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A Fijian delegation, including representatives of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, MSMEs and Communications, and the Fiji Investment Cooperation Limited, among others, visited Malaysia in August to learn from the country’s experience with equity crowdfunding (ECF) and peer-to-peer lending (P2PL). The study tour was organized by PSDI as part of its support for Fiji’s Access to Business Funding Act 2025, which enables innovative financing mechanisms.

During the visit, the participants met with the Securities Commission Malaysia to explore Malaysia’s regulatory frameworks for ECF and P2PL and successful platform practices. Participants discussed Malaysia’s co-investment fund, MyCIF, which co-invests alongside private investors in ECF and P2PL campaigns, and the Securities Commission’s engagements with institutions that support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The Fiji delegation reported that they appreciated the opportunity to exchange insights on how P2PL operates in Malaysia and how innovative financing solutions can empower small and medium-sized enterprises. Participants said they came away with a greater understanding of different business models for ECF and P2P lending and the benefits of introducing P2PL before ECF in Fiji, given PPL’s simpler model and more sustainable returns.

Participants also reported a better understanding of the value of building public awareness and understanding of innovative financing mechanisms prior to the launch of any platforms. They learned about developing supportive structures, such as co-investment and tax incentive schemes, to encourage participation by investors and small businesses; and how to design targeted capacity building for platform providers, regulators, issuers, and investors.

The visit also highlighted the importance of establishing clear governance and transparency requirements for legal entities operating innovative financing platforms, including fit-and-proper standards for key personnel and investor disclosure requirements.

The insights from the Malaysia study trip have already informed an action plan for the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, MSMEs and Communications and the Reserve Bank of Fiji to support the phased establishment of P2PL and ECF platforms. It includes actions to develop regulatory guidelines, conduct capacity building and awareness raising, and solicit government and stakeholder support.

Representatives of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives and SMEs, the Fiji Investment Cooperation, and the South Pacific Stock Exchange, among others, attending the study tour in Malaysia.

Representatives of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives and SMEs, the Fiji Investment Cooperation, and the South Pacific Stock Exchange, among others, attending the study tour in Malaysia.

Watch microLEAP’s recap of the Fiji delegation’s visit to Malaysia here.