The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has introduced the Focused Scope Assessment (FSA) for Capital Market Intermediaries and Recognized Market Operators to streamline regulatory processes and support the capital market’s growth. Effective immediately, this initiative aims to reduce approval times to three months, encouraging efficiency and compliance readiness. It mandates independent validation of business policies for applicants, aligning with SC’s commitment to a robust regulatory framework. Equity crowdfunding and peer-to-peer platforms have raised approximately MYR5.9bn (USD1.24bn) for nearly 10,000 MSMEs, reflecting the SC’s focus on facilitating access to capital. Additionally, the FSA includes a MYR5m (USD1.05m) capital requirement for new operators and strengthens measures against financial crimes, underlining SC’s role in ensuring a fair and orderly market environment.