How to buy stocks in Malaysia and access global markets

Learning how to buy stocks in Malaysia starts with choosing a licensed broker and opening the right accounts. For Bursa Malaysia shares, you need a trading account and a Central Depository System account, usually called a CDS account.

Understanding the process, costs and risks helps you get started with greater confidence. Share prices can rise or fall with market conditions, so returns are not guaranteed.

Stocks vs shares 

A share represents a unit of ownership in a company. Buying shares makes you a shareholder.  People commonly use “stocks” and “shares” to mean the same thing. For example, buying a company’s stock means buying shares in that company. 

You may earn a return if the share price rises or the company pays dividends. Neither is guaranteed. The share price can fall, and a company may reduce or stop its dividends. 

How to buy stocks in Malaysia?

Choose a licensed broker

To buy shares listed on Bursa Malaysia, open a trading account with a licensed broker. Examples include Webull Securities (Malaysia), Moomoo Securities Malaysia, Rakuten Trade and Maybank Investment Bank. These companies provide brokerage services. Their apps and online platforms are the tools you use to place orders. Make sure you use its official website or app, rather than a link from an unknown message or investment group.

Compare the markets available, account types, fees and customer support. A platform that offers US shares may not provide Bursa Malaysia shares through the same service.

Open the right accounts

For Bursa Malaysia shares, you need both a trading account and a CDS account. Individuals must be at least 18 to open a CDS account.

Prepare your identification and any supporting documents requested by the broker. Digital applications may require MyKad images and bank-account documents. Requirements depend on the account-opening route.

Check whether the broker uses a direct or nominee CDS account. A direct account is registered in your name. With a nominee account, the nominee holds the securities on your behalf. Ask how dividends, voting and other shareholder matters are handled.

Deposit money into your trading account

Follow the broker’s funding instructions after approval. Check the accepted payment methods, minimum deposit and any transfer charges.

Set aside money for fees as well as the shares themselves. For overseas investments, also check how the broker converts ringgit into the market’s trading currency.

Research the company and place an order

Read the company’s financial reports and announcements. Look at how it earns money, its debt and the risks affecting its business.

When placing an order, check the company name, stock code, market, quantity and estimated charges. A market order seeks to buy at the available market price. The final price may differ from the price you saw on screen. A limit order sets the maximum price you are willing to pay, but it may remain unfilled.

Available order types depend on the broker and market. After submitting an order, check its status rather than assuming the purchase is complete.

How much money do you need to buy stocks?

The amount depends on the share price, quantity and fees. There is no single minimum investment that applies to every broker and market. Many people think you need thousands of ringgit to invest in stocks. Actually, you can start with a small amount. The goal at the beginning is to learn how investing works, build good habits, and invest consistently over the long term.

For ordinary Bursa Malaysia share trading, a normal board lot contains 100 shares. If a share costs RM2, buying 100 shares would cost RM200 before fees. This is an example, not a recommended investment or a minimum account deposit.

Some brokers support odd-lot purchases of fewer than 100 whole shares. Availability and trading arrangements vary. Overseas markets have different lot sizes and purchase rules. Check the requirements for the security you want before funding your account.

Stock trading platforms in Malaysia to compare

A broker handles your trades, while its app or website provides the platform you use to place orders. You can also access Webull’s supported overseas markets through GOfinance in TNG eWallet without downloading a separate app.

These are examples, not a ranking. Compare current fees, account arrangements, available markets and customer support before choosing. For trading through TNG eWallet, Webull Securities (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. provides the brokerage service. TNG eWallet is the access point, not the broker.

How to buy overseas stocks with TNG eWallet

Webull within TNG eWallet supports eligible US, Hong Kong and China A-share securities. Bursa Malaysia shares, options and futures are not available through this embedded service.

Malaysians aged 18 or above can apply, subject to identity checks, Webull’s eligibility requirements and account approval.

Open your Webull trading account

Search for Stock trading in TNG eWallet and select Webull. Follow the prompts to agree to the terms, tap Start Now and set your login details. Select Open Trading Account, complete your information and submit the required verification documents. Follow the current instructions in the app and review the agreements before applying.

Webull will notify you by email when your application is approved. A verified TNG eWallet account does not mean your brokerage application is automatically approved.

Fund your account from TNG eWallet

In the Webull service, select Transfers, then Deposit. Choose TnG Wallet, tap Next, enter the amount and select Confirm Transfer. Check that your balance is eligible for the transfer and review the details before confirming.

You must deposit money into your Webull account before trading. Your remaining TNG eWallet balance does not automatically become available for buying shares.

Find the shares you want to buy

Search for the company or stock code in Webull. Check the exchange and trading currency so you select the correct security. Review the company’s information, current quote and trading hours. Overseas markets operate in different time zones, and some quotes may be delayed.

When you buy foreign securities, Webull’s embedded service can convert the required ringgit automatically at the applicable transaction-time exchange rate. Check the conversion details and available funds.

Review and submit your buy order

Tap Buy, choose an available order type and enter the share quantity or investment amount supported for that security. Review the price, quantity, currency and estimated charges. Tap Buy again to submit the order. Submission does not guarantee execution. Check whether the order is filled, partly filled or still waiting.

Understand the risks before buying your first shares

Share prices can fall because of company performance, economic conditions or changes in investor expectations. You could lose some or all of the money you invest.

Overseas shares also carry currency risk. Even if the share price rises, exchange-rate changes can affect your return in ringgit.

Spreading your investments across different companies or assets can reduce reliance on one investment. It does not remove the risk of losses. Keep money for bills, emergencies and near-term plans separate from your investment budget. Understanding the difference between investing and saving can help you decide which money you can afford to invest.

Take the next step with GOfinance

Spreading your investments across different companies or assets can reduce reliance on one investment. It does not remove the risk of losses. Keep money for bills, emergencies and near-term plans separate from your investment budget. Understanding the difference between saving and investing can help you decide which money you can afford to invest. If overseas shares fit your investment goals, explore Webull through GOfinance in TNG eWallet and review the current requirements before applying.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is intended as a general guide to investing. Before making any investment decisions, consider your financial goals, risk tolerance and personal circumstances, and seek independent financial advice where appropriate. All investments involve risk, and returns are not guaranteed.

FAQs

Can I buy US stocks through TNG eWallet?

Yes. Eligible Malaysians with an approved Webull account can buy supported US securities through GOfinance in TNG eWallet.

Who can open a Webull account through TNG eWallet?

Malaysians aged 18 or above can apply, subject to identity checks, Webull’s eligibility requirements and account approval.

Can I fund my Webull account with TNG eWallet?

Yes. You can transfer eligible funds from your TNG eWallet balance into your approved Webull trading account. Your wallet balance is not automatically available for trading.