ASEAN Unveils Five-Year Capital Market Roadmap, Cambodia Backs

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (Nov. 6, 2025) — The ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) on November 06 launched its Action Plan 2026–2030 (AP 2026), a strategic roadmap aimed at deepening regional integration, promoting sustainable finance, and accelerating digitalisation across ASEAN’s capital markets. The announcement was made at the ACMF International Conference 2025, hosted by the Securities Commission Malaysia, following the 43rd ACMF Chairs’ Meeting where regulators endorsed the plan and accompanying deliverables.

AP 2026 builds on the achievements of the previous five-year plan and sets out 11 key priorities and 24 initiatives under five strategic thrusts: building a sustainable ACMF, building a sustainable and resilient ASEAN, promoting inclusivity and financial empowerment, strengthening regional integration and global positioning, and driving digitalisation. Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi, ACMF Chair for 2025, said the next five years would be pivotal for ASEAN’s capital markets. “Through AP 2026, we are building the foundations for a more connected, credible and competitive region — one that not only attracts global capital but channels it toward inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth,” he said.

The conference, officiated by Malaysian Finance Minister II Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, brought together policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to discuss the future of ASEAN capital markets. Topics included cross-border fundraising, climate transition finance, voluntary carbon markets, and the use of artificial intelligence in regulatory supervision, reflecting ASEAN’s growing leadership in sustainable finance and digital transformation.

The ACMF also advanced its engagement with the Asia Green Transformation Consortium and the International Sustainability Standards Board on IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. Progress was made in strengthening the ASEAN Collective Investment Scheme framework and enhancing oversight of digital assets. Updates were shared from the Corporate Governance Working Group and the ACMF Market Development Programme, while the ASEAN Secretariat and Asian Development Bank presented their reports to the ACMF Chairs.

Sou Socheat, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia, welcomed the new action plan and reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to regional cooperation. “Cambodia supports the ACMF Action Plan 2026–2030 as a timely and strategic framework that reflects our shared priorities,” he said. “It aligns with Cambodia’s efforts to build a resilient capital market, strengthen regional connectivity, and embrace digital innovation for inclusive growth.”

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between ACMF and ERIA to enhance cooperation on research, policy development, and capacity building. The two-day engagement concluded with the handover of the ACMF Chairmanship from the Securities Commission Malaysia to the Securities and Exchange Commission Philippines.