The amount is a 103.2% increase from RM185.9 million reported in FY19.
The higher Patzami was due to improved performance in the Securities and Derivatives Markets, which recorded a higher operating revenue of RM778.8 million from RM480.1 million in FY19, an increase of 62.2%.
It is Bursa Malaysia’s highest full-year financial results since its listing in 2005.
The board of directors has approved and declared a final dividend of 26 sen per share and a special dividend of eight sen per share for FY20, amounting to approximately RM210.3 million and RM64.7 million, respectively.
“This brings the total dividend payout for FY20 to 51 sen per share, 145% higher than the total dividend of 20.8 sen per share paid in respect of the previous FY19,” chief executive Muhamad Umar Swift said.
Total operating expenses in FY20 increased by 18.5% to RM291.8 million from RM246.2 million in FY19, mainly due to higher staff costs, information technology maintenance costs and professional fees.
Chairman Abdul Wahid Omar said that despite the ongoing health and economic challenges, most capital markets with strong domestic liquidity such as Malaysia have benefitted from the increased presence of domestic retail investors.
“Aided by the convenience of online broking and conducive low-interest-rate environment, the average daily trading value (ADV) of securities doubled from RM1.93 billion in FY19 to RM4.21 billion in FY20.
“Our ability to handle the significant increase in volume and achieve this exceptional financial performance is a testament to the steadfast and unwavering commitment we have made through continued investment in our growth initiatives,” he said in a virtual press conference on Bursa Malaysia’s FY20 financial performance.
He said Bursa Malaysia’s commitment provided a solid foundation and contributed to the resilience of the Malaysian capital market which has been one of the strongest in the Asean region.
“The benchmark FBMKLCI ended the year 2.4% higher at 1,627.21, one of the best performing equities markets in Asean, reflecting the confidence and sentiment of investors in our market,” he noted.
Umar said despite the global health pandemic, Malaysian equities has demonstrated resilience.
“The continued operation of our markets has helped preserve the flow of capital in our economy to meet the needs of businesses and individuals alike. Retail investors have had a positive impact on improving liquidity and depth,” he said.
According to him, in FY20, retail ADV increased by 236% to 1.6 billion, the highest in Bursa Malaysia’s history.
“Improved financial literacy among retail investors demonstrates the increased effectiveness of our outreach programmes in recent years,” he said.
He said the ongoing developments surrounding the pandemic continued to drive investment flows, higher market activity in the Securities and Derivatives Markets, and increased demand in services.
Wahid said while Bursa Malaysia is hopeful for the year ahead, uncertainties continue to linger in the global and domestic markets.
“The exchange aims to build a sustainable momentum by driving the sustainability agenda, with renewed focus to help deliver equitable growth for all stakeholders.
“We will be implementing a three-year strategic framework that is future-focused and embeds sustainability in our organisation and offerings. We have also pledged to contribute 1% of our profits after tax for FY20 towards community projects that will have a positive change and benefit society.”
Wahid added that the contribution was inclusive of the inaugural RM667,000 zakat provided by Bursa Malaysia in FY20.
Umar said Bursa Malaysia will also focus on developing and growing the Islamic Capital Market by promoting shariah-compliant stocks and introducing new Islamic products and services such as Waqaf exchange-traded fund and Hibah.