Bank Negara to Finalize Open Finance Policy by Next Year, Release Exposure Draft Soon

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will release an Exposure Draft on Open Finance soon and finalize the policy by next year. The first phase will be rolled out in the interim, subject to industry and public readiness. BNM governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour views tokenization as a promising innovation with potential implications beyond capital markets. The discussion paper on asset tokenization will outline BNM's proposed collaborative approach and provide guidance on developing tokenization use cases.

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is poised to release an Exposure Draft on Open Finance soon, with the aim of finalizing the policy by the end of next year. The first phase of the rollout will be contingent upon industry and public readiness [3]. BNM governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour has expressed optimism about the potential benefits and implications of tokenizing real assets in financial services, emphasizing the promising innovation of tokenization [3].

The discussion paper on asset tokenization will outline BNM's proposed collaborative approach and provide guidance on developing tokenization use cases. This move is part of a broader strategy by BNM to explore the integration of digital currencies and other innovative financial technologies. The central bank's cautious yet forward-thinking approach reflects a global shift in finance, where the potential of cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets is being increasingly recognized.

BNM's exploration of Bitcoin and XRP as potential alternatives to traditional currency has been a significant step in this direction. The central bank's working paper on these cryptocurrencies highlights the need for strong regulations and improved infrastructure to facilitate their integration into the financial system [1]. While BNM acknowledges the potential of Bitcoin and XRP, it also cautions against their volatility and the challenges they pose to existing payment systems.

The launch of Blubird's $BLU token, a next-generation Real-World Asset (RWA) platform, further underscores the growing interest in tokenized assets. Blubird's platform bridges conventional assets with blockchain technology, offering a secure and interoperable environment for RWA tokenization [2]. The $BLU token provides access to premium features within the platform, including early bird investment opportunities and service discounts for token holders.

BNM's focus on Open Finance and tokenization signals a forward-thinking strategy that could influence other nations to reconsider their financial systems. The central bank's willingness to explore the potential of digital currencies and tokenized assets positions Malaysia as a leader in this emerging field.

References:
[1] https://www.xt.com/en/blog/post/malaysias-central-bank-explores-bitcoin-xrp-as-currency-alternatives
[2] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/13/3132421/0/en/Blubird-Launches-BLU-Token-to-Power-the-Future-of-Real-World-Asset-Tokenization.html
[3] https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/08/15/bank-negara-to-issue-open-finance-draft-soon-eyes-policy-rollout-next-year-says-governor/187729