KUALA LUMPUR, 28 December 2022 – Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd (Rakuten Trade), has announced its foreign trading service will now include a second market - Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) - the 5th largest stock market in the world.

“This comes at an opportune time as the Hong Kong market is poised for a recovery rally as further signs show that China will shift away from the zero-Covid policy that will lead to the reopening of the country,” said Mr. Kazumasa Mise, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rakuten Trade. “In fact, the HKEX benchmark index soared 6.2%* in the first two weeks of December shows positive signs that recovery is imminent.”

Mr. Mise added, “As a business that evolves in tandem with clients’ expectations, customer experience remains at the forefront of the Rakuten Trade mandate. Enabling access onto the HKEX, also reinforces Rakuten Trade’s vision, since business day 1 (May 2017) of lowering the barrier of investing regardless of wealth and investing experience. The introduction of both U.S. markets in January this year and now HKEX represent the top 2 markets requested by Rakuten Trade clients through the Voice of Customer (VOC) program. Thus far, response for the foreign market service has surpassed expectations and continues to grow at a healthy rate.”

Designed for the digitally savvy individuals keen to execute self-directed trades, foreign market access is linked to its Cash Upfront account and offers the following features unique to Rakuten Trade:

• Fully online approval within 1 hour*.
• Same low brokerage from RM7 to RM 100 for MYR settlement.
• Choice to trade in MYR and/or USD (U.S. Market- USD1.88 to USD25) or HKD (HKEX – min HKD35).
• FX exchange at a competitive rate that’s better than most banks.
• One trading limit for all markets.
• Access to simplified trading ideas for all markets by a licensed Research and Equity Sales team.
• Education for beginner investors and trending trading strategies.
• Rewards that can be used to offset brokerage or redeem for lifestyle rewards.
• (Exclusive to U.S. markets) Free real-time market price feeds.

That means that only one account is required to access three markets – Malaysia, U.S. Markets and now HKEX with the choice for local market currency settlement.

Over 2,500 companies are listed on the HKEX and in the recent years has become a desirable investment choice for Malaysian investors keen to expand beyond local borders. The HKEX is home to familiar listed companies such as - Alibaba, AIA, Baidu, HSBC and Meituan as well as Malaysian companies that coincidently make up its 2nd largest foreign company segment.

Mr. Kenny Yee, Rakuten Trade’s Head of Research added, “Now is certainly a good time to look at HK market as valuations remain at reasonable levels. Based on current PER of 10.5x as against its 3-year average of around 13x, we believe there are still upside for HK stocks especially with the easing of restrictions in China. The financials will lead the recovery especially from the banks and insurance companies.”

As of 30 November 2022, Rakuten Trade had activated more than 256,000 trading accounts and handled more than RM110 billion in total trading value on Bursa Malaysia since business day one while its clients’ assets under trust was almost RM3.6 billion.

* Source: Retrieved from Hong Kong Exchange (2022, December 1-9)

* T&C Apply

For more information on Rakuten Trade, please visit www.rakutentrade.my

About Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd (“Rakuten Trade”)

Rakuten Trade (楽天トレード) is the result of a joint venture between Malaysia’ s leading independent investment bank Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad and Japan’s Rakuten Securities, Inc. part of Rakuten Group, Inc. (“Rakuten Group”), a global innovation leader. Named FinTech Company of the Year 2018, Rakuten Trade created waves in the investment banking industry on 19 May 2017 when it was officially launched as the country’s first digital equity broker in Malaysia. Their FinTech platform gives investors the opportunity to have a completely online equity broking experience from account opening, live market feeds, execution and settlement of trades, research reports as well as rewards. Rakuten Trade holds a restricted Capital Markets Services License (“CMSL”) by the Securities Commission Malaysia to deal in listed securities and provide investment advice.

For more information, please contact:

Hooi Mun Keong 

Assistant Manager, Digital Marketing and PR

H/P: +6016-508-0383

Email: mk.hooi@rakutentrade.my

Nur Zafirah Binti Abdul Aziz

Executive, Digital and PR

H/P: +6019-919-7652

Email: zafirah@rakutentrade.my