Author: Izzat Najmi Abdullah

Once a niche concept reserved for tech-forward investors, robo-advisor (or officially known in Malaysia as Digital Investment Manager (DIM), through its platforms) has rapidly emerged as a mainstream force reshaping how Malaysians invest. Blending algorithm-driven intelligence with human-designed strategy, these platforms promise what traditional wealth management often could not (simplicity, accessibility, and affordability), all at the tap of a screen. Behind this transformation is the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), which established a dedicated Digital Investment Management framework to regulate and license these platforms as Licensed Fintech Intermediaries. By doing so, the SC has not only fostered innovation but also safeguarded…

The CIMB Gen AI Hackathon, held on April 19, 2025, at AWS Malaysia’s 35th-floor headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, offered a fresh take on how banks can discover and engage with emerging AI talent. Rather than a marathon of coding for its own sake, this initiative was a thoughtful step in CIMB’s broader Forward30 transformation strategy, designed to support its ambitions of becoming an AI-first bank. The theme, “Hack-to-Hire,” reflected CIMB’s interest in using real-time challenges to better understand potential candidates’ capabilities. It also provided a valuable environment where participants and CIMB teams could interact meaningfully and explore mutual fit. This…

Since the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) introduced the regulatory framework for Peer-to-Peer (P2P) financing in 2016, the industry has grown rapidly, becoming a multi-billion Ringgit market that plays a vital role in supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Malaysia was also the first ASEAN country to formally regulate P2P financing, introducing a comprehensive framework through the Securities Commission in 2016. This regulatory clarity has been critical in building investor trust and platform accountability. The Recognised Market Operators (RMO) framework requires P2P platforms in Malaysia to maintain RM 5 million in paid-up capital, operate segregated trust accounts, and adopt transparent…

The capital market in Malaysia has surged past the RM4.2 trillion mark, and while IPOs hit a record high in 2024 with 55 new listings, it’s another, quieter revolution that’s helping startups and small businesses take off through Equity Crowdfunding (ECF). Since its inception in 2015, ECF has raised over RM 776 million for 400 companies through more than 400 successful campaigns, proving itself a powerful funding engine for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). ECF is now seen as a lifeline for many entrepreneurs who once found traditional financing inaccessible or too restrictive. The ECF platforms in Malaysia now…

The financial landscape in Malaysia has seen a wave of innovation through digital platforms designed to democratise investment and fundraising. From Digital Asset Exchanges (DAX) to Equity Crowdfunding (ECF) and Digital Investment Management (DIM), these tools were heralded as disruptors that would reshape how people access and participate in the capital market.  But after years in operation, are they really delivering on their promise?  According to the Securities Commission (SC) Malaysia’s Annual Report 2024, these digital verticals have shown progress, but that progress is a little bit patchy. ECF is facing a slump, DAX remains overshadowed by traditional markets, and…

A few years ago, I heard from a podcast that the best type of tech is the one that disappears into the background. At first, it sounded like a throwaway line. But the more you think about it, the more it rings true. People don’t obsess over the tech itself anymore, they care about what it does, how seamlessly it works, and whether it makes life just a bit easier. And nowhere is that more evident than in the way we pay. Cash is no longer king. Convenience is. These days, many of us leave our homes with just a…

If you’ve ever wished your banking app could think, not just display your balance or process a payment, but actually understand your needs and act on them, then you might like what we have in store for you. While Malaysia’s digital banking scene heats up with new players like GXBank, Boost Bank, and AEON Bank entering the fray, one challenger is veering off the well-worn path. Ryt Bank, led by CEO Melvin Ooi, isn’t just adding a digital layer to traditional banking. It’s building a whole new kind of financial experience with artificial intelligence at the heart. “Think of Ryt…

Malaysia’s fintech sector is not the largest in ASEAN, but it is increasingly one of the most strategically important. With over 300 fintech companies (according to our Malaysia Fintech Report 2024) spread across verticals, the country’s digital finance ecosystem is thriving. It is all thanks to strong government support, high mobile and internet penetration, and fundamentally, a group of digitally literate population. Unlike some regional peers that have chased blitz-scaling and unicorn valuations, fintechs in Malaysia have taken a more integrated and institutionally anchored approach. Many of the most successful players are closely tied to incumbent banks, sovereign wealth funds,…

I just woke up (like, literally) at this time of writing and the first thing I saw was KFC Malaysia offering Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) to buy their lists of tender fried chickens. Yup, you read that right. You can now spread your payments over three months (instalment-free) just to get your fix of crispy, deep-fried goodness. If that sounds absurd to you, you’re not alone.  KFC Malaysia has partnered with Boost Credit’s QSR PayFlex to introduce BNPL for their meals. This means that if you’re craving a Snack Plate but don’t have enough cash today, you can still…

Everything is cashless now, and honestly, it’s never been easier. In Malaysia, where digital payments have taken off in a big way, you can pay for almost anything with the one thing you never seem to leave behind—your phone.  And it’s not just a passing cloud. Malaysia has been climbing the global ranks in QR code adoption, and the numbers prove it.  Malaysia now sits among the top countries in QR code payment adoption, ranking second globally at 61.5%. That’s right, just behind global giant, China, the leader who sits first at 67.4%.  In fact, Malaysia has even outpaced digital…

Grab Holdings, arguably Southeast Asia’s largest ride-hailing and food delivery company, has expanded its grocery presence with the acquisition of Everrise supermarkets in Sarawak. This follows its earlier purchase of Jaya Grocer in 2022, reinforcing its commitment to the retail sector.  While the primary goal of the Everrise deal is to enhance operations and introduce on-demand grocery delivery, the move also raises speculation about a broader strategy—one that could support GXBank’s entry into East Malaysia Is East Malaysia A Sleeping Giant for Digital Banking?  With 19 Everrise locations across Sarawak and Sabah, Grab now has a stronger retail footprint in…

I can’t remember the last time I had cash in my wallet. Since the rise of cashless payments in Malaysia, I’ve hardly needed it. Whether grabbing a coffee or paying for parking, everything is done through my phone. The convenience is undeniable. I no longer have to worry about running to an ATM, fumbling for exact change, or even carrying a wallet at all. It’s quick, seamless, and feels like the natural evolution of financial transactions in the modern world. According to Ipsos, more than half of Malaysians now use non-cash payment methods in the past three months of 2024…

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) has taken over Southeast Asia’s shopping scene, and in Malaysia, it’s everywhere, resulting to massive addiction. With just a few taps on a phone, you can buy now and, well, worry about paying later. It sounds like a great deal, right? No credit card hassles, no long forms, just instant gratification. But for many young and mostly naive consumers, that convenience can quickly turn into a financial nightmare.  In 2023 alone, Malaysians made 77.3 million BNPL transactions, spending a whopping RM 6.2 billion (USD $1.38 billion). Nearly half of these users are under 30, drawn…

The digital banking landscape in Malaysia has undergone a rapid transformation, with five players gaining approval from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). These digital banks are revolutionising how financial services are delivered to consumers and businesses alike, leveraging technology for convenience, innovation, and accessibility. In this article, we’ll explore the offerings of these digital banks, highlighting their key features and what makes them unique. Last Updated: 22 December 2025 What Are Digital Banks in Malaysia? BNM defines digital banks as financial institutions that primarily provide banking services through digital channels, including mobile applications, tablets, and the internet. Unlike traditional banks with…

What does it take to not just survive, but thrive, in an industry as cutthroat and ever-changing as banking? According to a 2023 report by Accenture, 74% of banking executives believe that resilience and adaptability are the most critical skills for navigating the sector’s rapid digital transformation. In a world where every decision carries the weight of millions, where innovation is the only constant, and where resilience isn’t just a trait—it’s a survival skill, one word emerges as the ultimate differentiator: tenacity. For Pai Li Gan, Group Chief Consumer Banking Officer at Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad, tenacity has been the driving force behind…

The way Malaysians transact has changed dramatically in recent years, with e-money becoming an essential part of daily financial activities. From buying groceries to paying for services, digital wallets and online payments have revolutionised commerce. However, with rapid digitalisation comes the need for stronger regulations to protect consumers and ensure financial stability. Recognising this, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has introduced a new and revised policy document on e-money, which came into effect on January 31, 2025. Replacing the 2022 guidelines, the new framework establishes stricter governance, enhanced cybersecurity measures, and improved financial safeguards to keep pace with the evolving digital…

Bobby Ong, Co-Founder and COO of CoinGecko announced on his X account that the company has achieved all-time high revenue this year. To recognise the team’s hard work, employees of CoinGecko will receive a bonus equivalent to nine months’ pay for 2024. This includes six months of bonuses for the second half of the year, in addition to three months already distributed for the first half. Bobby attributed this milestone to the team’s dedication, expressing his gratitude publicly. “Onwards for another strong 2025,” he concluded in his post. This gesture reflects CoinGecko’s focus on valuing its employees, a practice not…

In just the space of a fortnight, the fintech sector in Malaysia has seen significant leadership changes, with big and breaking news on the resignation of some of the top-level C-suite executives from companies such as GHL Systems Berhad and BigPay. And today, we have reliably learned that another top executive is set to leave his role. This time around, it’s coming from Chan Kok Long, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of iPay88. The company has played a key role in advancing e-commerce and digital transactions in the region, significantly impacting both local and regional markets. Chan Kok Long and…

The Ministry of Finance has approved Ryt Bank, a digital banking initiative by YTL Digital Capital Sdn Bhd and Sea Limited, to commence operations. The bank is preparing for a phased rollout to ensure a smooth entry into Malaysia’s financial sector. Ryt Bank initially planned to debut in 2024 but faced delays. The platform, formerly known as the YTL-Sea Digital Bank, aims to revolutionise financial services in Malaysia. It focuses on simplifying transactions and making banking more accessible to a wider audience. Artificial intelligence (AI) powers Ryt Bank’s core offerings. The platform delivers tailored financial insights and advanced savings strategies…

Sources close to the matter have revealed that BigPay, a fintech subsidiary of Capital A, is undergoing a mass exodus as several top executives have reportedly tendered their resignations. Among those stepping down are CEO Zubin Rada Krishnan, COO Mitherpal Sidhu, Chief Growth and Commercial Officer Chris Manguera, and Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy Meirisha Berisdha. CTO Siddharth Ravichandran’s departure is also rumoured but remains unconfirmed. All three co-founders—Salim Dhanani, Chris Davison, and Navin Rajagopalan—had left the company at different times, with Salim being the latest in 2023. The fintech had once been lauded for its ambitious digital…