25 May 2026

On 3 April 2026, the Myanmar National Defence and Security Council enacted the Amendment to the Securities Exchange Law (Law No. 52/2026), introducing modernised market structures, clearer regulations for collective investment schemes (“CIS”), and updated definitions for professional investors to stimulate broader market participation.

Key amendments include the following:

  • Introduction of new market structures and regulated entities, including a pre-listing board, derivatives market, credit rating agencies, registration advisory companies, and CIS;
  • Express empowerment of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Myanmar (“SECM”) to regulate and approve CIS operations, including mutual funds, private funds, and trust funds;
  • Expansion of the licensing framework to allow SECM to designate and regulate additional securities-related businesses through notification;
  • Introduction of additional procedural and disclosure requirements for public offerings, including mandatory credit ratings for public debt issuances and advance submission requirements for rights issues and prospectus summaries;
  • Introduction of a legal basis for foreign individuals, companies and organisations to participate in securities exchange businesses, subject to prescribed standards; and
  • Extension of confidentiality obligations and associated penalties under the securities regulatory framework.