Malaysia Eyes Crypto Policy to Modernize Financial System

Highlights:

• Malaysia plans to modernize finance with cryptocurrency policies and international collaborations.
• Anwar has urged swift action to adopt digital finance and train a skilled workforce for the crypto industry.
• Malaysia is working with UAE and industry leaders to create strong crypto regulations.

Malaysia is reportedly looking to adopt a new cryptocurrency policy. The aim of this policy is to modernize the nation’s financial system and to keep pace with the vibrant crypto industry. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pointed out that Malaysia needs to adjust to international financial changes. He said the country had to act swiftly to not fall behind.

🇲🇾 Malaysia explores crypto regulation!
After talks with UAE leaders and Binance's CZ, Malaysia is moving towards modernizing its financial system and embracing digital finance. 🌍

A big step for #Crypto adoption in Asia! 🚀#Malaysia #Binance $BTC $ETH #CryptoNews pic.twitter.com/k4WPUQy8sf

— BTCspotter (@BTCspotter) January 15, 2025

Anwar’s initiative comes after discussions with key stakeholders in Abu Dhabi and Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao. The meetings occurred during a three-day visit to Abu Dhabi. According to Anwar, officials held discussions around cryptocurrency regulations and the need for a digital finance policy.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Strategic Discussions in Abu Dhabi

Anwar stressed that Malaysia needs to adjust its financial framework to reflect the role of digital finance. According to Anwar, the global transition toward cryptocurrency is moving rapidly. Malaysia, he is convinced, must act quickly to remain competitive.

In addition, Anwar confirmed that policymakers from the UAE are willing to partner with Malaysia. This partnership can assist Malaysia’s cryptocurrency regulation development. According to him, it is necessary to shed outdated financial models and move toward the use of modern technology.

Developing Robust Regulations and Workforce Training

Anwar intends to involve the key government agencies in creating the policy. The agencies include the treasury, Securities Commission, and Bank Negara Malaysia. They will do detailed studies to address regulatory concerns and protect citizens.

The policy proposes prioritizing training programs for personnel engaged in the crypto industry. According to Anwar, digital finance regulations must be implemented successfully with competent regulation development. He also stressed the need to involve industry players in the process.

The Securities Commission recently stepped up scrutiny of the cryptocurrency market in Malaysia. The Malaysian regulator ordered Bybit to stop operations in December. The regulator accused Bybit of running an unregistered digital asset exchange. Atomic Wallet and other platforms were also placed on the investor alert list by the Securities Commission.

🚨 🚨 You will start seeing “IP address restricted” on your Bybit apps.

Rumours say that Bybit is trying to get regulated, hence they will comply to SC orders restricting access for Malaysian users. pic.twitter.com/Mt3TePqrVV

— Bitcoin Malaya (@bitcoinmalaya) December 30, 2024

Collaboration with UAE and Industry Leaders to Shape the Future

Anwar’s discussions in Abu Dhabi included partnerships with the UAE. Such collaborations, he thinks, will assist Malaysia in its attempt to issue effective cryptocurrency regulations. The UAE’s experience with digital finance may help shape Malaysia’s framework.

The Prime Minister stressed the need to address concerns about the adoption of digital finance. Now he intends to draft a detailed policy paper for cabinet review. The purpose of this paper will be to explain why cryptocurrency regulation is important for protecting citizens and facilitating innovation.

Malaysia hopes to replicate successful models of countries such as Thailand and Singapore. These nations have adopted rigorous regulations to improve their digital asset markets. Anwar wants Malaysia to emerge as a competitive player in the world of global cryptocurrency. Malaysia is recognizing the potential of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Anwar stated that the country can not afford to be late in adopting these innovations.