Malaysia’s fintech landscape has taken a significant leap forward with the official launch of Hata, the nation’s newest fully regulated digital asset exchange. Having secured complete approval from the Securities Commission of Malaysia (SC), Hata emerges as the fifth licensed platform in the country and marks a milestone as the first to achieve full regulatory clearance since the SC reopened license applications in November 2022.
This launch underscores Malaysia’s growing commitment to fostering a secure, transparent, and locally governed digital asset ecosystem — and Hata is positioned at the forefront of this evolution.
A New Era for Digital Asset Trading in Malaysia
Hata isn’t just another entrant in the crowded crypto exchange market — it's a homegrown initiative founded by Malaysian entrepreneurs Darien Ng, KK Chong, and David Low. With deep roots in the local fintech industry, the team brings both technical expertise and regional market insight to build a platform tailored for Malaysian users.
👉 Discover how a regulated exchange is reshaping Malaysia’s digital asset future.
As a fully licensed entity under the SC, Hata Digital Sdn Bhd ensures that all digital asset private keys are securely held within Malaysia. This means user funds never leave national jurisdiction, providing enhanced security and peace of mind in an industry often criticized for offshore custody risks.
Competitive Fee Structure Designed for Traders
One of Hata’s standout features is its ultra-competitive fee model, engineered to attract both casual investors and active traders.
- Maker fees: 0% — liquidity providers can trade completely free.
- Taker fees: Range from 0.4% down to 0.1%, based on 30-day trading volume, offering at least a 20% discount compared to other Malaysian exchanges.
- Instant Buy/Sell: A flat 1% service fee, which is 50% cheaper than most competitors.
These rates position Hata as one of the most cost-efficient platforms in Southeast Asia, lowering barriers to entry and encouraging broader participation in digital asset markets.
Empowering Malaysians with an Innovative Affiliate Programme
In a regional first, Hata has launched a revenue-sharing affiliate programme that allows users to earn 30% of the trading fees generated by referrals. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick — it’s a strategic move to democratize income opportunities in the digital economy.
“Hata is the first and only exchange to roll out an affiliate programme based on a revenue sharing model. This affiliate programme is designed to let Malaysians capitalise on their network to earn a reward, providing an economic opportunity for Malaysians to earn a side income with minimal effort,”
— David Low, CEO of Hata
This initiative taps into Malaysia’s strong social networks and digital connectivity, enabling individuals from all walks of life to benefit from the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies — not just through trading, but through community building.
👉 Learn how you can start earning through a revolutionary crypto affiliate model.
Local Control, Local Trust: Why Onshore Custody Matters
Security and trust remain top concerns for retail investors entering the crypto space. Hata addresses these concerns head-on by maintaining full onshore custody of digital assets.
“Our digital asset keys are held by Hata Digital Sdn Bhd, the licensed entity under the Securities Commission of Malaysia. Therefore, Malaysians can be rest assured that their digital assets are fully kept and controlled within Malaysia,”
— KK Chong, Chief Technology Officer of Hata
Unlike platforms that store assets overseas or use third-party custodians, Hata’s model ensures compliance with local regulations and enables faster dispute resolution, improved customer support, and greater accountability.
This level of transparency strengthens user confidence and aligns with the SC’s vision of promoting responsible innovation in financial technology.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Hata officially regulated in Malaysia?
A: Yes. Hata is fully licensed and regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), making it one of only five approved digital asset exchanges in the country.
Q: How does Hata’s affiliate programme work?
A: Users can refer others to Hata and earn 30% of the trading fees their referrals generate. It’s a passive income opportunity with no upfront costs or requirements.
Q: Are my crypto assets safe on Hata?
A: Absolutely. All private keys are held onshore by Hata Digital Sdn Bhd, ensuring full compliance with Malaysian regulations and minimizing risks associated with offshore storage.
Q: What cryptocurrencies does Hata support?
A: While specific listings weren’t detailed at launch, regulated Malaysian exchanges typically offer major assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and stablecoins such as USDT. More listings are expected as the platform scales.
Q: How do Hata’s trading fees compare to Luno or other platforms?
A: Hata offers significantly lower fees — up to 20% cheaper for takers and 50% less for instant buys — while also providing zero maker fees, which is unmatched by most regional competitors.
Q: Can foreigners use Hata?
A: Currently, Hata focuses on serving Malaysian residents. KYC processes require local identification, though international expansion may be considered in the future.
👉 See how Hata compares to global exchanges in security, speed, and savings.
Final Thoughts: A Game-Changer for Malaysia’s Crypto Ecosystem
Hata’s entry into Malaysia’s digital asset market arrives at a pivotal time. With increasing public interest in blockchain technology and growing regulatory clarity, there’s a clear demand for platforms that combine trust, affordability, and local relevance.
By offering zero maker fees, an innovative affiliate revenue share, and full onshore asset control, Hata sets a new benchmark for what a modern, compliant crypto exchange should look like in Southeast Asia.
More than just a trading platform, Hata represents a vision for inclusive financial growth — where everyday Malaysians can invest safely, trade affordably, and even earn by sharing the platform with others.
As the country continues to embrace digital transformation, Hata stands ready to play a central role in shaping Malaysia’s decentralized financial future.