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. After securing full approval from the Securities Commission of Malaysia (SC), Hata has emerged as the fifth licensed digital asset platform in the country—and the first to receive complete authorization since the SC reopened licensing applications in November 2022.
This milestone marks a pivotal moment for local crypto adoption, reinforcing regulatory confidence and offering Malaysian investors a secure, transparent, and domestically controlled gateway into digital assets.
A Homegrown Exchange Built for Malaysians
Hata Digital Sdn Bhd, the licensed entity behind the platform, was founded by a team of seasoned industry leaders: Darien Ng, KK Chong, and David Low. As a fully homegrown initiative, Hata is positioned to meet the unique needs of Malaysian users while adhering to strict national compliance standards.
David Low brings deep regional experience, having previously served as General Manager for Asia Pacific at Luno—a leading global crypto platform—before stepping down in May 2023 to co-found Hata. His vision centers on creating a trusted, locally anchored exchange that empowers Malaysians through financial innovation.
“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
KK Chong, serving as Chief Technology Officer, emphasizes security and sovereignty:
“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, CTO of Hata
This local custody model ensures that all customer assets remain within Malaysian jurisdiction—a critical factor for user trust and regulatory alignment.
Competitive Fee Structure Designed to Drive Adoption
One of Hata’s standout features is its industry-leading fee structure, engineered to make trading more accessible and cost-effective for all users.
- Maker fees: 0% — Liquidity providers 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 local exchanges.
- Instant Buy/Sell service: Carries a flat 1% fee, which Hata claims is 50% cheaper than competing platforms.
👉 Discover how low-fee trading can boost your digital asset strategy today.
These competitive rates position Hata not just as a compliant option, but as a financially smart one—especially for active traders and newcomers alike seeking value without compromising security.
Revenue-Sharing Affiliate Programme: A First in Malaysia
In a regional innovation, Hata has launched Malaysia’s first revenue-sharing affiliate programme for a regulated digital asset exchange. Users who refer others to the platform earn 30% of the trading fees generated by their referrals.
This model transforms user engagement into passive income opportunities, aligning with growing demand for side-hustle platforms in Malaysia’s digital economy. With no upfront costs or complex requirements, the programme lowers the barrier to entry for earning through crypto networks.
It also reflects Hata’s community-driven ethos—leveraging social trust and peer influence to expand access to digital finance.
Regulatory Compliance Meets User-Centric Innovation
As a SC-licensed operator, Hata adheres to stringent anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC), and cybersecurity protocols. Unlike offshore exchanges that operate in gray zones, Hata offers full transparency and accountability under Malaysian law.
This regulatory clarity benefits users in multiple ways:
- Faster dispute resolution
- Clear tax reporting frameworks
- Protection against unauthorized access or exit scams
- Enhanced investor confidence
The SC’s oversight also means Hata must maintain robust operational standards—including regular audits, capital adequacy, and data localization—further strengthening its credibility.
Core Keywords for SEO Optimization
To ensure visibility and relevance in search results, the following keywords have been naturally integrated throughout this article:
- regulated digital asset exchange Malaysia
- Hata exchange
- digital asset exchange SC approved
- Malaysia crypto exchange
- low fee crypto trading Malaysia
- crypto affiliate programme Malaysia
- buy cryptocurrency Malaysia
- digital asset custody Malaysia
These terms reflect high-intent searches from users looking for secure, legal, and cost-efficient ways to engage with cryptocurrencies in Malaysia.
👉 See how regulated platforms are reshaping Southeast Asia’s digital asset future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes Hata different from other crypto exchanges in Malaysia?
Hata is the first exchange fully approved by the Securities Commission of Malaysia since 2022 and offers unique features such as a revenue-sharing affiliate programme, zero maker fees, and full local custody of digital assets—ensuring compliance, affordability, and national control.
Is Hata safe for Malaysian users?
Yes. As a licensed entity under the SC, Hata follows strict regulatory guidelines for security, KYC verification, and fund management. All digital asset keys are held domestically by Hata Digital Sdn Bhd, reducing risks associated with offshore storage.
How does the affiliate programme work?
Users can join Hata’s affiliate programme and earn 30% of the trading fees paid by people they refer. There are no costs to join, making it an accessible way to generate passive income through trusted recommendations.
Can I buy crypto instantly on Hata?
Yes. Hata offers an Instant Buy/Sell feature with a 1% service fee—half the cost of many competitors—allowing users to purchase popular cryptocurrencies quickly using MYR.
Does Hata charge withdrawal or deposit fees?
While specific withdrawal fees were not disclosed at launch, Hata emphasizes low overall costs and transparency. Users should check the platform directly for real-time fee schedules.
Who are the founders of Hata?
Hata was co-founded by Darien Ng, KK Chong, and David Low—a former Asia Pacific General Manager at Luno—combining technical expertise with deep market knowledge in digital assets.
👉 Start exploring compliant crypto platforms built for long-term growth and security.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Malaysian Crypto
With its SC-backed licensing, innovative affiliate model, ultra-low fees, and commitment to local custody, Hata represents a new benchmark for regulated digital asset exchanges in Malaysia. It bridges the gap between regulatory safety and user empowerment—offering Malaysians a trusted way to invest, earn, and participate in the evolving digital economy.
As crypto adoption continues to rise across Southeast Asia, platforms like Hata demonstrate how innovation and compliance can go hand-in-hand—paving the way for broader financial inclusion and sustainable growth.