In a significant move to enhance the accessibility of stock market investing, Bursa Malaysia Bhd, TNG Digital Sdn Bhd (TNG Digital), and Affin Hwang Investment Bank Bhd have jointly launched e-Trade, the first equities market trading feature integrated within the TNG eWallet platform. This innovation, part of the GOfinance investment hub in TNG eWallet, aims to democratize stock market participation, making it more user-friendly for a broader audience.
What is e-Trade?
e-Trade is an investment feature within the TNG eWallet that allows users to seamlessly participate in the stock market. It integrates stock market trading directly through the eWallet and includes educational resources from MyBURSA, equipping investors with essential tools and knowledge to trade with confidence.
This collaboration, powered by Affin Hwang, is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Malaysia and represents a major step towards making stock market investments more accessible to all, especially to new retail investors. The platform offers users an intuitive and straightforward way to engage in equity investing, right from their eWallet.
The Vision Behind e-Trade
Nurjesmi Mohd Nashir, CEO of Affin Hwang, emphasized the growing role of retail investors in the Malaysian market. He noted that the launch of e-Trade is well-timed, with the aim to attract even more people to the stock market. “By combining our expertise with TNG Digital’s reach and Bursa Malaysia’s product offerings, we are creating new opportunities for Malaysians to engage in equity investing and achieve their financial goals,” he added.
Alan Ni, CEO of TNG Digital, expressed that the e-Trade initiative aligns perfectly with Bursa Malaysia’s goals of democratizing equity investments and promoting financial inclusion. “We are making stock market participation easier and more inclusive, opening doors for a broader audience,” Ni said.
Benefits and Incentives for Investors
To incentivize the adoption of e-Trade, several measures have been introduced to lower the entry barriers for new investors:
- Waived Central Depository System (CDS) account opening fee.
- Reduced brokerage fee of RM3 per trading transaction.
- Consolidation of brokerage fees by Affin Hwang at the end of each trading day, benefiting investors who execute multiple trades on the same counters within a single day.
This structure is designed to make equity investing more affordable and appealing, especially for first-time investors, by reducing costs and removing traditional barriers to entry.
Broadening Access to Stock Market Opportunities
Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift, CEO of Bursa Malaysia, highlighted the role of advanced technology in broadening access to the stock market. “Our continuous effort as a multi-asset exchange is to ensure every Malaysian has the opportunity to actively participate in and benefit from the opportunities that the marketplace offers,” he said.
By integrating stock market trading into the TNG eWallet, this initiative is expected to significantly increase the vibrancy and liquidity of the capital market, providing Malaysians with more ways to engage in financial markets and work towards their financial goals.
Future Outlook
The launch of e-Trade marks a key milestone for TNG Digital, Bursa Malaysia, and Affin Hwang, signaling a shift toward more inclusive and accessible investment opportunities for the general public. As more retail investors participate in the stock market through eWallets, it is anticipated that the Malaysian equity market will see increased engagement, driving both liquidity and growth.
By offering education and tools alongside trading functionalities, e-Trade positions itself as an innovative solution to empower everyday Malaysians to start their investment journeys with confidence.
