http://oer.ums.edu.my/handle/oer_source_files/96 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:50:53 GMT 2026-04-22T14:50:53Z http://oer.ums.edu.my/handle/oer_source_files/3505 Global Financial Services and Offshore Leaks: Balancing Growth, Transparency, and Trust Angel Ann, Tadius; Chia, Ricky Chee Jiun This article examines the role of global financial services in supporting international trade, investment, and economic growth, while highlighting the risks revealed by the Offshore Leaks investigations. It discusses key components of global finance, including international banking, benchmark interest rates, trade finance, and foreign exchange markets, emphasizing their importance in facilitating cross-border capital flows and managing financial risk. The article also analyses major reforms such as the transition from LIBOR to SOFR and the growing use of blockchain technology in trade finance to enhance transparency and efficiency. At the same time, it highlights the role of Offshore Financial Centres and the regulatory challenges they pose, particularly in relation to tax avoidance, money laundering, and financial opacity. The Offshore Leaks, Panama Papers, and Paradise Papers exposed widespread misuse of offshore structures, triggering global regulatory reforms and public debate. The article concludes that balancing innovation and efficiency with transparency, accountability, and international cooperation is essential to maintaining trust in the global financial system. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://oer.ums.edu.my/handle/oer_source_files/3505 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://oer.ums.edu.my/handle/oer_source_files/3504 The Challenges of Financial Technology and Innovation in the SME Industry Nur Farah Ain, Binti Sudirman; Chia, Ricky Chee Jiun This article examines the key challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in adopting financial technology (FinTech) despite its growing importance in the modern business environment. FinTech offers SMEs significant benefits, including improved efficiency, lower transaction costs, better cash flow management, and wider market access. However, many SMEs struggle to fully utilise these technologies due to limited financial resources, lack of digital skills, cybersecurity and data protection risks, regulatory complexity, and inadequate digital infrastructure. Trust issues, cultural resistance to change, limited access to training, customer readiness, and system complexity further slow adoption. These challenges can negatively affect business decision-making, investment planning, and long-term competitiveness. The article highlights that successful FinTech adoption depends not only on technological availability but also on knowledge, confidence, and institutional support. It concludes that coordinated efforts from governments, FinTech providers, and SMEs through training, affordable solutions, clear regulations, and improved digital literacy are essential for SMEs to overcome these barriers and fully benefit from financial innovation in the future. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://oer.ums.edu.my/handle/oer_source_files/3504 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://oer.ums.edu.my/handle/oer_source_files/3329 Hedging Foreign Exchange Risk with Currency Futures Taunson, Jude W. Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://oer.ums.edu.my/handle/oer_source_files/3329 2025-11-17T00:00:00Z http://oer.ums.edu.my/handle/oer_source_files/3317 Malaysia 2026: Sustaining Momentum Amid Fiscal Reform, Green Transition, and Global Uncertainty Chia, Ricky Chee Jiun This article examines the global and Malaysian economic outlook based on major macroeconomic indicators, sectoral developments, and emerging structural trends. Drawing upon recent data from international institutions such as the OECD, IMF, and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the discussion situates Malaysia’s performance within broader global dynamics. The article also presents forward-looking comments for Malaysia’s economic trajectory in 2026, emphasizing the interplay between industrial transformation, fiscal reforms, and external trade diversification. Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://oer.ums.edu.my/handle/oer_source_files/3317 2025-11-05T00:00:00Z