The platform provides for a “bond-like” experience, allowing investors to invest in investment notes with credit and environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings as easily as they would invest in shares in a transparent and regulated market, facilitating informed investment decisions.

In a filing today, the bourse said the 51:49 joint venture will be via a body corporate (newco) to be incorporated under the Companies Act 2016, with Bursa Malaysia holding the larger stake.

“Bursa Malaysia and RAM shall provide initial and future financial assistance to the newco, in proportion to their respective shareholdings, with a minimum initial capital of RM5 million to be injected into the newco,” it said.

In a separate statement, Bursa Malaysia CEO Muhamad Umar Swift said this would further create an alternative fund-raising avenue for businesses which are currently underserved in this challenging environment and that are not yet ready to list on the exchange.

The platform also features ESG-rated investment notes to help issuers who want to reinforce environmental, social and governance credentials with investors.

Bursa Malaysia and RAM will be committed to the joint venture for a minimum of five years from Dec 22, 2022, the date of the shareholders agreement.