Last Updated on January 9, 2025 by Chin Yi Xuan
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) has always been my go-to broker to invest in the stock market. In fact, it is the main broker I use to build my Freedom Fund.
As a Malaysian, I’ve always wished that IBKR would allow access to the Bursa Malaysia stock and futures markets – so global investors would have the opportunity to invest in my home country’s best companies.
The good news?
Now it is possible to trade the Bursa Malaysia stock and futures market via IBKR!
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Table of Contents
Highlights: Trading the Malaysia stock & futures market on Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
- Strong regulation background: IBKR is a global broker regulated in 10 countries including the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
- Global market access at highly affordable commission: IBKR offers access to over 150 markets in 34 countries, such as the US, UK, HK, Singapore, Australia, Canada, Europe, Singapore, Japan, and more at a highly competitive commission.
- Addition of Malaysia market: The addition of Malaysia stock and futures market makes it possible to trade in one of Asia’s most vibrant emerging markets.
- Vibrant emerging market: Malaysia’s foundation in the semiconductor and palm oil industries makes it an attractive market to invest in.
- For whom: IBKR is a no-brainer for investors seeking an all-in-one platform to invest in the global markets at a low commission. One thing I’d like to see is IBKR getting licensed by the Securities Commission (SC) in Malaysia.
What Malaysia-listed products can you trade with Interactive Brokers (IBKR)?
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is one of the few global brokers that offer access to the Malaysian market.
Below, you’ll learn about the instruments you can trade with IBKR:
#1 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)-denominated stocks & ETFs listed on the Bursa Malaysia Exchange
The Bursa Malaysia is the only stock exchange in Malaysia. It is also one of the largest stock exchanges in Southeast Asia, overseeing more than 970 listed companies.
Through IBKR, investors and traders can access the companies listed in the Main Market and Ace Market of Bursa Malaysia.
(a) Bursa Malaysia Main Market:
The Main Market of Bursa Malaysia houses the largest and most established public-listed companies in Malaysia.
In order to be listed in the Main Market, companies must meet standards when it comes to quality, size, and operations.
Check out the top-performing stocks (>MYR 1 billion market cap) in the Main Market from 2022 – 2024 (YTD):
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 (as of 3rd Dec) | |
| #1 | Hextar Technologies (+652.5%) | YTL Power (+263.3%) | Sime Darby Property (+140%) |
| #2 | Hextar Industries (+381.3%) | YTL (+241.5%) | Sunway (+133%) |
| #3 | Chin Hin Group (+148.3%) | UEM Sunrise (+227.9%) | Sunway Construction (+126.8%) |
| #4 | Berjaya Food (+145.9%) | Eco World Development (+71.9%) | Gamuda (+98.04%) |
| #5 | Coastal Contracts (+73%) | IOI Properties Group (+67.4%) | Eco World Development (+80%) |
Bursa Malaysia Ace Market:
On the other hand, the Ace Market is a sponsor-driven market designed for companies with growth prospects. Sponsors must assess the suitability of the potential issuers, taking into consideration attributes such as business prospects, corporate conduct, and adequacy of internal control.
#2 FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Futures (FKLI)
The FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (FBM KLCI) is the go-to benchmark for the Malaysian stock market, representing the performance of the 30 largest companies on the Bursa Malaysia Main Market.
FKLI futures track the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (FBM KLCI) as its underlying instrument.
Why trade the FKLI?
- Gain leveraged exposure to the 30 largest companies listed on the Bursa Malaysia Main Market with a single futures contract.
- Freedom to go long or short. Express your trade ideas regardless of the direction of the market.
- Hedge against unfavourable moves in your stock portfolio via FKLI.
#3 Crude Palm Oil Futures (FCPO)
FCPO is a MYR-denominated Crude Palm Oil Futures Contract traded on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives.
Since 1980, it has provided market participants with a global price benchmark for the Crude Palm Oil Market.
Why trade the FCPO?
- Trade both directions. Be it bullish or bearish, you have the flexibility to express your conviction on the palm oil market via FCPO.
- Hedge against unfavourable price movement in the physical market. FCPO can be a useful hedging tool for plantation companies, refineries, and exporters.
- Gain leveraged exposure to the notional value of crude palm oil with a relatively small amount of capital (initial margin).
IBKR pricing & commission for Bursa Malaysia stock and futures market
IBKR offers access to Bursa Malaysia stock and futures market at a competitive price:
#1 IBKR pricing for Bursa Malaysia stocks:
| Monthly Trade Value (MYR) | Tiered Pricing |
| ≤ 10,000,000 | Tier I – 0.08% of Trade Value, min. MYR 12 per order |
| 10,000,000.01 – 200,000,000 | Tier II – 0.06% of Trade Value, min. MYR 10 per order |
| 200,000,000.01 – 500,000,000 | Tier III – 0.05% of Trade Value, min. MYR 9 per order |
| > 500,000,000 | Tier IV – 0.03% of Trade Value, min. MYR 8 per order |
*Other non-IBKR fees are applicable: Exchange fees, regulatory fees & clearing fees
#2 IBKR pricing for Bursa Malaysia Futures
| Monthly Volume (Contracts) | Tiered Pricing |
| ≤ 1,000 | MYR 4.00/contract |
| 1,001 – 10,000 | MYR 3.50/contract |
| 10,001 – 20,000 | MYR 3.25/contract |
| > 20,000 | MYR 3.00/contract |
*Other non-IBKR fees are applicable: Exchange fees & clearing fees
How to access/trade the Malaysia stock and futures market on IBKR?
Prerequisite: Open an IBKR account
To access the Malaysia stock and futures market via Interactive Brokers (IBKR), you must first open an IBKR account.
Refer to my step-by-step guide on how to open your IBKR account HERE.
Applying trading permission for Bursa Malaysia equities and futures market on IBKR:
Important Note: Equity trading on Bursa Malaysia (via IBKR) is not available to the residents of Malaysia.
p.s. You can still trade Malaysia’s futures market if you are a Malaysian though!
To being trading Malaysian stocks/ETFs and futures on IBKR, you’ll have to first apply for trading permission on the platform.
If not, you’ll see a ‘No market data permissions for BURSAMY STK’ sign on each Malaysia-listed counter.
You’ll also be required to request for ‘Trading Permission’ if you haven’t done so:
Step 1: Activate trading permission
Log in to your IBKR account HERE. Head on to Settings and select ‘Trading Permissions’.
Step 2: Select ‘Stocks’ or ‘Futures’ depending on your need
Step 3: Tick Malaysia, then click ‘Continue’
Step 4: Once your trading permission is approved, you’ll be able to start trading the Malaysia stock/futures market!
You can start trading the Malaysia stock/futures market once your trading permission request is approved!
Verdict – Trade the vibrant Malaysia stock and futures market with IBKR!
As a Malaysian, I am excited that IBKR is opening up access to Malaysia’s stock and futures market to global investors.
The vibrant offering of the Malaysia stock and futures market will make it a great choice to invest in one of the brightest emerging markets in Southeast Asia, and even the world.
Explore IBKR to trade the Malaysia stock and futures market today!
Disclaimer:
This review is purely based on my personal experience and is updated as of the time of writing.
This article may contain affiliate links that will earn the blog a small fee if you click on them. This comes at no extra cost to you as a reader.
Promotional Relationship Disclosure:
This content is provided by a paid Influencer of Interactive Brokers. Influencer is not employed by, partnered with, or otherwise affiliated with Interactive Brokers in any additional fashion. This content represents the opinions of Influencer, which are not necessarily shared by Interactive Brokers. The experiences of the Influencer may not be representative of other customers, and nothing within this content is a guarantee of future performance or success.
None of the information contained herein constitutes a recommendation, promotion, offer, or solicitation of an offer by Interactive Brokers to buy, sell or hold any security, financial product or instrument or to engage in any specific investment strategy. Investment involves risks. Investors should obtain their own independent financial advice and understand the risks associated with investment products and services before making investment decisions. Risk disclosure statements can be found on the Interactive Brokers website.
Interactive Brokers is a FINRA registered broker and SIPC member, as well as a National Futures Association registered Futures Commission Merchant. Interactive Brokers provides execution and clearing services to its customers. For more information regarding Interactive Brokers or any Interactive Brokers products or services referred to in this video, please visit www.interactivebrokers.com.
Any trading symbols, entities or investment products displayed are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to portray recommendations.
Futures are not suitable for all investors. The amount you may lose may be greater than your initial investment. Before trading futures, please read the CFTC Risk Disclosure. A copy and additional information are available at ibkr.com.
Any discussion or mention of an ETF is not to be construed as a recommendation, promotion or solicitation. All investors should review and consider associated investment risks, charges and expenses of the investment company or fund prior to investing. Before acting on this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.
