How is crypto regulated in Malaysia?

Crypto regulation in Malaysia runs mainly through securities law. The Securities Commission (SC) authorises and supervises the platforms, while the central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), handles money laundering controls for crypto exchangers. Whether crypto is legal tender or legal to own is covered in is crypto legal in Malaysia.

What is the main cryptocurrency law in Malaysia?

The key instrument is the Capital Markets and Services (Prescription of Securities) (Digital Currency and Digital Token) Order 2019. The SC announced on January 14, 2019 that the Order had come into force. It means offering digital assets, and related activities, need SC authorisation and must follow securities laws.

The Order lets the SC write detailed guidelines. The main ones are the Guidelines on Recognized Markets, which cover exchanges, and the Guidelines on Digital Assets, which cover custodians and token offerings. The SC also publishes Shariah guidance, and from March 30, 2026 Shariah-compliant digital currencies offered on exchanges need endorsement from its Shariah Advisory Council. The wider religious question is discussed in is crypto halal or haram.

How does a Securities Commission Malaysia digital asset exchange get approved?

Platforms register with the SC in one of three roles, according to its overview page:

• Recognized market operator for a digital asset exchange (RMO-DAX). Runs a trading platform under an exchange model or a digital broker model. Registration is open.
• Digital asset custodian. Holds and safeguards investors' digital assets. Registration is open.
• IEO operator. Runs a platform for raising money through token offerings. Registration is closed.

On May 20, 2026 revised exchange guidelines took effect. The SC said they speed up approval of new products on registered platforms while raising standards on governance, client asset protection, financial strength, shareholding and management skills. Exchange operators are also joining the Financial Markets Ombudsman Service, which gives investors a formal way to resolve disputes. Regulated exchanges handled RM17.14 billion of trades in 2025, up 23% from 2024.

How does Malaysia police unregistered crypto platforms?

The SC acts against exchanges that serve Malaysians without registration. In 2026 it took administrative action against four unregistered exchanges and, from April 14, 2026, worked with Google to limit their promotion to Malaysians on social media. Its list of registered operators is the reference for checking a platform, as explained in how to check if a crypto exchange is legit.

Money laundering rules come from BNM. Its policy document of February 27, 2018 made anyone who exchanges digital currency for money or other digital currency a reporting institution under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, with customer checks and reporting duties. Tax is handled separately by the Inland Revenue Board, as covered in how crypto is taxed in Malaysia.

Rules differ by country and change often. Check the Securities Commission or a qualified professional for your own situation.