Maybank Preparing New Digital Banking App As MAE Replacement

Samuel Chua

21st January 2026 - 3 min read

Maybank is developing a new mobile banking application that could eventually take the place of its existing MAE app, signalling a major shift in how the bank delivers digital services across the region.

The new app is part of Maybank’s five-year ROAR30 strategy and is intended to upgrade the bank’s digital capabilities as customer needs and expectations continue to evolve.

President and group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Khairussaleh Ramli said feedback from customers showed that while MAE performs well, there is room to introduce more advanced features and functionality through a redesigned platform.

The bank has not announced when the new app will launch, but more details are expected to be shared in the coming months.

Regional-First Approach With Indonesia In Focus

Unlike previous digital rollouts that were tailored market by market, the upcoming app is being designed as a single regional platform.

Indonesia is expected to be the first country where the app will be introduced, ahead of Malaysia and Singapore. Khairussaleh said this approach allows Maybank to scale faster, capture regional opportunities, and refine solutions before wider deployment.

Future digital products will be developed at the group and regional levels, rather than customised separately for individual markets.

RM10 Billion Technology Push Over Five Years

The new app is one component of a broader RM10 billion technology investment planned over the next five years. The funding will be channelled towards modernising Maybank’s systems, expanding its digital ecosystem, and embedding artificial intelligence across its platforms and operations.

According to Khairussaleh, the long-term goal is not only to better understand customers, but also to equip employees with tools that allow them to provide more effective support and advice.

Maybank previously invested RM1 billion in technology under its M25+ strategy, which began in late 2022. The ROAR30 investment builds on that groundwork to support future growth.

Sharper Focus On AI And Digital Experience

Under ROAR30, Maybank’s digital strategy will prioritise four areas: strengthening its technology foundation, using AI and machine learning to improve productivity, delivering stronger digital experiences for customers, and enabling more flexible ways of working for staff.

The bank expects these efforts to reduce development timelines, improve service quality, and support more data-driven decision-making. Internal upskilling will also be expanded to ensure employees can work effectively with new technologies.

While a launch date has not been confirmed, Khairussaleh said retail-focused digital solutions are already in development, with further updates to be announced later this year.

Internally Funded, With Efficiency Measures Planned

The RM10 billion investment will be funded internally, with no plans to raise external capital.

To support the increased spending, Maybank will introduce efficiency measures across the group. These include productivity improvements, workforce planning to manage upcoming retirements, tighter procurement controls, and a review of its branch network.

ROAR30 will steer Maybank’s strategy through to 2030, with an emphasis on scaling the business responsibly while future-proofing its operations and digital infrastructure.

Samuel Chua

Samuel writes about personal finance and financial news, focusing on how banking updates, policies, and promotions affect everyday money decisions. He enjoys making complicated financial topics easier to follow. Outside of writing, he spends his time watching TV shows and occasionally convincing himself he will only watch one episode.

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