The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) have introduced simplified regulatory procedures to facilitate simultaneous IPO listings in Malaysia and Hong Kong.
The Single Submission Arrangement brings into operation the simplified dual IPO listing framework established under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two regulators on 23 July 2026.
Under the new arrangement, an applicant seeking a primary listing on either the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK) or the MAIN Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad, together with a simultaneous secondary listing on the other market, will only need to make a single listing application submission with a single listing document.
The approach is intended to reduce regulatory duplication and compliance costs during the IPO application process.
One Listing Document, One Coordinated Application
A key feature of the simplified dual IPO listing framework is the use of a single listing document.
Applicants can rely on one listing document to meet the statutory and listing requirements of both Malaysia and Hong Kong. They can also submit their listing application through a centralised and coordinated process instead of making separate submissions to both markets.
The framework is designed to streamline the process for companies seeking to access both capital markets while maintaining the respective regulatory requirements of the two jurisdictions.
Dedicated Teams and Coordinated Regulatory Review
The SC and SFC have also established dedicated dual-listing review teams and communication channels to act as direct contact points for applicants and their advisers.
The arrangement provides for coordinated regulatory oversight and active case management throughout the listing process.
The SC, SFC and SEHK have also established coordinated review processes to align regulatory timelines, minimise duplication and streamline queries raised with applicants. Under the framework, the regulatory review process can be coordinated through the regulator of the primary listing.
Expanding Cross-Border Fundraising Opportunities
SC Chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi said the operationalisation of the framework reflected the regulatory partnership between the SC and SFC, as well as their shared commitment to strengthening capital market connectivity.
“By streamlining regulatory processes and reducing duplicative submissions, this initiative will enhance access to cross-border fundraising opportunities and broaden investor reach,” he said.
He added that connecting Malaysia with Hong Kong, which the SC described as the world’s third largest global financial centre, would further strengthen the attractiveness of both markets as investment destinations.
SFC Chief Executive Officer Ms Julia Leung said the arrangement established a clearer pathway for businesses in both markets to reach more diverse international investors and deeper pools of capital, while maintaining investor protection.
Guidance Issued for Applicants
To support implementation of the new arrangement, the SC has published guidance for the listing of Hong Kong companies on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad, while the SFC has issued a circular on the Single Submission Arrangement for dual listings in Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Applicants can also refer to the relevant guidance materials issued by the SC and SEHK, including an explanatory note covering Malaysia-incorporated companies’ compliance with core shareholder protection standards and other matters.
Companies and their sponsors or advisers are encouraged to consult the SC, SFC or SEHK before formally submitting a listing application to discuss the proposed transaction structure and indicative timetable.
Strengthening Malaysia-Hong Kong Capital Market Connectivity
The Single Submission Arrangement builds on the July 2026 MoU between the SC and SFC, which established a broader framework for cross-listings and strengthened regulatory cooperation between Malaysia and Hong Kong.
For companies considering simultaneous access to both markets, the streamlined framework provides a more coordinated route to dual IPO listings while supporting the regulators’ broader objective of strengthening cross-border capital market connectivity between Malaysia and Hong Kong.
