CIMB ISLAMIC VOTED `BEST OVERALL ISLAMIC BANK`

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd has been voted as the
"Best Overall Islamic Bank" by the fifth Annual Islamic Finance News (IFN)
Awards Poll 2009.

In the same poll, the bank also emerged at the top spot in other categories,
namely the "Most Innovative Islamic Bank" and "Best Islamic Bank in Malaysia".

It also recorded a first when it was named the "Best Islamic Wealth
Management Provider", whereas CIMB-Principal Islamic Asset Management was voted
the "Best Islamic Fund Manager".

"We are honoured to have been recognised at an international level.

"Despite the tough economic environment, the year 2009 has been rewarding
for us, as we saw strong growth of our Islamic finance business across all
market segments regionally," said CIMB Group's Islamic Banking Division head and
CIMB Islamic chief executive officer Badlisyah Abdul Ghani said in a statement
Friday.

The IFN Awards Poll reflects the global Islamic financial markets and
recognises the best providers of Islamic financial services across a series of
markets and sectors, as voted by readers of IFN, who include Islamic finance
issuers, investors, non-banking financial intermediaries and government bodies
worldwide.

CIMB Islamic is the global Islamic banking and finance arm of CIMB Group,
Malaysia's second largest financial services provider.
-- BERNAMA