Malaysia deregulation meets mixed response

Fresh liberalisation instigated by the Malaysian government to open out the country's domestic funds industry has met with a mixed response both at home and abroad. In June, authorities moved to allow 100% foreign ownership of unit-trust companies in Malaysia. Previously international firms had been restricted to owning 49% of a firm through a joint venture. One of the chief aims of lifting the restriction was to encourage new entrants from abroad to set up in Malaysia in the ex…