MBSB announces a strategic partnership with Navigator Global, a pioneering global trade platform developed by the Santander Group, aimed at transforming how Malaysian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) access international markets.
Through this partnership, MBSB will connect Malaysian businesses to Navigator Global’s powerful digital platform, offering a comprehensive suite of tools that simplifies international trade and helps to accelerate growth. These include tailored market-entry action plans, real-time global market intelligence, an extensive network of verified providers and local experts, as well as a rich calendar of educational events and webinars. The goal is clear: to help Malaysian SMEs overcome traditional barriers and participate more confidently in the global economy.
“This partnership with Navigator Global is a landmark achievement for MBSB and for the future of Malaysian SMEs,” said Rafe Haneef, Group Chief Executive Officer of MBSB. “In an era defined by connection, global trade offers significant opportunities for growth. This collaboration aligns with our strategic imperative to empower businesses with the confidence and acumen to extend their footprint far beyond Malaysia’s shores. We see Navigator Global becoming an indispensable ally for many of our SMEs, breaking down the complexity to international commerce and making global markets more accessible than ever.”
A pilot programme in the UK demonstrated strong impact, having supported more than 2,500 UK businesses in expanding internationally and catalysing hundreds of global connections. The enhanced Navigator Global platform, now introduced to Malaysia via MBSB’s Commercial Business Division, features an intuitive trade tool that generates bespoke export action plans and provides direct access to verified global providers. It is designed not only to inform, but to enable decisive action and sustained international growth.
“Our collaboration with MBSB represents a significant stride forward in our mission to simplify international trade, and help to accelerate SME growth” said John Carroll, CEO of Navigator Global Ltd. “We are a membership club, that guides ambitious businesses through the international trade journey and offers end-to-end solutions.” SME’s are the centre of the Malaysian success story, they are the inventors, the job creators and the lifeblood of communities. Through this partnership we can help to reduce the cost, time and risks associated with going global. This alliance reflects a shared vision: a more integrated, accessible and prosperous global trade ecosystem, where SMEs get the support they need.”
Navigator Global directly addresses the core challenges businesses face when venturing abroad, including complexity, high risks of failure and limited visibility of credible partners. The platform offers clear guidance on local regulations and compliance, privileged access to experts, verified partners and comprehensive, actionable market intelligence. This helps SMEs identify and connect with trusted local contacts, significantly streamlining their expansion efforts.
The platform is available to businesses at any stage in their international growth journey, from identifying their first market, to expanding within existing ones and looking for new opportunities.
