About Us
Built by bankers, powered by data, and driven by innovation.
SME Funding-i Profile & Background
SME Funding-i is operated by DBS Solutions (M) Sdn Bhd, a Recognised Market Operator (RMO) Islamic Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Platform approved by the Securities Commission Malaysia, offering a financing platform designed to connect investors with growing Malaysian SMEs.
The platform is spearheaded by a team of seasoned ex-bankers, finance professionals, and accomplished business owners whose combined experience spans several decades in banking and SME financing. The team has collectively facilitated over RM 9.16 billion in total loan disbursements to thousands of SMEs.
These models include asset financing, industrial hire purchase, invoice financing, trade facilities, and SJPP/CGC-backed schemes, among others. With deep knowledge of SME lending operations and regulatory compliance, the management team brings extensive experience in credit evaluation, structuring, and end-to-end financing processes.
Meet Our Founders and Directors
Banking Expertise
- 40+ years of banking experience in senior roles including EVP–Head of SME Banking and Retail Distribution.
- Served in United Asian Bank, Bank of Commerce, CIMB, and AmBank, leading key business and credit functions.
- Certified Credit Professional (CCP) with approval limits up to RM100 million.
Leadership Impact
At CIMB and AmBank, David established and led SME banking divisions that achieved strong, consistent growth. He introduced innovative lending frameworks, forged strategic partnerships with CGC and SJPP, and strengthened credit governance — driving sustainable expansion and positioning both banks as key players in Malaysia's SME sector.
Held discretionary approval authority of up to RM10 million, demonstrating strong expertise in credit evaluation and risk management. Served as a member of the Credit Committee with an approving limit of RM100 million, providing oversight on large corporate and SME financing proposals, balancing business growth with prudent risk management and regulatory compliance.
Established new SME divisions, recruited and led >300 sales staff nationwide, and aligned long-term strategy with revenue growth.
Forged strong partnerships with regulators, CGC, SJPP, and key stakeholders to drive SME access to financing.
Implemented SME scorecards, robust credit frameworks, and portfolio management reporting to ensure sustainable growth and low NPLs.
Certified Credit Professional (CCP) and well-recognized as a pioneer in SME banking in the banking industry. Received multiple accolades, including CIMB Bank's CEO's Challenge (2009), several Best Area Business Manager Awards, and recognition at the SME Leadership Conference (2019).
Banking Expertise
- 25+ years in Retail and SME Banking with senior roles at Standard Chartered, CIMB, and AmBank.
- Expert in product development, credit processes, financial strategy, and sales management.
- Key driver in building SME divisions across two leading banks.
Leadership Impact
As Senior Vice President at AmBank, Brenda built and expanded the SME Banking division from the ground up, leading cross-functional teams to develop innovative financing solutions and strengthen nationwide performance. Her leadership combined strategic execution and people development, driving financial discipline, operational efficiency, and data-driven growth across the SME segment.
Former Head of Retail Segment (Retail & SME) overseeing financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and sales performance across 170 branches, 100 SME RMs, and 220 Personal Bankers.
Played key roles in establishing and expanding SME Banking in CIMB and AmBank, through innovative financing programs and process streamlining, earning multiple CGC Top FI Partner Awards for exceptional SME portfolio performance.
Introduced CGC Portfolio Guarantee, Biz Property Extra, and Biz Start-Up Loan, expanding SME financing offerings and strengthening the bank's position in the SME segment through innovative product development, credit processes, and strategic execution.
Developed sales dashboards, streamlined credit and onboarding processes, and implemented training modules to enhance execution. Strengthened financial planning, analysis, and reporting frameworks to drive better decisions and operational efficiency across SME and retail banking.
MBA (Iowa, USA); Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB); Certified in Shariah Principles in Islamic Financial System. Recipient of multiple industry awards including The Asian Banker Excellence Award (2009), CIMB CEO's Challenge Award (2014), and STAR Award (2004) for Best Consumer Credit Product (Quick Cash).
Banking Expertise
- 15+ years in SME and Retail Banking across local and international banks.
- Specialises in sales management, SME enablement, digital lending, and credit lifecycle management.
- Led nationwide SME-Ready Branch rollout, boosting acquisition, speed, and credit governance.
Leadership Impact
At CIMB and AmBank, Sashi drove nationwide sales productivity, built high-performance frontline teams, and implemented scalable lending frameworks to support SME growth. His experience spans credit strategy, portfolio uplift, risk mitigation, and operational excellence, enabling banks to grow responsibly while improving customer delivery.
Led SME Business Enablement and Retail Distribution Sales Management (2016–2021), directing strategies in remittance, foreign exchange, licensing, systems, and SME segments to drive business growth and operational efficiency.
Designed KPI and incentive frameworks for nationwide retail distribution, streamlined sales processes, and implemented operational re-engineering to enhance efficiency and asset quality.
At CIMB, headed SME Special Projects and Credit Resolution, strengthening loan processing, pre-screening, and recovery measures to safeguard portfolio quality.
Earlier roles at HSBC and CIMB included managing SME and corporate portfolios, credit proposals, trade finance facilities, and cross-selling investment/insurance products.
Member of Institute of Bankers Malaysia (IBBM) and Malaysian Institute of Insurance (MII).
Advisors
A savvy and well-connected entrepreneur with over 35 years of business experience. Spearheaded Richard's Lighting Sdn Bhd, Malaysia's largest decorative lighting manufacturer, which has received multiple JKR awards for the refurbishment and supply of high-end chandeliers to state palaces across Selangor, Perak, Terengganu, Johor, Perlis, Pahang, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan, as well as the National Palace of Malaysia and Atlantis Resort @ Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.
He also serves as Advisor to Ditrolic Energy, one of Southeast Asia's largest clean energy companies, and is involved in the medical sector. Leveraging his extensive network and strong business acumen, Dato' Kenneth plays a strategic role in supporting DBS's Islamic P2P Platform toward achieving its growth milestones.
A distinguished and well-connected entrepreneur with over two decades of leadership across multiple industries. Currently serves as the Chairperson of Richard's Prestige Lighting & Design and Director of Synergy Promenade Bhd, overseeing strategic partnerships, project development, and business expansion initiatives.
Actively collaborates with the Sarawak State Government (CENTEXS Commercial) and the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) to nurture and empower SME entrepreneurs through structured programs and capacity-building initiatives. With her vast network and commitment to entrepreneurship development, Dato' Marina plays a pivotal role in sourcing strategic investors and funders to drive the success of DBS's Islamic P2P Platform.
With a career spanning four decades, Dato Dr Jaspal is a seasoned investor who successfully bridges the gap between traditional asset management and the future of finance. While his foundation is in medicine as a successful primary care physician, currently a Trustee of the prestigious Academy Family Physician Malaysia, his expertise extends deep into the banking sector and real estate, where he has managed buy-to-let investments across international borders for over 35 years.
Always looking forward, Dato Dr Jaspal is currently focused on the evolving landscape of FinTech. He combines this innovative mindset with hands-on leadership experience, sitting on multiple property Management Corporations and NGO boards. He brings a rare combination of analytical discipline and investment acumen to the team.
Sze Kok Hoong is a strategic advisor, fintech expert, and business ecosystem specialist with deep experience in digital finance, eMoney, payment gateways, and prepaid aggregation.
He serves as Council Member and Director of the Federation of Malaysia Business Association (FMBA), supporting over 200 business and trade associations. His leadership roles include Vice President of BNC, Advisor for Malaysia Retailers Association, Chairman of MYBHA® Trade & Commerce, and Non-Executive Director of GKash.
With his strong network and fintech expertise, Sze plays a pivotal role in supporting DBS’s Islamic P2P platform through strategic partnerships, investor engagement, and business growth.
Check Out Our Partners
IT Partners
Credit Bureau and Trustee Partner
Islamic Commodity Trading Platform (BSAS)
Debt-Recovery Partner
Legal Partners
Shariah Advisor
