VCI Global to Acquire Licensed Fund Manager in Malaysia’s Labuan Jurisdiction to Launch Regulated Bitcoin Fund

Rhea-AI Summary

VCI Global (NASDAQ: VCIG) has announced a strategic acquisition of V Capital Fund Management Limited, a licensed fund manager in Malaysia's Labuan jurisdiction. The acquisition, expected to close in Q3 2025, will enable VCIG to launch the VCIG Bitcoin Fund, a USD-denominated investment vehicle for qualified investors.

The company aims to provide institutional-grade Bitcoin exposure in a regulated framework, targeting high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional investors. The acquisition comes as global cryptocurrency markets reach $2.6 trillion in total market capitalization, with Bitcoin representing $1.2 trillion. The Labuan jurisdiction offers tax incentives and is recognized as an international financial hub, hosting major institutions like Citibank, BNP Paribas, DBS Bank, and Maybank International.

Positive

• Strategic entry into regulated digital asset management through licensed platform
• Access to Labuan's tax-efficient offshore financial hub with established regulatory framework
• Acquisition made at nominal consideration, indicating favorable deal terms
• Positioning in $2.6T cryptocurrency market with focus on underserved Asian institutional investors

Negative

• Acquisition subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions
• Operating in volatile cryptocurrency market with regulatory uncertainties
• Potential integration challenges in new jurisdiction
• Competition from established financial institutions in Labuan

Insights

Financial Services Strategist

VCIG's acquisition of a Labuan-licensed fund manager creates a regulated pathway to tap into the $1.2T Bitcoin market for institutional investors.

VCI Global's strategic acquisition of V Capital Fund Management Limited represents a calculated move into the institutional digital asset space. The company is acquiring a fully licensed fund management entity in Malaysia's Labuan jurisdiction, an established offshore financial center recognized for its regulatory efficiency and tax advantages.

This transaction is particularly noteworthy as it provides VCIG with immediate regulatory clearance to launch the VCIG Bitcoin Fund without navigating lengthy licensing processes. The nominal consideration paid for a fully-licensed entity suggests exceptional value capture, as regulatory licenses typically command significant premiums in financial markets.

The timing aligns with institutional capital's accelerating interest in digital asset exposure, with Bitcoin's market capitalization reaching approximately $1.2 trillion within the broader $2.6 trillion cryptocurrency market. By establishing this fund in Labuan - which hosts operations from major institutions like Citigroup, BNP Paribas, and DBS Bank - VCIG positions itself within a recognized financial ecosystem that bridges traditional finance and digital assets.

For VCIG, this represents vertical expansion of their fintech and capital markets consultancy operations into actual asset management. The USD-denominated structure of the planned fund indicates targeting of international capital flows, particularly from high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutions seeking compliant Bitcoin exposure within Asia's regulatory frameworks.

The strategic value lies in creating an institutional-grade on-ramp to Bitcoin that addresses the regulatory, custody, and operational complexities that have prevented widespread institutional adoption across Asian markets. With expected closing in Q3 2025, this positions VCIG to capitalize on continued institutional interest in digital asset diversification while generating potential management fee revenue streams.

Nasdaq-listed VCIG Takes Strategic Step into Digital Asset Management with Fully Licensed Platform for Institutional Bitcoin Exposure

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VCI Global Limited (NASDAQ: VCIG) (“VCI Global” or the “Company”), a diversified global holding company with a strategic focus on AI & Robotics, Fintech, Cybersecurity, Capital Market Consultancy, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire V Capital Fund Management Limited, a fund management company licensed by the Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA). The acquisition, made at a nominal consideration, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

This strategic acquisition grants VCI Global immediate access to a regulated asset management framework via Labuan, Malaysia’s internationally recognized offshore financial hub. Labuan is known for its efficient licensing regime, global investor accessibility, and tax incentives. It has long been a base for cross-border investment operations by major financial institutions, including Citigroup Inc. (“Citibank”), BNP Paribas SA (“BNP Paribas”), DBS Bank Limited (“DBS Bank”), and Malayan Banking Berhad (“Maybank International”).

VCI Global will leverage the acquired license to launch the VCIG Bitcoin Fund, a USD-dominated, professionally managed investment vehicle that provides qualified investors with institutional-grade exposure to Bitcoin. The fund is designed to serve high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional investors seeking compliant, secure, and operationally simplified access to digital assets.

The move comes as global cryptocurrency markets surpass approximately US$2.6 trillion in total market capitalization, with Bitcoin accounting for approximately US$1.2 trillion, according to Investopedia. Despite rising global institutional interest, many investors in Asia remain underexposed to digital assets due to regulatory hurdles and the lack of trusted investment structures. By establishing its digital assets platform within Labuan’s regulatory framework, VCI Global aims to bridge this gap by offering a secure, transparent, and tax-efficient vehicle for Asia-based investors seeking exposure to Bitcoin.

“This acquisition enables VCI Global to operate a fully licensed digital asset fund under a globally respected offshore regime. Bitcoin is increasingly recognized as a strategic reserve asset. Our goal is to provide institutional investors with a secure, regulated, and tax-efficient entry point into the future of digital value,” said Dato’ Victor Hoo, Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VCI Global.

About V Capital Fund Management Limited

V Capital Fund Management Limited is a licensed fund manager regulated under the Labuan Financial Services and Securities Act 2010. The company is authorized to manage private and institutional funds under the oversight of the Labuan Financial Services Authority, offering compliant investment solutions within one of Asia’s most established offshore financial jurisdictions.

About VCI Global Limited

VCI Global is a diversified global holding company with a strategic focus on AI & Robotics, Fintech, Cybersecurity, and Capital Market Consultancy. With a strong presence in Asia, Europe, and the United States, VCI Global is committed to driving technological innovation, sustainable growth, and financial excellence across multiple industries.

For more information on the Company, please log on to https://v-capital.co/. 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such statements include statements regarding the Company’s ability to grow its business and other statements that are not historical facts, including statements which may be accompanied by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential” or similar words. These forward-looking statements are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including without limitation, the Company’s ability to achieve profitable operations, customer acceptance of new products, the effects of the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and future measures taken by authorities in the countries wherein the Company has supply chain partners, the demand for the Company’s products and the Company’s customers’ economic condition, the impact of competitive products and pricing, successfully managing and, general economic conditions and other risk factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release, except in accordance with applicable law.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For media queries, please contact:

VCI GLOBAL LIMITED
enquiries@v-capital.co

FAQ

What company did VCI Global (VCIG) acquire in July 2025?

VCI Global acquired V Capital Fund Management Limited, a licensed fund manager regulated by the Labuan Financial Services Authority in Malaysia.

What is the purpose of VCIG's acquisition of V Capital Fund Management?

The acquisition enables VCIG to launch the VCIG Bitcoin Fund, providing institutional investors with regulated, secure access to Bitcoin investments through a licensed platform.

When will VCI Global's acquisition of V Capital Fund Management close?

The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

What is the size of the cryptocurrency market that VCIG is entering?

The global cryptocurrency market has reached approximately $2.6 trillion in total market capitalization, with Bitcoin accounting for $1.2 trillion.

Who are the target investors for VCIG's Bitcoin Fund?

The fund targets high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional investors seeking compliant and secure exposure to Bitcoin.

What advantages does Labuan jurisdiction offer for VCIG's Bitcoin Fund?

Labuan offers an efficient licensing regime, global investor accessibility, and tax incentives, with presence of major financial institutions like Citibank and BNP Paribas.