Bursa Malaysia’s Trading Data Revamp Improves Clarity On Investor Flows -- CIMB Securities

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia Bhd’s reclassification of investor trading data better reflects the true source of investments by reassigning nominee accounts and refining the treatment of foreign-owned local entities, said CIMB Securities Sdn Bhd.

 The research firm said it is positive about the changes, as the revised framework better reflects the true source of fund flows and enables investors to analyse the behaviour of different investor groups more effectively.

“The reclassification indicates a higher participation share from retail investors, rising from 17.07 per cent to 20.96 per cent range to 26.68 per cent to 33.19 per cent range for the period from 2024 to the first quarter of 2026 (1Q 2026) (post-reclassification),” it said.

It said local institutional investors remain the largest segment, accounting for 39.18 per cent to 42.68 per cent of trading activity, while foreign institutions rank third at 27.63 per cent to 30.63 per cent.

“In terms of net flows, the reclassification reflects higher foreign inflows of RM2.73 billion in 1Q 2026, with local institutions and retail investors recorded as net sellers of RM1.69 billion and RM1.04 billion, respectively,” it said in a research note.

Yesterday, Bursa Malaysia said it implemented the reclassification of equities investor trading data effective today, with nominee trades now categorised as either retail or institutional at the trade level.

The bourse said the nominee trades will be based on information of the end-beneficiary owner provided by participating organisations.

-- BERNAMA