Most Malaysians open a trading account online and never think about who their remisier is. But the person attached to your account decides how much help you get when something goes wrong: a stuck IPO application, a margin call, a rights issue you don’t understand, or a transfer between brokers. This guide covers what a remisier does, how to check that one is licensed, and seven things to compare before you pick one.
What does a remisier do?
A remisier (formally a dealer’s representative, or DR) is an individual licensed to deal in securities on behalf of clients, working under a stockbroking firm that is a Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia. The firm holds your account and your money; the remisier is your point of contact. A good remisier typically helps you:
- Open your CDS and trading account correctly (for example, direct CDS vs nominee, conventional vs Islamic).
- Apply for IPOs, handle rights issues, warrant conversions and share transfers.
- Set up a contra or margin facility and explain the risks.
- Understand research, announcements and your statements.
Remisiers are generally paid a share of the brokerage your trades generate, which is why it matters whether their incentives match yours.
Do you actually need a remisier?
Not always. If you only buy a few blue chips a year and never need help, a pure online account may be enough. A remisier is most useful if you are new to investing, apply for IPOs regularly, use contra or margin, trade foreign markets, or simply want a person to call when the app or the rules confuse you. At many brokers a remisier-assisted account now uses the same online rates, so ask whether having a remisier changes what you pay.
How to check that a remisier is licensed
This is the one step you should never skip, especially with investment scams impersonating real brokers and remisiers on social media.
- Go to the Securities Commission Malaysia website (sc.com.my) and open the public register of licence holders.
- Search the person’s full name.
- Check that they hold a Capital Markets Services Representative’s Licence (CMSRL) for dealing in securities, and that the firm listed matches the broker they claim to represent.
- If you cannot find them, do not transfer money. Check the SC Investor Alert List and report suspicious offers.
A licensed remisier will never ask you to transfer money to a personal account. Deposits should only go to the stockbroking firm’s official accounts or payment channels.
7 things to compare before you choose
1. The broker’s fees
Your remisier works within their firm’s price list, so compare the brokerage rate and minimum fee per trade, plus any platform or data fees. Clearing fees (0.03%, capped at RM1,000) and stamp duty (RM1 per RM1,000, capped at RM1,000) are the same at every broker, so brokerage is where costs differ. See our broker fee comparison.
2. Direct CDS account
Ask whether you will get a direct CDS account in your own name. With a direct account you receive dividends, corporate-action notices and AGM invitations directly, and you can apply for IPOs.
3. Markets and products
Can you trade only Bursa Malaysia, or also US and Hong Kong stocks? Are IPO applications, IPO financing, contra, margin and Islamic accounts available? Choosing a remisier whose firm covers what you need saves opening several accounts later.
4. The platform you will use
Try the broker’s app and desktop platform. Check order types (stop-loss and conditional orders), charting, market depth and how deposits and withdrawals work.
5. Responsiveness
Before you sign up, send a question by WhatsApp or email and see how fast and how clearly they reply. The moment you need help most is usually when the market is moving.
6. Education over pressure
A good remisier explains risks and teaches you to read announcements and reports. Be cautious of anyone who promises returns, pushes you to trade frequently, or offers “sure-win” tips. Frequent trading earns commission; it does not necessarily earn you money.
7. Track record and transparency
Look for a public presence you can verify: a real name that matches the SC register, the firm they work under, and educational content. Treat screenshots of client profits with caution, since past results do not predict future returns.
Can you change your remisier later?
Yes. Your shares stay in your CDS account; only the representative attached to your trading account changes. At Malacca Securities (M+), you email the support team with your client code or UID, the new remisier’s DR code and a reason. See how to change your remisier at M+. At other brokers, ask customer service for their change-of-dealer form.
Key Takeaways
- A remisier is a licensed dealer’s representative working under a stockbroking firm.
- Always verify the CMSRL licence on the Securities Commission public register before depositing money.
- Brokerage is where costs differ between brokers; clearing fees and stamp duty are the same.
- Pick someone who explains and educates, and who is reachable when you need help.
- You can switch remisier later without moving your shares.
Disclosure: Dexter Chia is a licensed dealer’s representative (DR code R336) at Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd. This article is for education only and is not investment advice. Fees and rules change; check the latest details with your broker and the Securities Commission Malaysia.
