Malaysia has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most progressive fintech markets, offering a comprehensive regulatory framework that balances innovation with consumer protection. This week’s article highlights the regulatory landscape in Malaysia for founders considering expansion into Malaysia.
Understanding fintech regulations in Malaysia
Malaysia’s fintech ecosystem operates under a multi-regulator framework primarily overseen by Bank…
Launching a startup is exciting, but it also comes with a host of legal responsibilities, especially when your business operates online from day one. The right set of online agreements and documents is not just about ticking boxes for compliance but also about protecting your company, building user trust, and setting the stage for sustainable…
Raising your first round of capital can feel like diving into the deep end without a life vest. As a startup lawyer who usually advises first time founders, I’ve learned that successful fundraising isn’t just about having a great idea but it’s also about being prepared and setting realistic goals.
Here’s what you should know…
AI is actively changing everything from how founders code software to how governments deliver public services. But while innovation moves fast, regulations often don’t. Across Southeast Asia, we now face a pivotal moment: How can we design an AI playbook that not only protects the public but also empowers local innovation?
As a technology lawyer…
The Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) was popularised by Y Combinator (YC) in 2013 and has quickly become a ‘go-to’ instrument for startups seeking quick, flexible early-stage funding in the venture world.
However, failing to understand how SAFE works as a legal instrument may pose significant risks, especially for first-time angels.
How does a…
The latest OpenAI’s version of ChatGPT, an AI-enabled chatbot allows users to generate images of themselves, their pets, films or memes in the distinct “Ghibli” style of Studio Ghibli, the acclaimed Japanese animation studio. Notably, not all users are on board with the “Ghiblification” of images by OpenAI’s new tool. This post looks at the…
The Securities Commission of Malaysia (SC) published the new Guidelines on Regulatory Sandbox on 17 February 2025, enabling fintech businesses to deploy capital market products or services in a sandbox environment.
The SC’s regulatory sandbox was first announced on 1 October 2024 during the SCxSC Summit, the SC’s annual fintech event.
This article looks at…
Malaysian lawmakers have been busy in the past several months. New laws are expected to affect technology companie and startups operating online platforms and businesses such as gig economy platforms, ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ (BNPL) operators, social media and messaging platforms.
Other regulatory updates also include the anticipated Securities Commission of Malaysia’s fintech regulatory sandbox, additional…
Tony Hsieh, founder of Zappos with a net worth of over US$800 million, passed away in 2020 without a will despite selling his stake to Amazon. His death led to family squabbles and legal complications, highlighting the importance of succession planning to avoid such disputes, even after exiting a business.
The death of a founder…
These non-standard terms can be detrimental to founders, especially first-time founders who encounter such terms often without realising their long-term implications.
This article explores several non-standard terms we’ve encountered in our past experience and explains why they should be approached with caution.
Excessive liquidation preference
Liquidation preferences are usually anticipated in a term sheet, designed…
