Malaysias Hata receives in-principle approval to offer digital asset services
After meeting the stipulated requirements, the Malaysian Securities Commission (SC) has approved local trading firm Hata to operate a digital asset exchange in the country. The in-principle approval will allow Hata to offer Malaysians a range of digital currency services, including broker-dealer services. Hata focuses on providing services to retail and institutional clients within Malaysias Recognised Market Operator framework. The framework came into effect in 2019, with digital asset service providers expected to seek registration with the Malaysian securities regulator. Since the frameworks launch, the SC has only given in-principle approval to two firms—SINERGY DAX and Tokenize Technology. Hata received its in-principle approval with Luno Malaysia and MX Global, bringing the number of licensed exchange operators to five. “Entities which have not been approved by the SC, including those which have previously been operating under the transitional period, are required to cease all activities immediately and return all monies and assets collected from investors,” read a warning by the SC. Receiving the in-principle approval was not a walk in the park for Hata as the firm had to satisfy the stiff requirements of the SC. The firm had previously obtained a money broker license from a regional authority to operate a U.S. dollar exchange, hinting



