Japanese brokerages have reported at least 1,454 cases of hacked trading worth almost ¥100 billion (US$700 million or RM3.1 billion) since February, as phishing scams soar in the country, the nation’s financial regulator said.

Japan's financial regulator says hacked online trading reaches about US$700 mil

Malayan Banking Bhd (KL:MAYBANK) announced on Tuesday that Maybank customers travelling to Cambodia can make instant KhmerQR retail payments via the MAE mobile app at a low conversion fee.

Maybank customers can now make QR payments through MAE app in Cambodia

KUALA LUMPUR (April 11): Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd has launched Malaysia’s first-ever US initial public offering (IPO) subscription service for retail investors through its trading platform M+Global.

Malacca Securities’ M+Global launches Malaysia’s first-ever US IPO subscription service, kicks off with Chagee

The central banks of Malaysia and Thailand signed a pact on Thursday to strengthen joint efforts in cybersecurity and digital fraud protection.

Malaysia, Thailand central banks strengthen ties to boost cybersecurity

Malaysians travelling to Cambodia can now pay local merchants by scanning KhmerQR with their mobile payment apps.

Malaysians can now use their mobile payment apps for transactions in Cambodia

Digital banks in Malaysia are increasing efforts to reach the underserved B40 group, especially those in rural areas, by integrating banking services into popular platforms and offering attractive incentives to encourage usage.

Digital banks in Malaysia urged to re-examine strategies to better serve B40 segment

RHB Bank Bhd (KL:RHBBANK) has subscribed to an aggregate of about 51 million new shares in Boost Bank for RM51 million since May 17, 2024, in order to maintain its 40% equity interest in the digital bank.

RHB Bank subscribes to additional shares in Boost Bank worth RM51m

E-commerce platform TikTok Shop said it will launch to users in France, Germany, and Italy on Monday, expanding its reach further into Europe even as TikTok faces being shut down in the US if Chinese owner ByteDance does not find an American buyer.

TikTok Shop steps up Europe expansion with US future unclear

Catcha Digital Bhd (KL:CATCHA) has proposed to acquire a 92.5% stake in financial software company Theta Service Partner Sdn Bhd for RM34.96 million, as part of the company’s expansion into enterprise IT solutions and to diversify its revenue beyond digital media advertising.

Catcha Digital buys 92.5% stake in financial software firm Theta Service for RM35 mil

GX Bank Bhd, Malaysia’s first digital bank, commands the largest share of customer deposits among operational digital banks with RM2.16 billion deposits as of September 2024, according to RAM Ratings.

GXBank tops digital banking sector deposits with RM2.16 bil as of September 2024 — RAM Ratings

Boost Bank has partnered with CGC Digital, a financial technology (fintech) subsidiary of Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Bhd (CGC), to provide RM130 million in financing solutions for eligible underserved micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Boost Bank, CGC Digital partner to empower MSMEs with RM130 mil funding

SmartBiz became the first financial-technology firm to receive regulatory approval to be a bank since President Donald Trump took office in January, a regulatory signal that other fintechs could also get the green light to cement their footholds in the financial-services industry.

SmartBiz is first fintech to become bank under Trump

KUALA LUMPUR (March 14): GXBank Bhd and Grab Malaysia have shortlisted eight startup companies to participate in a six-month-long TeXnovasi Accelerator Programme, aimed at driving innovation within Malaysia’s fintech ecosystem.

GXBank, Grab Malaysia shortlist eight startups to drive fintech innovation

Indonesian ride-hailing and food delivery provider GoTo Group forecast earnings for this year above analysts’ estimates, a sign of confidence as it battles intensifying competition from Grab Holdings Ltd.

GoTo earnings forecast tops estimates as cost cuts kick in

MORNING CALL: 22/4/25

Asian markets will likely come under pressure Tuesday after US stocks, bonds and the dollar were sold off as President Donald Trump ramped up criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Asian stocks face pressure after selloff in US

Heavy selling lashed Wall Street anew Monday, with longer-dated Treasuries joining stocks and the dollar in a deepening slump, after President Donald Trump’s censure of Jerome Powell’s interest-rate policy sowed angst among investors already coping with a global trade war.

US stocks, bonds sink in broad retreat from American assets

The US set new duties on solar imports from four Southeast Asian nations that together provide the country with the bulk of its panels.

US imposes new duties on solar imports from Malaysia, Southeast Asia

(April 21): U.S. bond funds came under heavy selling pressure in the week to April 16, highlighting concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff measures could fuel inflation and push the economy into a recession.

Investors divested U.S. bond funds for a fifth successive week to t...

US bond funds suffer fifth weekly outflow on tariff-driven inflation fears

(April 22): The sell-America trade gathered momentum on Monday on concern President Donald Trump will act upon his threat of firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and implement policies that lead to a recession.

The dollar and US stocks slid in thinner-than-normal, post-hol...

Trump’s push against Powell adds to doubts of US’s haven status

(April 22): Analysts are busy slashing earnings estimates in the US due to the risk of a severe economic slowdown, according to Morgan Stanley’s Michael Wilson.

The S&P 500’s earnings revisions breadth — or analyst estimates upgrades versus downgrades — is now at levels rarely ...

US profit outlook rarely this sour, Morgan Stanley’s Wilson says

Cocoa futures climbed to the highest in more than two weeks after key processing data, often used as a proxy for global demand, beat expectations last week.

Cocoa extends gains after global processing topped expectations

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said there’s no agreement yet with her US counterpart Donald Trump after the two spoke last week about US tariffs on some of its southern neighbour’s goods.

Mexico’s Sheinbaum says trade talks continue after Trump call

(April 21): Bitcoin rallied to its highest level since US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcements, as the dollar slumped amid renewed fears over the US president’s efforts to remove Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell.

Bitcoin rebounds as Trump’s push against Powell weakens dollar

The US set new duties on solar imports from four Southeast Asian nations that together provide the country with the bulk of its panels.

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Monday.

Panasonic Manufacturing, CIMB, WCE, Cahya Mata, Astino, KIP REIT, Salcon, HHRG, GDP, Ho Hup Construction Co, Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering

The US economy could slow down unless interest rates are lowered immediately, President Donald Trump said on Monday, repeating his criticism of Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell.

Trump warns of economic slowdown unless Fed cuts rates

Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings Bhd’s (KL:MHB) wholly owned unit received a notice of arbitration from its subcontractor Haumea Offshore Sdn Bhd (previously known as Trans Fame Offshore Sdn Bhd or TFO) in relation to the Bokor Phase 3 redevelopment project in Sarawak.

MHB unit receives RM57 mil arbitration notice from subcontractor in relation to Bokor Phase 3 project

Malaysia appreciates the recent policies introduced in China, as the government actively formulates measures to stimulate domestic consumption.

Malaysia welcomes China’s policies to boost domestic consumption — Zafrul

After defaulting on loan facilities last week, Ho Hup Construction Co Bhd (KL:HOHUP) is seeking a court order to facilitate the restructure of its debt.

Ho Hup seeks court order to formulate scheme of arrangement

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched an internal investigation after one of its officers was inspected by police in the recent Op Noda Khas at an entertainment outlet in Kuala Lumpur.

MACC officer facing internal probe after being inspected by cops in entertainment outlet

Indonesia’s rapidly expanding franchise industry presents significant growth opportunities for Malaysian businesses seeking to strengthen their regional footprint, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Indonesia, with a population exceeding 270 million and a growing middle class, is now recognised as one of the most dynamic and strategic markets for franchising in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia’s booming franchise market opens doors for Malaysian brands — Ahmad Zahid

Asian markets will likely come under pressure Tuesday after US stocks, bonds and the dollar were sold off as President Donald Trump ramped up criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Heavy selling lashed Wall Street anew Monday, with longer-dated Treasuries joining stocks and the dollar in a deepening slump, after President Donald Trump’s censure of Jerome Powell’s interest-rate policy sowed angst among investors already coping with a global trade war.

(April 22):&nbsp;Analysts are busy slashing earnings estimates in the US due to the risk of a severe economic slowdown, according to Morgan Stanley’s Michael Wilson.

The S&amp;P 500’s earnings revisions breadth — or analyst estimates upgrades versus downgrades — is now at levels rarely ...

European equity funds drew massive inflows in the week ended April 16, while US funds faced hefty outflows, as investors continued to shift capital on concerns over US trade tariffs and mounting worries over the strength of the US economy.

Investors pour into European equity funds, flee US on tariff woes

(April 21): U.S. bond funds came under heavy selling pressure in the week to April 16, highlighting concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff measures could fuel inflation and push the economy into a recession.

Investors divested U.S. bond funds for a fifth successive week to t...

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Johor government to strengthen infrastructure, expand Internet network coverage and enhance public awareness of cybersecurity and digital literacy.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said RM300 million in funding has been allocated over two years to ensure the successful implementation of the initiatives under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Monday.

MCMC, Johor govt sign MOU to boost digital infrastructure, programmes

As goes the price of oil, so go US rig fleets, which have been getting idled on the shale patch. BloombergNEF has issued its latest energy outlook before the group holds a summit in New York later this month. And exactly what are those rare earth metals China is guarding?

Five key charts to watch in commodity markets this week

A gauge of future US economic activity fell sharply in March, potentially flagging tepid growth this year amid tariffs.

US leading indicator declines sharply in March amid tariffs

Cocoa futures climbed to the highest in more than two weeks after key processing data, often used as a proxy for global demand, beat expectations last week.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said there’s no agreement yet with her US counterpart Donald Trump after the two spoke last week about US tariffs on some of its southern neighbour’s goods.

(April 22):&nbsp;The sell-America trade gathered momentum on Monday on concern President Donald Trump will act upon his threat of firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and implement policies that lead to a recession.

The dollar and US stocks slid in thinner-than-normal, post-hol...

Airbnb Inc announced it will by default show customers the total price of stays, including cleaning and service fees, to comply with a US Federal Trade Commission rule set to go into effect next month.

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