Principal Asset Management Berhad Marks Dual Recognition at the Asia Asset Management Best of the Best Awards 2026, Underscoring its Strategic Alliance with CIMB

^{Haniz Nazlan, Chief Executive Officer of Group Consumer Banking, CIMB}


KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 (Bernama) -- Principal Asset Management Berhad (“Principal Malaysia”), a joint venture between Principal Financial Group® (“Principal”) and CIMB Group (“CIMB”), marks dual recognition at the Asia Asset Management (AAM) Best of the Best Awards ¹ 2026, securing two distinguished accolades under the Malaysia Country Awards category. These achievements underscore Principal’s leadership in Southeast Asia’s asset management industry and highlight the long-standing partnership with CIMB that continues to broaden access to innovative, accessible, and customer-centric investment solutions for Southeast Asian investors.

Principal Malaysia was recognised in the following categories:

• Fund Launch of the Year – Signature Dynamic Income Fund (“SDIF”)
Offered exclusively to CIMB customers, SDIF was honoured for its differentiated, strategically designed income solution tailored to evolving market conditions and retail investor needs. This award highlights the joint venture’s ability to combine Principal’s global investment expertise with CIMB’s extensive retail network to deliver quality investment opportunities to Southeast Asian investors. As of February 2026, the assets under management for SDIF are RM1,328 million, reflecting a stable and consistent asset growth as well as investment performance since its inception in 2024.

• Best Retail Asset Manager
This award reaffirms Principal’s leadership in Southeast Asia’s retail asset management landscape, reflecting its commitment to long-term value creation, diversified offerings, and customer-focused advisory capabilities – strengthen through its long-standing strategic partnership with CIMB.

Munirah Khairuddin, CEO & Head of Principal Asset Management Berhad (Group of Companies) said, “We are deeply honoured to be recognised by Asia Asset Management for our continued efforts to broaden financial security in Southeast Asia with specific recognition for Malaysia. This dual win reflects the strength of our partnership with CIMB and our shared commitment to delivering meaningful, accessible investment solutions. The success of the Signature Dynamic Income Fund underscores the trust our customers place in us and our steadfast commitment to delivering value, no matter the market cycle.”

Munirah added, “SDIF is a part of the Signature Series solution specifically designed for CIMB, combining CIMB’s Chief Investment Office’s advisory with Principal’s global income and multi-asset capabilities, and deep macro insights. SDIF is a customized fund curated to serve customers with moderate risk appetite and income-based investment needs. The Signature Series solution— Signature Dynamic Income fund, Principal Strategic Global Growth fund, and Signature Dynamic Income & Growth fund - have received strong customer response and have driven assets under management to exceed RM1.67 billion² , demonstrating the growing demand for risk-managed investment strategies in Southeast Asia. Plans are also underway to make the Signature Series available in Singapore as part of a broader regional rollout.”

Haniz Nazlan, Chief Executive Officer of Group Consumer Banking, CIMB added, “CIMB is proud to celebrate these awards with Principal, reflecting the strength of our strategic partnership focused on delivering meaningful value to our customers. Wealth continues to be a key priority under our Forward30 strategic plan as we deepen client relationships and diversify our income streams. Together, we continue to curate differentiated investment solutions, powered by insights and advisory of our Chief Investment Office and delivered seamlessly through our frontline channels and digital capabilities via MyWealth on CIMB OCTO. Anchored by our purpose of Advancing Customers and Society, we are committed to helping clients grow and preserve their wealth across generations.

Driving Financial Wellbeing Through Partnership

Principal and CIMB remain committed to enhancing customer experience through digital accessibility, diversified investment solutions, and innovative products. Their shared mission continues to focus on enabling more Malaysians to invest confidently and build lasting financial security. 

SOURCE: CIMB Group

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Fartini Zaharuddin
Brand & Media, Principal Asia Pacific and Middle East
Tel:,+6012 2883529
Email: fartini.zaharuddin@principal.com

Name: Anis Azharuddin / Kelvin Jude Muthu
Group Corporate Communications
CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Email: anis.azharuddin@cimb.com / kelvinjude.muthu@cimb.com

--BERNAMA