Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) announced on Thursday it entered into an Innovation Cooperation Agreement with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to further promote innovation in fintech services in their markets. SC Chairman Tan Sri Ranjit Ajit Singh notably signed the agreement with the ASIC Chairman Greg Medcraft during the Salzburg Global Seminar on Finance.
According to the organization, it and ASIC will work closely to share information on emerging trends and regulatory issues in digital finance. Both regulators will also facilitate referrals of innovative businesses seeking to operate in each other’s jurisdictions, as well as explore potential joint innovation projects relating to the application of new technologies. Ranjit stated that the cooperation agreement is an important milestone for Malaysia’s digital finance sector and it was also a positive development for innovative fintech businesses seeking to expand and reach greater scale.
“Even as we continue to enable new forms of innovation in capital markets, we must not lose sight of the need to manage digital risks, by taking a strategic approach to risk management, recruiting digital talent and improving IT architectures. This collaboration between SC and ASIC in the realm of digital finance will further strengthen the cooperative arrangements between Malaysia and Australia in capital market development and regulation.”
Medcraft added:
“International cooperation on fintech is essential. This agreement will help local businesses grow beyond our borders, and improve our understanding of fintech in the region. We look forward to working more closely with our colleagues at the Malaysian Securities Commission.”