Bank Negara Malaysia

Tokenisation

BIS Unveils Report on Tokenised FX Pilot for Cross-Border Payments

By Nithya Subramanian | 11/12/2025

The PoC demonstrated that tokenised FX and settlement can be integrated with existing retail payment systems, paving the way for faster and more resilient cross-border transactions.

Stablecoins

Malaysian Royal Launches First Ringgit-backed Stablecoin

By Nithya Subramanian | 10/12/2025

RMJDT, issued by Bullish Aim on the Zetrix national blockchain, aims to boost cross-border ringgit use and attract foreign investment, marking a major step in Malaysia’s digital asset and Web3 strategy.

Structural Regulation

Malaysian Banks Announce Goodwill Discounts for Early Hire-Purchase Settlement

By Nithya Subramanian | 09/12/2025

The industry-wide measure follows a new law abolishing the Rule of 78, aiming to provide fairer treatment for existing borrowers.

Reporting & Disclosures

Malaysia Adopts 'Engage and Correct' Approach for New Sustainability Reporting Rules

By Nithya Subramanian | 09/12/2025

Regulators will prioritise guidance and corrective action for reporting gaps, but will enforce against serious or fraudulent disclosure breaches.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Malaysia Cracks Down on Power Theft by Illegal Bitcoin Miners

By Nithya Subramanian | 08/12/2025

Authorities have launched a nationwide sweep on rogue crypto-mining sites after illegal operators siphoned over USD 1 billion in electricity.

Reporting & Disclosures

BNM Urges SMEs to Report Emissions, FIs to Provide Support

By Nithya Subramanian | 21/11/2025

BNM warns SMEs to meet rising sustainability disclosure demands, urging stronger support from financial institutions as global supply-chain standards shift.

Cryptocurrency

Malaysia Forms Special Committee to Review Bitcoin Policy

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/11/2025

The committee will assess whether to regulate or ban bitcoin as power theft, enforcement gaps and mining-related risks escalate nationwide.

Data Privacy

Malaysia Issues Draft Rules for Open Finance Mandate

By Mark Johnston | 19/11/2025

BNM proposes phased-in data sharing requirements for banks, DFIs and e-money issuers starting in 2027.

Resolution & Recovery

FSB Spotlights Bank Resolution Tools, Cross-border Hurdles for APAC

By Manesh Samtani | 18/11/2025

New paper outlines practices for using 'transfer tools' in bank failures, citing a Malaysian case study and ongoing cross-border challenges.