All The Fintech Products in Malaysia that I Love Now
I really like these fintech products, and not even sponsored to say this!
Fintech = finance + technology. You probably use some of them (like bank apps). What I’m about to do here is to give my own take of how these fintech products in Malaysia are personally helpful for me. I’ve divided them into: products that save money, products that help with money management, and investment-related products.
Fintech products that save money
Cashback apps – Shopback.my
As of time of writing, I’ve used Shopback.my for a couple of years and received RM464.86 in cashback. All I’ve done is to make purchases I was going to make anyway, but through the platform. You can use it to get money back even for mobile topups (like from Lazada and similar) and for your vacations (Expedia and similar).
Referral link: here (get RM5 extra when you purchase)
Non-referral link: here
Comparison websites/apps
There are a lot of these, and I love each of them. They can be:
- Credit card, personal loan, travel insurance, mortgage, fixed deposit, savings accounts, broadband and telco comparison websites – GoBear, iMoney, RinggitPlus, CompareHero, LoanStreet and similar
- Product comparison websites – iPrice and similar
- Money exchange rates comparison – CurrenSeek
Fintech products that help with money management
Expense-tracking tools – Money Lover
I like to track my spending and dissect them (see: My Total Income and Expenses in 2016). Big fan of Money Lover – a paid app (get from AppStore or PlayStore) but gives absolutely beautiful breakdowns in graphic format. I like them so much, I even have a review on them (also not paid to say this).
Invoicing/Accounting tool – Financio.co
Ok, so I’ve been using Financio’s (free-for-startups) invoicing tool for about a year plus now. Works great, looks professional. There are plenty of accounting software in the market, so for me they are similar, it didn’t really stand out.
THEN Financio decided to make a campaign, and I’m sold. The campaign is so appealing to me. Bad puns galore (I like bad puns). I’m a big believer in personal branding, and they’ve been putting this guy (who they say is the person behind Financio) in ad campaigns and I can’t help but to be charmed by them. I mean, like, look:
Accounting software used to be bleh, but they changed my mind, they can have character, so that’s why I’m putting them here.
(Q: Which food is the most sensitive? A: Pau. Because it has a lot of fillings)
Fintech products for investment
Gold savings account – HelloGold
I was introduced to HelloGold during the Bloktex Blockchain 2017 conference. I haven’t personally used it yet, but I think it’s worth sharing. Strong team and potential platform for you guys who want to invest in gold. Syariah-compliant. Partnership with AEON Credit.
Basically, HelloGold allows you to buy gold (digital or physical) and records your ownership to that gold on blockchain (tamper-free data ledger where in this case, proof of ownership is prioritised). You can invest as low as RM1, and the gold can be used as collateral.
Unit trust platform – FundSupermart
Fundsupermart has been around forever, but it’s worth putting them here in case you don’t know them. I got my PRS account (Private Retirement Scheme) from them, and better fees than private providers. They also have a funds selector tool and it’s easy to find the Syariah-compliant options, so thumbs up for this feature.
I’d love to give my referral code for this but it’s not as straightforward. If you feel like giving me the chance to earn one of their x.x% sales charge tokens, contact me (comment here works too) and I’ll send you an invite.
Related: FAQ: How to start investing in Private Retirement Scheme in Malaysia (and get RM1000 bonus)
Other fintech products in Malaysia
The fintech product offerings that we have here in Malaysia is still limited. Overseas, there are:
- Apps that help you invest small amounts of money automatically (like Digit, Acorn)
- Robo-advisors that allows people (beyond the crazy rich ones) get access to personalised financial, wealth and retirement planning
- AI (artificial intelligence) tools that give people alerts and help them make financial decisions (good or bad can be debated – AI is not foolproof yet)
However, we do have (as of time of writing):
- Bank apps that are apparently more user-friendly (I’ve yet to download Maybank’s app)
- Equity crowdfunding and P2P lending platforms (see: What can you invest with RM1000? A quick guide)
- The trend that will hopefully make insurance more cheap – online insurance providers (p/s- this is also called ‘insurtech’)
- More digital payment options, what with your SamsungPay and all
- Various websites and apps that help you check stock and commodities prices
- Money management platforms that can give you better-suited financial products (like MoneyLion – note: have not personally used)
- Other bitcoin service providers (most are global companies but some welcome Malaysians as users)
- Crowdfunding platforms that Malaysians use to raise funds for education, events and other things
Personally, I’d love to see more products that use technology for positive social impact. Feel free to take the ideas below and turn them into reality:
- Big data applications that match deserving candidates to agencies providing social security services, like food bank and stuff
- Senior/disabled-friendly security measures that can identify and stop people from becoming financial victims to scammers
- Blockchain tech enabling transparent and efficient BR1M or similar funds disbursement
- And more. Sky’s your limit.
As someone who loves financial literacy, the rise of fintech products in Malaysia makes me very excited. Banks are jumping in on fintech initiatives left, right and centre. And after using some of the products, I have to say they have helped me, a lot. I keep myself updated via news and the Fintech Malaysia FB group.
Any other fintech services and products in Malaysia that you use? Can you share them in the comment section below? Thanks!
Hi Suraya,
Finally, a personal finance blog based in Malaysia! Am so happy to have stumbled upon your blog because the content is more relatable. I always get lost when I read American blogs explaining about education plans and retirement schemes, because I am not sure how to apply it here. So, keep up your good work 🙂
After reading your review on Money Lover, I took the plunge and got myself the Premium Account (which is reasonably priced, as compared to the other budgeting apps available. Plus, it links with Maybank, which was a major swaying factor for me but have not utilised that feature yet). Am still trying to get the hang of the many features (Travel Mode, multiple wallets, etc) but really enjoying it so far. Thanks for the recommendation!
Hi Athirah,
Yes, finally right! Lack of Malaysia-specific PF info is the biggest motivator for me to set up RoR! I still read the American ones a lot though, very fun reads.
Glad you are trying out Money Lover and I hope expense tracking will be fun for you as well 😀
Hi Suraya,
For the expense tracking app, I find AndroMoney is awesome one which is very detailed and customisable.
Keep it up! Totally enjoy reading your articles.
Is it? Thanks for the recommendation, will keep it in mind if I need backup money tracking app. Thanks for visiting James 🙂
Hi..Hope you’re in good shape N happiness now..
Firstly, This very interesting and useful artwork in your explanation of Fintech product..Some of as a reference to help me who is new to Fintech knowledge..thanks A lot miss Suraya..
P/S.=I like in your invitation to FundSupermart..& Also other invitations if there is ?
Salam Rosly,
You’re welcome, glad you found this helpful 🙂
I’ll email you about that fundsupermart referral ya!
Quite an amount for dating rooms. *wink wink*
No understand wink wink
Hi Suraya!
I must say I have learnt lotsa stuff from this financial blog of yours. Been following it for a few months and am grateful for the knowledge you are sharing with us, especially the one on investing with just RM 1,000 since I just started working.
And oh, with regards to the FundSupermart, can I have the referral too? 🙂
Hope to hear from you soon and looking forward to more awesome content and shares from you!
P.S. I just realised I used the reply function instead of the comment function. Please approve this comment instead of the earlier reply. Thanks!
Hi Cheech!
Thanks for the kind support! People like you inspire me to continue what I do 🙂 🙂
On FundSupermart, I’ll email you the referral. Thanks!
Hi Suraya, just stumbled upon your blog today while Googling “Langkawi on a budget” and what a pleasant find! Love all the entries I’ve read so far, especially intrigued by the one about Google Flights hack.
Can I get your referral to FundSupermart please? Thank you!
Hi Rom,
Thanks for swinging by, and for the kind words! Hope the hacks will help you save money 🙂
Re: FundSupermart referral – Just add my name and ref no when you get to the registration part – Suraya binti Zainudin and M0019989 respectively
Hi Suraya,
Nice to meet you. I am Kee, the founder of Finory app.
Finory is Malaysia first credit card management app, that helps the user manage all their cards in one place by just forwarding their monthly card statements to a designated email address.
Hope you can try it out and review us too.
Thank you.
Hi Kee,
Thanks for reaching out. I’ve shared Finory before on RoR platforms, looks cool. Personally I don’t use that many credit cards but I’m sure its useful for those with 5 or more cards!
Hi, sorry for the super late reply. Haha.
Didn’t notice there is a reply from you. Noted and thanks. Keep in touch. Thank you.