KUALA LUMPUR, The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Khazanah Nasional Bhd (Khazanah) to support the growth and expansion of Malaysian mid-tier companies (MTCs). A joint statement today said this would be done via the Dana Impak Fund to raise funding access and to help MTCs familiarise with the capital markets to catalyse their growth and expansion. The aim is to build a strong pipeline of capital market-ready MTCs. 'The MoU will focus on measures to support MTCs' next growth phase and joint programmes and initiatives to raise their awareness and access to the capital market,' the statement said. This includes fundraising incubation for 60 to 100 MTCs to enhance capital market readiness, specialised capacity-building programmes to raise competitiveness and innovative capacity and investments to spur growth, it said. The statement said the MoU supports the SC's five-year road map 'Catalysing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and MTC Access to th e Capital Market (2024-2028).' SC chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi said it appreciated Khazanah's support of the MSME and MTC Roadmap and SC's long-term goal to ensure an inclusive and holistic capital market fundraising ecosystem. 'MTCs are significant domestic employers and economic contributors. However, they have been identified as the 'missing middle', as they often face difficulties in accessing financing for growth. 'This MoU will address such challenges to ensure sustainable growth and resilience,' he noted. Meanwhile, the statement said Khazanah, via Dana Impak, has earmarked an initial RM500 million to provide funding to MTCs. 'This funding will be directed to high-potential MTCs via the private markets, be it private equity or private credit funds, ensuring greater access to capital,' it added. Source: BERNAMA News Agency