BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  Enterprise Explores  >  State of WealthTech, Trump & Crypto, Inflation & Volatility

State of WealthTech, Trump & Crypto, Inflation & Volatility

Wong Wai Ken, Country Manager , StashAway Malaysia | Hann Liew, Co-Founder and CEO, Halogen Capital

09-Jan-25 12:00

State of WealthTech, Trump & Crypto, Inflation & Volatility

How are digital-first wealth managers revolutionising Malaysia’s financial landscape? What does Trump 2.0 mean for Crypto in 2025? What are key trends to watch out for in Wealthtech ahead? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Wong Wai Ken, Country Manager of StashAway Malaysia, and Hann Liew, Co-Founder and CEO of Halogen Capital, to discuss the evolution of WealthTech, its impact on Malaysians' approach to wealth management, and of course what they're both watching out for in 2025.

Here are some AI-generated highlights of key areas covered in the conversation:

Market Outlook: Navigating Macro and Crypto Trends

Hann Liew forecasts tighter financial conditions in 2025 with historically high rates and inflation risks. Trump’s fiscal policies could amplify inflation, while proposals for a U.S. Bitcoin reserve may boost crypto markets. Investors must remain nimble to navigate these evolving macroeconomic and crypto trends.

Managing Market Volatility

Ken highlighted the importance of navigating market volatility in 2025. While rate cuts and AI-driven optimism fuel bullish markets, he cautioned against overconfidence. Potential risks, including inflation resurgence and geopolitical shifts, could disrupt markets. Ken emphasises maintaining a long-term perspective and adapting to evolving macroeconomic and technological trends.

Leveraging Technology to Redefine Wealth Management

StashAway and Halogen Capital use technology to enhance user experiences and internal processes. StashAway applies AI to manage portfolios, while Halogen integrates digital tools for crypto funds. By digitising operations and lowering fees, they aim to make wealth management accessible, transparent, and efficient.

Overcoming Challenges in Trust and Education

WealthTech platforms face challenges in trust and financial literacy. StashAway addressed skepticism around digital investment safety, while Halogen Capital clarified its role as a crypto asset manager. Both focus on patient education and transparency to empower Malaysians with knowledge of new asset classes and long-term strategies.

The Role of Partnerships and Industry Collaboration

Halogen collaborates with asset managers to integrate crypto exposure, while StashAway faces challenges aligning with traditional institutions due to high fees. Both stress client-focused partnerships to broaden investment access, combining innovative solutions with established financial systems to drive industry progress.

Preparing for the Future: Trends and Challenges

StashAway addresses Malaysia’s retirement savings gap with diversified portfolios, while Halogen aims to grow crypto assets to 1-3% of managed assets. Both highlight AI and blockchain’s transformative potential but emphasize a steady, long-term approach amid market volatility and evolving regulations.

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  managingtechnologyCorporatesmarkets

Tags:  WealthTechAI in financedigital wealth managementblockchain technologyfintechinvestment strategies





Play / Pause

Listen now : Marketing Mojo: Brand Storytelling - How Does It Work?; Bob Low, Founder,...

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Laurent Lequeue of The Macro Butler Newsletter | Dovish or hawkish? Over or underweight? Bull or Bear? We speak to local and foreign analysts to find out how the different asset classes and markets react to the latest news, results and even geopolitical events.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

A recap of global and local headlines in today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Alexey Muraviev of Curtin University speaks about the newly planned peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Roshan Abdullah, President of MISIF explains how US steel tariffs might affect Malaysian industry players.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Juline Greene, Professor of History at University explores the history as well as what’s happening right now geopolitically at the Panama Canal, and more.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Dr Oh Ei Sun of Pacific Research Centre weighs in on the growing internal tensions within DAP as the party elections on March 16 approach.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Ng Zhu Hann, Tradeview Capital shares the potential impact of increased fees and new levies by the Securities Commission.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Laurent Lequeue of The Macro Butler Newsletter | An update on local and international capital markets, including a look at how Bursa Malaysia begins the trading day. We speak with local and foreign analysts to find out how different asset classes and markets react to the latest news, results, and geopolitical events.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

Rena Kwok of Bloomberg Intelligence shares her analysis on how slower rate cuts and geopolitical risks could challenge ASEAN banks.

9:35 AM

People, Planet, Profit

We hear from Dr. Shariman Alwani, CEO of SD Guthrie International about the company’s support for smallholders under its Beyond Zero Framework.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Brewing Inclusion - The Autism Cafe Project; Mohd Adli Yahya, Founder, Autism Cafe Project

11:00 AM

Marketing Mojo

Brand Storytelling - How Does It Work?; Bob Low, Founder, Blinked Asia & Sasha Tan, Founder and Principal Brand Strategist, The Brand Shaper

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Shaping Global Trade: Geopolitics, ASEAN, and the New Trade Order; Aparna Bharadwaj, Managing Director & Partner, BCG Singapore

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Juline Greene, Professor of History at University explores the history as well as what’s happening right now geopolitically at the Panama Canal, and more.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

Lagu-Lagu Dulu-Dulu is a music programme focusing on vintage big band and classic swing sounds from the yesteryears, hosted by Sean Ghazi & Ida Mariana. We turn our gaze to the skies and present a curation of songs referring to the moon and stars.

3:05 PM

Beyond the Ballot Box

Unpacking Oxfam’s Latest Inequality Report

4:05 PM

Health & Living

We explore the challenges faced by those in health, social, and education sectors, especially when supporting vulnerable groups, with Amalina Davis (Thrive Well) and Mariana De Reyes (Nicol David Organisation). Tailored mental health support in non-profit and impact spaces could make all the difference.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Talkback Tuesday

8:00 PM

Bar None