Malaysia's digital asset rules took a significant step forward this year. Following a major guideline overhaul announced in May, the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) now allows recognised digital asset exchanges to list eligible tokens independently, without the previous case-by-case approval process.
What changed
Under the revised framework, the listing process is faster and more predictable for operators — but the trade-off is discipline elsewhere. Exchanges face stricter capital requirements and tighter rules around the custody of client assets, bringing Malaysia's regime closer to the expectations placed on traditional market infrastructure.
Enforcement has not slowed down
The SC has continued to expand its Investor Alert List and act against unlicensed platforms. Notably, Bybit was removed from the Investor Alert List in April 2026 after complying with the regulator's requirements — a signal that the path back to compliance is real, but supervised.
Alongside the SC's work, national enforcement against illegal mining has been substantial: authorities report more than 75,000 cryptocurrency mining machines seized across over 3,000 raids between 2022 and May 2026, largely tied to electricity theft.
What it means for members
For businesses building in Malaysia, the direction of travel is clear: a regulator that is easier to build with, and harder to build around. The association will continue to engage with policymakers on implementation details, and we encourage members with licensing questions to reach out at hello@malaysiablockchain.org.