How do I know what type of investors I am?

Securities Commission Malaysia  has classified investors into three types, retail investors, angel investors, and sophisticated investors. Each type has a certain investment limit based on certain income levels and assets.

 

No.

Types of Investors

Criteria

1.

Retail investors

Anyone who is not an angel investor or sophisticated investor. 

The maximum investment limit for retail investors is RM5,000 for a single investment and no more than RM50,000 within a 12-month period.

2.

Angel investors

Individuals who are tax residents in Malaysia with the following criteria:

a) whose total net personal assets exceed RM3 million or its equivalent in foreign currencies; or

b) whose gross total annual income is not less than RM180,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies in the preceding 12 months; or

c) who, jointly with his or her spouse, has a gross total annual income exceeding RM250,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies in the preceding 12 months.


Angel investors can invest up to RM500,000 within a 12-month period.

3. 

Sophisticated investors

There are three categories of sophisticated investors:

  • Accredited investors
  • High-net-worth entities 
  • High-net-worth individuals

Sophisticated investors can invest as much money as they want – there is no investment limit for this group of investors but they must be registered under Securities Commission Malaysia (SC).


You may refer to the full details for each category of sophisticated investors by SC here.