Malaysia has made the biggest leap of any market in the Financial Inclusion Index 2026. The country climbed six places to 15th in the latest Global Financial Inclusion Index by Principal Financial Group and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), with its overall score rising 5.0 points to 58.2 out of 100, well above the global average of 52.0.
For Malaysians, the result is a sign that it is getting easier for more people and businesses to save, pay, borrow and plan their finances. Here are five wins behind the jump.
Financial Inclusion Index 2026: What It Measures
Now in its fifth edition, the Financial Inclusion Index 2026 compares how well markets help people take part in the financial system. It looks at support from three directions: government, the financial system and employers. In the 2025 edition, Malaysia ranked 21st out of 42 markets and was one of only two markets to improve across all three pillars. This year, that steady progress turned into a big move up the table.
1. The Largest Ranking Gain in the World
No other market climbed as far as Malaysia in the Financial Inclusion Index 2026. The six-place jump to 15th, reported by The Star, puts the country firmly in the top half of the global ranking and ahead of the global average on its overall score.
2. A Stronger Financial System
The financial system pillar delivered the biggest boost. Malaysia rose six places to 13th, with its score up 8.1 points to 59.5. That compares with a global average of 55.3 and a Southeast Asian average of 45.6, putting Malaysia well ahead of the region on this measure.
Improvements in access to capital, access to credit and business confidence all contributed, according to Bernama’s report in The Star.
3. Real-Time Payments Are Paying Off
One of the clearest drivers of Malaysia’s Financial Inclusion Index 2026 result was the growing use of real-time transactions. Malaysia moved up seven places to ninth on this measure. For everyday users, this reflects habits that have become second nature: instant transfers, QR payments at the pasar malam and paying bills from a phone.
Munirah Khairuddin, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Principal Asset Management Bhd, said the country’s “efforts to digitise financial services have brought more people into the system”.
4. Employers Are Stepping Up
Malaysia ranks fifth in the world for employer support, up two places, with a score of 72.6. That is above both the global average of 65.7 and the Southeast Asian average of 69.3. Employer support covers the role workplaces play in helping staff build financial security, such as savings schemes, benefits and financial guidance.
It is a notable improvement from last year, when Malaysia ranked seventh on this pillar.
5. A Fintech Ecosystem That Delivers
The gains point to a digital and fintech ecosystem that is reaching ordinary people. Munirah said Malaysia’s momentum shows how an established digital and fintech ecosystem can translate innovation into broader inclusion, while noting that lasting progress also depends on good governance and consumer safeguards.
RTM also reported the six-place climb, making it one of the week’s most encouraging economic headlines.
Why It Matters to Malaysians
Financial inclusion is not just a ranking. When more people can open accounts, make instant payments, access credit fairly and get support from employers, households are better placed to manage emergencies, grow savings and plan for retirement. Small businesses also benefit when it is easier to get paid quickly and borrow to expand.
There is still room to grow. Malaysia sits at 15th overall in the Financial Inclusion Index 2026, and the government support pillar did not feature among this year’s headline gains. But a five-point jump in a single year shows that steady investment in digital payments, financial access and workplace support is making a measurable difference.
For the full findings and methodology, visit the Principal Malaysia official website.
