Tun Razak Exchange: An anchor for global finance in the heart of Kuala Lumpur

Global players such as HSBC, Affin Bank, MUFG, Prudential and Ant International have established a presence in the district, alongside technology companies, centres of excellence and professional services firms supporting the next phase of financial innovation. PwC is set to join TRX in 2029, occupying 200,000 sq ft in a new 38-storey tower.

BUILT FOR BUSINESS PERFORMANCE AND RESILIENCE

TRX City CEO Azmar Talib attributes the district’s strong performance to its central location, seamless connectivity and fully integrated ecosystem. The TRX MRT station is the only interchange in Kuala Lumpur that connects two MRT lines, providing access to 64 stops and serving more than 1 million riders monthly, directly linking businesses to the wider Klang Valley talent pool and commuter network.

Beyond transport connectivity, TRX’s infrastructure has been designed to support long-term operational resilience. The district incorporates smart city technologies, artificial intelligence-enhanced security and energy-efficient infrastructure, alongside smart metering, integrated digital and security planning, and advanced resource management systems.

Together, these features help companies manage cost and sustainability requirements as operating standards continue to rise. A common estate agreement between TRX City and its development partners further ensures service quality, predictability and coordinated district management, reducing operational risk and supporting long-term occupancy planning.

Sustainability considerations are embedded at the master-planning stage. TRX is the first development in Malaysia to receive both the Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design Neighbourhood Development Gold Pre-Certified Plan and the Green Building Index Township Platinum accreditation, benchmarks that reflect long-term resilience and environmental performance. The district also recycles 80 per cent of its water through an on-site treatment facility, supporting environmental objectives while improving cost efficiency.

Mr Azmar noted that TRX’s alignment with national priorities set out in the 13th Malaysia Plan and Budget 2026 – including efforts to foster innovation and enhance economic competitiveness – has added to its appeal for high-value investment, as firms reassess where to locate regional functions. “Clear, consistent policy signals give investors the confidence to commit for the long term,” he said.

A CATALYTIC ENVIRONMENT FOR GROWTH AND TALENT

With its mix of premium office space, integrated retail and lifestyle offerings, and expansive green areas, TRX has attracted a diverse mix of global blue-chip firms and fast-growing enterprises from Malaysia and across the region. Companies cite cost advantages, room for expansion and tax incentives – alongside governance standards and infrastructure comparable to larger hubs – as key factors in choosing Malaysia as a base for regional headquarters.

The growing concentration of institutions supports Kuala Lumpur’s position as an international financial and business centre, in line with the KL Global 2030 vision. The strategy aims to attract 100 of the world’s leading technology and innovation companies by 2030, while deepening the city’s role as a strategic connector between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Beyond commercial activity, TRX has also contributed to the revitalisation of its surrounding precinct. The 10-acre city park helps reduce urban heat, while the wider focus on walkability, traffic flow and public amenities supports a liveable urban environment – an increasingly important consideration for firms competing for skilled talent.

“Building a successful financial district goes beyond offices and infrastructure,” said Mr Azmar. “TRX is a catalytic development that depends on strong partnerships with policymakers, agencies and industry. These collaborations allow us to keep improving connectivity, accessibility and quality of life, with benefits that extend beyond TRX itself.”

Malaysia’s rise to 25th place in the IMD World Talent Ranking, up from 33rd in 2024, reflects its growing appeal among skilled professionals. Many form part of TRX’s talent pool, working across areas such as fintech, sustainable finance, compliance, digital risk and urban innovation – capabilities that are increasingly central to the global financial sector’s evolution.

A DISTRICT DESIGNED FOR LIFE

A purpose-built integrated development, TRX brings together workspaces, public areas, green spaces and lifestyle amenities – from shopping and dining at The Exchange TRX mall to events at Raintree Plaza, alongside a future workforce pipeline supported by the upcoming Monash University Malaysia campus. Designed to attract and retain talent, the development also fosters business networking, engagement and day-to-day convenience within a single urban ecosystem.

“TRX was shaped around a simple principle: cities thrive when people thrive,” said Mr Azmar. “Infrastructure matters, but so does policy certainty and the confidence in the long-term direction of the financial sector. As a result, TRX has emerged as a base for firms seeking stability and scale in their regional operations.”

For organisations evaluating market entry, regional consolidation or expansion in Southeast Asia, TRX offers a ready-made ecosystem where capital, capability and connectivity come together, enabling quicker decision-making with lower operational complexity.

Explore opportunities for investment and regional expansion through Tun Razak Exchange and discover how Kuala Lumpur is strengthening its role as a strategic financial gateway for Asia.