BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Brunei’s long-awaited domestic stock exchange is slated to launch by the end of the third quarter of 2027, the Second Minister of Finance and Economy announced Thursday.
Speaking at the Legislative Council, Dato Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah said that the launch timeline would depend on the completion of government regulatory processes and the development of the capital market ecosystem.
He emphasised that the initiative requires a robust support network of financial institutions, audit firms, legal and Shariah advisors, and brokers.
“Once established, InsyaAllah, our stock exchange will provide a platform for the public to better understand its purpose, objectives, and benefits,” the minister said, noting that regional neighbors and other small economies like Laos, Cambodia, and the Maldives have already established their own exchanges.
A domestic exchange would allow local companies to launch Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), providing a vital path to capital for business expansion. However, listing will come with rigorous requirements.
“Listing would introduce stricter obligations, including audited financial statements, the appointment of independent directors, and enhanced oversight,” Dato Dr Hj Mohd Amin said, noting that these measures will improve corporate governance, transparency, and accountability across the private sector.
For the general public, the exchange offers a new avenue for wealth creation through dividends and capital growth.
The minister pointed out that while existing bank instruments typically offer short-term horizons of one to three years, stock market instruments provide long-term options (10 to 15 years) better suited for retirement and education planning.
Challenges of a small financial market
The minister acknowledged the hurdles inherent in Brunei’s small economy, including a limited number of large-scale companies that could potentially list on exchange and low domestic liquidity. Currently, the lack of local options forces Bruneian investors to look toward foreign markets.
“Establishing a domestic stock exchange aims to address these gaps, encourage more companies to go public, and retain investment within the country,” he said.
Beyond finance, the exchange is expected to be a catalyst for the job market, creating roles for research analysts, investment bankers, and compliance officers. It is also intended to serve as a national tool for financial literacy, as daily market engagement familiarises citizens with investment concepts.
The minister said the exchange involves significant initial costs — an allocation of B$414 million disbursed over several years — he noted that rising transaction volumes and liquidity could eventually generate revenue while simultaneously advancing the nation’s economic development.