Blockchain/Bitcoin

Securities Commission Seeks to Block Access to Remitano for Illegally Offering Crypto Services

by Fintech News Malaysia April 13, 2021

The Securities Commission Malaysia today issued a statement today saying that they have reprimanded Remitano for operating a digital asset exchange in Malaysia without authorisation from the SC.

The SC said that it views this transgression as serious and is working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block Remitano’s website.The regulator has also written to Google and Apple to disable the operation of Remitano’s mobile applications in Malaysia.

Operating a DAX without obtaining SC’s approval to be registered as a Registered Market Operator (RMO) is an offence under Section 7 of the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007. If a person is convicted, he may be liable to a fine not exceeding RM10 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, or both.

Investors are urged to immediately cease trading through the platform and to withdraw all their investments before Remitano’s website is blocked and becomes inaccessible in Malaysia.

The SC had over the last two years, intensified its efforts in combating illegal investment schemes through various anti-scam awareness campaigns launched under the SC’s lnvestSmart® platform, to constantly remind investors to exercise caution before investing in schemes particularly those offered on social media and messaging platforms. These campaigns were conducted through television, radio, social media platforms and websites including an anti-scam dedicated page on the SC’s website.

The SC’s Investor Alert list has also been updated regularly, accompanied with media announcements and InvestSmart®’s social media postings to alert members of the public on the updates.

Investors are reminded to trade only with Recognized Market Operators that are registered with the SC. Those who trade with unlicensed or unregistered entities or individuals are not protected under Malaysian securities laws and are thus, exposed to risks such as fraud and money laundering.

The public should alert the SC if they come across any suspicious websites or receive any unsolicited phone calls or e-mails offering unauthorised investment schemes, especially those that offer high returns with little or no risks.