Bank Negara Malaysia

Stablecoins

StanChart to Explore MYR Stablecoin in BNM Regulatory Sandbox

By Manesh Samtani | 15/12/2025

The bank will act as issuer while Capital A Bhd, the parent company of AirAsia, tests wholesale use cases within BNM's innovation hub.

Nature & Biodiversity

Financial Regulators Failing on Nature Risk Despite Climate Progress, WWF Says

By Manesh Samtani | 12/12/2025

A global assessment finds major gaps in addressing risks from deforestation and water stress, urging APAC regulators to act.

Anti-Money Laundering

FATF Praises AML Reforms in New Mutual Evaluation Report for Malaysia

By Manesh Samtani | 12/12/2025

Malaysia is praised for post-1MDB reforms but must now increase convictions and strengthen sanctions under a three-year action plan.

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.