MALAYSIA'S central bank plans to issue up to five licences to new online banks offering either conventional or Islamic banking under a proposed licensing framework set to be finalised in 2020.
In a draft proposal issued on Friday, the central bank said the new framework would allow for Internet-based banking products and services that could address gaps in the market for potential underserved and unserved customers. The new lenders will have access to the country's shared ATM network.
''Such digital banks are expected to offer meaningful access to and promote responsible usage of suitable and affordable financial solutions to financial consumers,'' Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) said in a statement.
The central bank will finalise its policy document on the new lenders during the first half of 2020 after gathering feedback on the proposed framework. Applications for licences will be opened after the policy document is issued.