Malaysian Stock Trading

Stocks Sites in Malaysia

Although there is no formal licensing in place, stockbrokers are required to comply with the regulations, guidelines and supervision of no less than three different authorities. As a stock trader, this means that you can trade safely and within the boundaries of Shariah law. With that knowledge behind you, there are many other factors to consider when you select a stockbroker; these are some we believe are the most crucial:

Mobile Trading

Over the last ten years, Internet service in Malaysia has undergone vast improvements thanks to government initiatives, meaning a whole world of mobile access to traders. In turn, stockbrokers reacted quickly and almost all of them now offer access to trading platforms, with availability from most mobile devices and operating systems. There are still some differences in the quality of apps and mobile websites between brokers, so if mobile trading is crucial to you, this is a subject to take on board when selecting a brokerage.

Deals And Incentives

While the Malaysian government does not prevent you from trading outside of the country, it has implemented a financial incentive scheme to encourage stock trading with homegrown brokers allied to the Bursa Malaysia. Taking advantage of this means you will pay lower trading costs and in specific scenarios, less tax for your trading activities. Offshore brokers compete by offering upgraded software, no deposit schemes, enhanced account features and discounts for frequent trading.

Diverse Asset Types

Homegrown stockbrokers always promote trading in stocks available on the Bursa Malaysia first and foremost. However, an increasing number now offer opportunities for trading on other Asian or US stock markets. Offshore brokers that are accredited by certain Malaysian authorities are in the same position, but others advertise the availability of worldwide stocks, albeit at less preferential prices. As a trader, you must weigh up which of the three options will sort your personal preferences as well as your portfolio.

Good Customer Support

Our concept of good customer support means more than the availability of contact with your stockbroker, although that is an essential feature. In the case of Malaysia and specifically Shariah laws, your stockbroker should offer a suitable Islamic account option and ensure that its support staff understands those specific needs. We also like to see brokers which are open and transparent with their clients, providing easy access to FAQs, Terms and Conditions and preferably with an educational provision suited to all levels of trading ability.

Malaysian Licencing

There is no formal licensing process for stockbrokers in Malaysia, but there are plenty of guidelines, regulations and supervisory procedures they must comply with.

Three separate entities take responsibility for different aspects:

• The Securities Commission
• Bank Negara
• The Bursa Malaysia

The Securities Commission is mainly involved in the initial stages, ensuring that those applying for stockbroker status are suitably qualified in a relevant subject and have sufficient work-based experience to undertake the responsibility of looking after client investments.

Bank Negara is ultimately responsible for ensuring that brokers are financially stable and are adhering to segregated account guidelines. It also oversees anything and everything else connected with finance, including but not limited to: data protection, general online security, implementation of new technology, electronic platforms and digital payments.

Bursa Malaysia is Malaysia’s only stock market, but its activities are not entirely confined to that, it also takes responsibility for the accreditation of stockbrokers and supervising their ongoing performance. These duties are essential for the protection of the Malaysian economy, stockbrokers’ business interests and the investors themselves.