Malaysia’s exchange launches API for onboarding retail investors
“The Exchange actively listens to the evolving needs of our customers. This initiative is key in delivering on our commitment towards greater customer-centricity. We will continue to work closely with our POs and introduce service innovations to attract more investors, bolstering the competitiveness of our market.”
Bursa Malaysia has announced the launch of an API Gateway to increase the efficiency of the onboarding of retail investors by brokers.
To date, five brokers have signed up for the service – namely AmInvestment Bank Berhad, FSMOne – Online Retail Division of iFAST Capital Sdn Bhd, Hong Leong Investment Bank, Malacca Securities, and Moomoo Securities Malaysia.
The news comes as the Malaysian exchange further leverages technology towards growing investor participation in the equities market. Brokers can sign up by reaching out to this email: [email protected]
“Commitment towards greater customer-centricity”
Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift, Chief Executive Officer of Bursa Malaysia, said: “The Exchange actively listens to the evolving needs of our customers. This initiative is key in delivering on our commitment towards greater customer-centricity. We will continue to work closely with our POs and introduce service innovations to attract more investors, bolstering the competitiveness of our market.”
The API Gateway streamlines the investor’s onboarding journey, shortening turnaround time in account opening, or in updating and reactivation of accounts.
With such improvements, investors can trade quickly, as and when they see the opportunity. The gateway also enables POs to further digitalize their processes as part of business process improvement for customer experience and sustainability practices to reduce carbon footprint.
The introduction of the API Gateway complements the recent unveiling of the BURSA Remisier Acquisition Hub, the country’s first profiling platform which facilitates connections between investors and dealer’s representatives.
Retail investors in Malaysia grew by 22% in Q1 2024
Bursa Malaysia’s efforts to promote growth and participation from retail investors, especially the younger generation, in the local stock exchange are gaining traction. As of Q1 2024, local retail investor participation in the securities market stood at 22%, while participation in the derivatives market stood at 17% for FKLI and 25% for FCPO respectively.
The new dynamics are also attracting the wider trading industry to Malaysia. Webull just launched its discount brokerage in the country, providing access to trade Bursa Securities and Bursa Derivatives alongside US-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) via the Webull Malaysia app. Last month, the broker secured a Capital Markets Services License for Dealing in Securities (restricted to listed securities) and Dealing in Derivatives from the Securities Commission Malaysia.
Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad also recently introduced Trading Reminders, a new tool highlighting listed companies that exhibit unusual trading activity. This is part of the exchange operator’s enhanced investor protection measures aimed at fostering an efficient and vibrant trading environment.
