Malaysia’s IPO fundraising rises as Southeast Asian listings slow

Malaysia’s initial public offerings raised US$1.62 billion during January–September 2026, up from US$992 million a year earlier, according to Ernst & Young (EY). Its listing count increased to 38 from 37, bucking a regional decline, the firm reported in a factsheet on November 5.

Across Southeast Asia, 56 IPOs generated US$3 billion over the nine-month period. Listing numbers fell 26 per cent and fundraising dropped 13 per cent from a year earlier.

Malaysia also recorded a third-quarter increase, with nine IPOs bringing in US$167.2 million, against eight deals worth US$94 million a year before. Regionally, third-quarter fundraising totalled US$500 million from 20 listings, down from US$2.1 billion across 26 IPOs in 2025.

Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Singapore had eight listings that generated US$1.28 billion during January–September. Indonesia recorded seven deals worth US$121.3 million, while Thailand had three offerings totalling US$21.3 million.

EY Capital Markets representative Nghia Trung Nguyen said Malaysia’s higher proceeds indicated continuing investor interest in companies with strong growth prospects. EY Asean IPO leader Chan Yew Kiang attributed weaker regional listing sentiment to regulatory reforms, a subdued economic outlook and geopolitical uncertainty, saying prospective issuers had become more cautious.