Malaysia has recorded the largest improvement in the 2026 Global Financial Inclusion Index, climbing six places to rank 15th among 42 markets assessed worldwide.

The index, published by Principal Financial Group and the Centre for Economics and Business Research, evaluates financial inclusion across three areas: government support, financial systems and employer support.

Malaysia’s overall score rose five points year on year to 58.2 out of 100, exceeding the global average of 52.0 and the Southeast Asian average of 48.0.

The country’s financial system ranking also improved by six places to 13th globally, with its score increasing 8.1 points to 59.5. Higher real-time transaction volumes contributed to the improvement, helping Malaysia advance seven places to ninth in that category.

The country also recorded gains in access to capital, credit availability and business confidence. Its employer support ranking rose two places to fifth globally, with a score of 72.6.

Principal Asset Management Malaysia chief executive Munirah Khairuddin attributed the improvement to the modernisation of the financial sector and the expansion of digital financial services. She said these developments had improved access to funding and financial information while supporting businesses and economic activity.

Malaysia ranked 26th in government support, slipping one place despite scoring above the global average.

The report noted that continued investment in digital infrastructure, effective governance and consumer protection would be important to sustaining progress.