Malaysia Cryptocurrency License 2026

• After understanding your business goals and activities, our team of lawyers and licensing specialists will recommend the most suitable form of corporate entity for you to carry out your business in Malaysia. 

• Prior to incorporating a Malaysian company, our lawyers and licensing specialists will advise on the optimum paid-up share capital, corporate structure, legislation, and whether there is a need to apply for any additional licenses to operate your business. 

• A Malaysian company to be registered requires 1 local resident director, 2 shareholders of any nationality, a locally registered address, and a company secretary. 

• Rest assured, you need not worry about the requirements of resident directors as Tetra Consultants is proficient in providing nominee director services in Malaysia. We will draft a nominee directorship agreement with the candidate under which he will be liable for only passive participation in onboarding your cryptocurrency business in Malaysia. 

• Tetra Consultants will conduct due diligence on the management and shareholders of the firm. We will process to register company in Malaysia with the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM) online system after we have received all KYC documents, incorporation documents, and power of attorney. 

• After the entity has been properly registered, we will deliver the corporate documents, such as the Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum, and Articles of Association, as well as other internal documentary evidence. 

• Tetra Consultants’ legal team will prepare the required documents for the cryptocurrency license application. These documents will include the business plan, AML/CFT policy, and insurance policy depending on the local requirements. 

• Further information required includes the personal particulars of the applicant, directors of the company, and the AML/CTF (anti-money laundering and combating terrorist financing) officer, as well as the AML/CTF officer’s specific policies and internal control regulations. The officer should also be prepared for an interview with the FIU to determine their suitability for their job. 

• In addition, our accounting and tax team will assist with the preparation of financial statements, audited financial documents where required, in order to showcase the financial capability of the applicant company.  

• Once the documents are prepared, Tetra Consultants will send over the drafts for your review. Thereafter upon confirmation, we will send them to you for e-signature and prepare for the cryptocurrency license application. 

• As per the laws in Malaysia, for you to incorporate a Malaysian company there are requirements for you to have economic substance, Tetra Consultants will assist you to meet them. Our team will assist with the recruitment of local qualified employees to join the team. 

• Tetra Consultants’ HR team will conduct the shortlisting and initial interviews with the candidates. Thereafter, you can shortlist the final list of candidates to determine who is most suitable to join the team. Once the candidate is chosen, Tetra Consultants will assist to prepare an employment contract with the terms and conditions that are agreed upon. 

• Our team will also shortlist physical offices in Malaysia and send them to you. We will include important considerations such as monthly rental, location, size, etc., so you can better decide which is most suitable for you. Once the office is chosen, Tetra Consultants will prepare the lease agreement to be signed between you and the landlord. 

• Tetra Consultants will open a corporate bank account with a reputable financial institution. The minimum paid-up capital required to secure the license will be deposited into this bank account. 

• Tetra Consultants will leverage our extensive banking network in Malaysia to open one for your cryptocurrency business. Some of the banks we have previously worked with include Maybank, RHB Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank. 

• Once the above is completed, Tetra Consultants’ legal team and licensing specialists will submit the cryptocurrency license application to the Securities Commission Malaysia and coordinate payment of the applicable regulatory fees. In case you are required to attend an interview with the regulator prior to license approval. Tetra Consultants will prepare you for the interview and assist with the follow-up actions required by regulatory authorities. 

• All going well, your firm will receive the Malaysia Cryptocurrency License and will be required to start business operations within the stipulated time frame in order to maintain the license. Lastly, Tetra Consultants’ accounting and tax team will assist your company with the preparation of annual audited financial statements in accordance with Malaysian regulatory and tax requirements. 

What are the tax implications for Malaysia cryptocurrency businesses?

• Malaysia does not impose capital gains tax on digital assets held as investments. However, businesses generating revenue through cryptocurrency trading or exchange operations may be subject to corporate income tax under Malaysian tax laws. 

• However, companies earning income from frequently trading digital assets may be liable for income tax and digital asset exchanges are subject to corporate income tax. 

• A Tax Reform Committee was formed in 2018 by the Ministry of Finance but has yet to make any changes to digital taxation. 

How much time and cost does it take to obtain a Malaysia cryptocurrency license in 2026?

• Prior to the start of the engagement, Tetra Consultants will send you a project plan with the timelines stipulated for company registration, preparation of documents as well as license application. This is to ensure that all parties are clear on the upcoming project. 

• However, it is to be noted that the approval process for a Malaysia cryptocurrency license generally takes place in two phases: 
  • Phase 1- Conditional approval (approx. 3 months)- The Securities Commission assesses the license application, business model, governance framework, and AML policies.  
  • Phase 2- Operational readiness (6-12 months)- During this stage, the applicant should showcase operational infrastructure this includes cybersecurity systems, custody arrangements, wallet management protocols, and compliance systems before final approval 

• The total engagement fee depends on the services you need from Tetra Consultants. We provide you with multiple services ranging from assisting you through the incorporation process to obtaining the Malaysia crypto license. The total fee that will be charged is inclusive of the company registration fee, license fee, and any additional cost that may arise. During the initial consultation our team will convey you a detailed cost breakdown so that you know exactly what you are paying for. 

Withdrawal of registration and revocation of Malaysia cryptocurrency license

The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) may withdraw the registration and revoke the respective license granted to the respective entity if– 

• The Securities Commission finds that, at any time, the client has submitted to the Securities Commission any false or misleading information or there is a material omission of information; 

• The client fails to meet the requirements as provided in securities laws, these Guidelines, any other relevant laws or guidelines or any direction issued by the Securities Commission on the digital asset custodian; 

• The client fails or ceases to carry on the business or activities for which it was registered for a consecutive period of six (6) months; 

• The client contravenes any obligation, condition or restriction imposed under these Guidelines; or 

• The client fails to pay any fee prescribed by the Securities Commission. 

Find out more!

• Tetra Consultants works as your advisor and trusted partner in your business expansion and cryptocurrency license application. With our own team of lawyers, licensing specialists, compliance team, and accountants, we tell our clients what they need to know, instead of what they want to hear. Most importantly, we are known for being a one-stop solution for our valued clients. 

• Contact us to find out more about how to get a Malaysia cryptocurrency license. Our team of experts will revert within the next 24 hours. 

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