent profitability by 2016.

“At that time, we were going through a difficult cycle, we were managing legacy debts from the early years," Razak explained. "I remember local banks reduced our facility and stopped our funding. We had to rely on the support of the IFS Group in Singapore to see us through, which ultimately made us a more resilient partner for our clients.”

Empowering Local Growth

The core of the company’s impact is seen in its support for local SMEs. Over the last two decades, IFS has evolved its capacity to serve, growing its monthly funding volume more than fourfold. This growth represents thousands of local success stories and businesses that were able to expand and hire because they had a specialist partner to fill the gaps in their capital structure. 

Razak shared how the business scaled while maintaining strong discipline in risk management. One of his proudest achievements was the significant improvement in credit quality, noting that the firm has maintained an exemplary record with near-zero bad debt over the last 15 years. Razak views this success as a direct result of the organization's human capital and robust risk management protocols. Despite these achievements, he remains focused on the future.

“Now we are doing about RM30 million per month but still not enough! I think we have to grow, I think our target must be at least RM100 million per month,” said Razak who will transition into a Group Advisor role following his retirement.

Looking Ahead

A core part of the IFS identity is a deep appreciation for the wisdom that comes with experience. This "human-first" approach to leadership ensures that seasoned expertise remains at the heart of every decision. IFS Capital Malaysia is not just providing capital; it is adding value to the Malaysian financial landscape by helping local businesses thrive through every economic cycle.

As part of its long-term strategy, the company continues to bridge the space between traditional banking and fintech innovation. By maintaining clear, accessible communication and avoiding unnecessary jargon, IFS Capital Malaysia remains a vital partner for business owners who value a financier that understands the nuances of their specific industry.

Join us in our journey of growth. Whether you are a long-term partner or a business owner looking for a relationship-driven financing specialist, we would love to connect. 

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Visit our website or contact our specialist team here to learn how we can empower your business for the next 20 years.