WCMS sees sweeping regulator changes in the capital market

The Securities Commission Malaysia’s (SC) Fifth World Capital Markets Symposium 2018 (WCMS 2018) convened today with 40 global speakers and thought leaders to address the future direction of capitalism and markets.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak officiated and delivered a keynote address at the Symposium, which also features a special video message from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

Key takeways from the WCMS:

Margin financing rules will be liberalised
Intraday short selling to be allowed for all investors
"Trading Specialists" will be introduced to allow for a new category of traders who can trade on their own account
Volume-based incentive programme to be introduced to create greater activity
Fee waivers to be given for all new investors
Clearing fees for six months to be waived
Bursa Malaysia and Singapore Stock Exchange to see closer integration through cross border trading

Held in conjunction with the SC's 25th anniversary, the two-day Symposium featured global leaders including Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand; Jin Liqun, President of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Yanis Varoufakis, former Finance Minister of Greece and economist; and Fareed Zakaria, award-winning journalist and CNN host, as well as CEOs, fund managers, industry leaders and influencers. The Symposium discussed among others, the role of capitalism and how to create markets that are more vibrant, innovative and long term in orientation; how responsible leadership can drive sustainable and inclusive growth; and how governance will contribute to these goals. Over 700 international and domestic senior corporate and market leaders will attend the Symposium to hear discussions on the future of finance and ways it can achieve sustainable outcomes for present and future generations. Organised by the SC together with Capital Markets Malaysia and industry leaders, the SC's World Capital Markets Symposium has since 2009 attracted thought leaders and Nobel laureates who have shaped discussions on issues such as risks, socio-economic development and digital innovation.