A strategic collaboration between Kenanga Investors Berhad, an arm of Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad and Taiwan-based Yuanta Securities Investment Trust Co Ltd is set to enable the development of Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) product by encouraging product innovation, the introduction of new types of ETFs, including futures-based and conventional commodity-based ETFs. This will provide affordable entry points for retailers in traditionally difficult–to-access investments. The collaboration is expected to see new innovative strategies including the introduction of Leveraged and Inverse ETFs in the near future.
“We are excited with this opportunity to collaborate with Taiwan’s largest securities house. Yuanta has immense retail experience and ETF expertise having launched Taiwan’s first ETF 15 years ago. Over the last decade, they have played an instrumental role in the launch of ETFs regionally, including Thailand, Korea, Hong Kong and China. We hope that this will boost the exchange of ideas and existing business interactions between the both companies and also respective country stock exchange development. This will also see Kenanga Group dynamics at work with our asset management and Equity Broking business playing a pivotal role in both products and market making abilities,” says Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director, Kenanga Investment Bank.
“We are privileged to be working with Kenanga Investment Bank, Malaysia’s leading independent investment bank known for their active development of innovative products and solutions in the country. We are confident that the impact of our collaboration will be one that is engaging and fruitful in pushing the envelope of innovation in the regional financial space,” says Huang Gu Bin, Chairman, Yuanta Funds.
“Capitalising on the strong growth trend and potential of the global ETF industry, the timing of this collaboration is significant. As we work together to develop ETF offerings in Malaysia, we expect to achieve a multiplier effect whereby increased offerings will stimulate demand and ultimately an inclusive participation in the Malaysian capital market. Jointly with the regulators, Bursa Malaysia and Securities Commission, we will work to promote this new product in the marketplace,” adds Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Chief Executive Officer, Kenanga Investors Berhad.
An ETF Task Force chaired by Securities Commission Malaysia and comprising Bursa Malaysia, fund managers, market makers and institutional investors was set up in 2016 and in mid-2017 recommended measures to spur sustained development and competitiveness of the Malaysian ETF market. The task force recommended measures to spur innovation and drive industry growth and key recommendations aimed at attracting greater investor participation and incentivising issuances by ETF managers in the Malaysian market.
Among the recommendations include facilitating issuances and investments, enabling product innovation and intensifying investor engagements. To increase investor awareness and understanding of ETFs, Bursa Malaysia has intensified its nationwide roadshows and investor education programmes to attract participation, and to ensure that investors are knowledgeable and well-equipped in trading ETFs.
Chief Executive Officer of Bursa Malaysia Berhad, Datuk Seri Tajuddin Atan says, “There is considerable opportunity to be tapped in view of the growth in popularity for ETFs globally. Kenanga’s commitment to contribute to the success of the Malaysian ETF market is highly commendable. This strategic partnership is a constructive step towards improving the liquidity and vibrancy of the industry, and we look forward to greater innovation and expansion of the market through similar initiatives. We will continue to work closely with the industry to spur the sustained development and increase competitiveness of the Malaysian ETF market through education and implementation of relevant recommendations by the ETF Taskforce.”
Buoyant by all this, Kenanga looks forward to exploring new ways to further develop this co-operative initiative and joining hands with Yuanta to build a strong alliance for the common good of the respective market that is operate in.
