KUALA LUMPUR (March 7): Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB) ranked first in all four categories at the 22nd RAM League Awards 2025, solidifying its leadership in Malaysia's debt capital markets.

Maybank IB secured the top spots for corporate bonds and sukuk issued in 2024 with five issued transactions for each category and a total programme value of RM12 billion.

In a statement on Thursday, Maybank IB said two landmark transactions arranged by Maybank IB were also among the winners of the RAM Blueprint Awards, which recognises new issuers for distinctive, ground-breaking bond or sukuk deals in their respective industries.

Johor Plantations Group Bhd's (KL:JPG) RM3 billion sustainability-linked sukuk programme was recognised for being the world's first in the plantation sector and the first rated SRI-linked sukuk under Malaysia's SRI framework. Another notable deal was Keyfield International's debut RM1 billion Sukuk Wakalah programme.

Maybank IB chief executive officer Michael Oh-Lau attributed the accolades to the bank's expertise in structuring innovative transactions and supporting clients in capital markets.

Maybank IB projects a RM125 billion gross private debt securities volume for 2025, surpassing 2024's RM123.8 billion, driven by stable interest rates, tight credit spreads and sound economic policies.

"We are also seeing growing interest in sustainable finance from diverse sectors such as energy, power and utilities, real estate, healthcare and plantation. Renewable energy bond or sukuk supply, in particular, is expected to pick up pace this year following financing requirements from recent large scale solar 5 (LSS5) project awards,” Michael said.