Malaysians now have easier access to global stock markets through a new partnership between Webull Securities (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, announced recently in Petaling Jaya. The collaboration integrates Webull’s trading platform directly into TNG Digital's GOfinance hub, part of the popular TNG ewallet app, enabling its 27 million users to trade shares in the US, Hong Kong, and China A-share markets without needing to download a separate application.
Webull Securities is the Malaysian arm of the Nasdaq-listed Webull Corp. The initiative aims to lower barriers historically faced by Malaysian investors interested in global equities. Kenneth Chan, CEO of Webull Malaysia, emphasized the advantage of reaching an established user base through GOfinance rather than traditional advertising methods. “If you spend millions on billboards, people see but don’t necessarily buy. With TNG, 27 million app users are at your fingertips,” Chan said.
The partnership allows users of the GOfinance financial hub, which serves 8.5 million financial services users, to access zero-commission trading with no platform fees. Additionally, users benefit from features such as advanced charting tools, a free built-in learning hub, and 24-hour weekday trading, aiming to support better-informed investment decisions.
While the integration facilitates seamless access to global markets, Chan acknowledged the challenges of managing investor behavior during market volatility. He noted that technological safeguards cannot fully prevent panic selling, emphasizing the critical role of investor education. “Access is easy, but there’s no button to stop panic trading. Knowing what you’re doing is key for any investment platform,” he explained.
Desmond Teoh, TNG Digital’s chief financial services officer, expressed optimism about user adoption, projecting that 10% to 20% of GOfinance users could become active investors over time. Teoh contrasted current ease of use with past experiences, recalling the cumbersome process of buying US stocks a decade ago that involved paperwork and remiser calls. “Now, Malaysians can fund an account straight from their ewallet balance and own a fraction of Apple stock within seconds,” he said.
The partnership also includes an incentive for new users, offering RM30 worth of fractional Apple shares to those who deposit RM200 and maintain the balance for 30 days. Although Webull Malaysia currently focuses on international stocks, Chan indicated a priority to expand offerings only after establishing a solid foundation in global market access.
The collaboration represents a notable step toward democratizing investment opportunities in Malaysia, providing retail investors with convenient tools to participate in international markets while highlighting the importance of investor readiness and education.