wealth creation and asset ownership key to Malaysia's future prosperity, says Bursa CEO
Bursa Malaysia Bhd chief executive Datuk Fad’l Mohamed said Malaysia’s future prosperity depends on wealth creation and asset ownership, with capital markets central to intergenerational financial resilience.
Source: The Edge Malaysia · August 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 18 AUGUST 2026 —
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Bursa Malaysia CEO stresses wealth creation and asset ownership as key to national prosperity KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 – Datuk Fad’l Mohamed, chief executive officer of Bursa Malaysia Bhd (KL: BURSA), said on Tuesday that Malaysia’s long‑term prosperity hinges on wealth creation and asset ownership, with capital markets playing a central role in building intergenerational financial resilience.
Market Impact
In a keynote address at the CGS International Securities Malaysia ESG and Sustainability Conference 2026, Fad’l outlined the exchange’s expanded mandate beyond simply facilitating trading. “Our mission is to connect capital with opportunity,” he said. “We also see our role as helping to connect Malaysians with financial security and long‑term prosperity.” He linked this vision to the inclusion pillar of the Capital Market Masterplan 2026‑2030, which aims to empower Malaysians to build wealth.
Fad’l noted that over the past decade, awareness of budgeting, saving, investing and financial planning has improved. Digitalisation of financial services has also expanded access, with e‑wallets, digital banking, robo‑advisory platforms and online investment channels bringing financial products closer to Malaysians.
However, he cautioned that these trends “might not have sufficiently translated into greater financial resilience.” He cited Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Capability and Inclusion Demand Side Survey 2024, which shows that while financial knowledge has improved, financial behaviour and attitudes have not advanced at the same pace.
The CEO emphasised that financial resilience requires more than education; it also demands action, access, discipline, opportunity and supportive ecosystems. “We need to move from producing financially informed Malaysians to producing financially empowered Malaysians,” he said. Bursa Malaysia’s role, he added, is to help build that empowerment by providing a, inclusive, and transparent market infrastructure that encourages participation across all segments of society.
For the Malaysian market, the implications are twofold. First, a stronger capital market will attract greater domestic and foreign investment, potentially boosting liquidity and lowering the cost of capital for Malaysian companies. Second, increased participation by retail investors could enhance market depth and stability, while also fostering a culture of long‑term wealth accumulation.
Bursa Malaysia has already introduced initiatives such as the Bursa Malaysia Women’s Investment Programme and the Bursa Malaysia Green Bond Initiative to broaden investor base and promote sustainable finance.
Looking ahead, Fad’l outlined several strategic priorities for Bursa Malaysia. These include expanding digital trading platforms, enhancing investor education programmes, and strengthening regulatory frameworks to support innovative financial products. He also highlighted the need for closer collaboration with other financial institutions, fintech firms and government agencies to create a cohesive ecosystem that supports financial inclusion and resilience.
In summary, Bursa Malaysia’s CEO has positioned the exchange as a catalyst for Malaysia’s future prosperity, underscoring the importance of wealth creation, asset ownership and a resilient capital market. The company’s ongoing initiatives aim to translate improved financial knowledge into tangible financial behaviour, thereby fostering a more inclusive and financial landscape for the country.
Related: Bank Negara Malaysia · CEO