This page is dedicated to offering regularly updated financial education for Myanmar from basic to advanced topics. If you have a question not addressed in the resources below, please submit it through the request forms, and we will get back to you! Lastly, recognizing the value of your time, we've marked essential topics with yellow icons for quick identification. Dive in and embark on your financial journey!
The ‘Nation Profile’ section is a brief yet informative look at Myanmar’s economic and financial history, current standing and future trends.
Overview: The banking system in Myanmar is seen as somewhat stable, but has not always adhered to regulatory guidelines. A couple of the global practices that Myanmar has not always followed include; organized record keeping of accounting and reasonable requirements for loan approval. This has caused losses to banks, businesses and liquidity issues to citizens. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also adopts an optimistic view of Myanmar’s banking system while highlighting some concerns. Myanmar carries an IMF loan balance that is growing annually, meaning the country’s debt is growing due to their prolonged banking issues. Despite experiencing debt crises and historically large rapid withdrawals from customers, also known as a bank run (1), Myanmar has never defaulted on its national debt (2), because they have always been able to obtain the needed money through different avenues. However, the nation has had near instances of defaulting. Currently, Myanmar is not rated by the three big credit agencies, which emphasizes the need for substantial improvements to support the country’s financial resilience.
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Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, and subsequently, purchasing power falls. It’s a key economic indicator that is closely monitored by governments and central banks worldwide. Causes of inflation can include increased production costs, higher demand for goods and services, and changes in government policy.
Overview: Inflation is the rate at which the general price level of goods and services rises, eroding purchasing power over time. It’s vital to understand inflation because if your income does not increase at the same pace as inflation, your spending power decreases, making it harder to afford the same lifestyle and save for future goals.
Inflation profile: In 2023, the inflation rate in Myanmar was around 27%, surpassing the global average inflation rate of 7%. This indicates that the rate of price increase in Myanmar is almost four times the global average, highlighting the extreme nature of inflation in the country.
The sectors most affected by Myanmar’s inflation are retail, hospitality and transportation. These sectors are facing challenges due to high prices and import restrictions creating a shortage of essential goods, more expensive services and closures in some industries. The agricultural sector has been more resilient, but has been affected by high fuel prices and increased cost of fertilizers. The food and non-alcoholic beverage sector, which makes up 58% of the consumer price index (CPI), has also been significantly affected with above-average inflation in the nation.
What is being done (National level): In response to high Myanmar Inflation, the Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) has implemented several measures to stabilize the economy. These include limitations on the exchange rate, regulations controlling the use of foreign currencies in the country, and even confiscating savings held in U.S. Dollars of foreign-owned companies and residents earning U.S. Dollar salaries. However, these measures have yet to fully curb the inflation issue, as the MMK-USD exchange rate continues to fall, leading to soaring daily expenses across the country.
What can you do: Unfortunately, there are few straightforward solutions to combat high inflation, apart from reducing your exposure to the currency undergoing inflation.
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Banks are for-profit, public financial institutions offering a wide variety of financial tools and services. Credit unions are nonprofit, member-owned cooperatives often offering lower fees and higher savings interest rates.
Overview: Credit unions and banks are both vital financial institutions. Credit unions are member-owned not-for-profit entities with lower interest rates. Banks are shareholder-owned for-profit organizations with wider service offerings, such as investment tools, credit cards, customer service, and more locations.
Banking Profile
Myanmar’s banking system underwent a significant transformation when it was nationalized in 1962 and subsequently restructured into state-owned banks. Despite attempts at liberalization in the 1990s, the development of the banking sector was hampered by debt crises and international sanctions, resulting in a market dominated by a few banks.
The state-owned banks in Myanmar face inefficiencies due to bureaucratic procedures and are burdened with social responsibilities, such as providing loans to sectors that may not be profitable but are deemed important for the nation’s development. This can limit their ability to innovate and respond to market changes quickly. On the other hand, private banks, often owned by commercial groups, have more flexibility in their operations. Private banks are often criticized for their focus on short-term profits, which can lead to lending to riskier clients and compromising the bank’s financial stability. Moreover, the ownership structure of private banks can sometimes lead to conflicts of interest, as they may prioritize the needs of their parent companies over those of their customers.
In 2003, the banking sector experienced significant bank runs, although no defaults ever occurred. This event highlighted the vulnerability of the banking system and led to the creation of deposit insurance mechanisms to lessen risks for depositors in the event of a bank run. These mechanisms provide coverage through Myanmar Insurance and the Central Bank of Myanmar.
Despite these challenges, it is still advisable to keep your money in a bank. Banks, whether state-owned or private, offer a safer environment for your money compared to keeping it at home. Money kept in a bank can also earn interest over time, contributing to the growth of your wealth. However, it is crucial to understand the terms and conditions of your bank and to ensure that it is a reputable institution. Check its default history, deposit insurance coverage and its coverage in the news (good and bad). In conclusion, Myanmar’s banking sector continues to make improvements to further develop its infrastructure, striving to offer better services to its customers.
Bank Recommendations: Below is a list of reputable banks that offer a diverse array of services. It’s important to ensure that their service offerings align with your needs and to regularly check their status within the national consumer depositor insurance program. If you have any questions about a particular bank or are contemplating switching, please complete the one-on-one form or reach out to us directly. We’re here to provide assistance tailored to your needs.
Bank Name (Link Included) |
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Online and Mobile Banking provide convenient access to your financial accounts at any time and anywhere. Manage your money securely from your computer, tablet, or smartphone with features like bill pay, mobile deposits, and account monitoring.
Overview: Mobile banking allows users to conduct financial transactions and manage their accounts using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. It typically involves accessing a banking app or website to check balances, transfer funds, pay bills, deposit checks remotely, and receive account notifications.
Benefits of mobile banking
Banks and credit unions with mobile banking: Below are reputable banks offering comprehensive online mobile banking services. Ranging from basic balance checks to advanced budgeting tools, their services cater to diverse needs. Consider online mobile banking via their website or apps to manage your finances best!
Bank Name |
Reliable Peer-to-Peer (p2p) payment platforms: The below peer-to-peer payment apps are considered reputable and reliable for sending payment to friends, family, or businesses.
P2P App Name |
AGD Pay |
AYA Pay |
CB Pay |
City Pay |
KBZ Pay |
Uabpay + |
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Currency and currency exchange are important to any nation’s economy, influencing transactions from everyday grocery shopping to international trade. Monitoring the strength of a currency and its global exchange rate is crucial, as these factors can significantly affect the cost of daily commodities and the preservation of personal wealth.
Overview: Currency is the official medium of exchange used within a specific country or region, composed of banknotes and coins issued by the government. Currency exchange is the process of converting one currency into another at a determined rate, crucial for international trade, travel, and investment. This exchange is facilitated by banks, currency exchange services, or financial institutions, with exchange rates influenced by factors like supply and demand, economic conditions, and geopolitical events.
Overview (Nation Specific): In Myanmar, the national currency can be freely traded with licensed exchange dealers. The Central Bank has been refining the Foreign Exchange Management Law enacted in 2012. This law aims to make a consistent exchange rate system by eliminating the multiple official exchange rate structure, which was prone to corruption, and replacing it with a more transparent and flexible system.This law also grants the Central Bank greater flexibility to intervene in the market to maintain consistency.
Despite being a predominantly cash-based economy, with a majority of residents engaged in farming and only 20% holding bank accounts, Myanmar is gradually transitioning towards a more flexible foreign exchange market. This transition is facilitated by the Central Bank’s effective strategy of buying foreign currency during periods of inflow and selling only to prevent disorderly market conditions.
Furthermore, the implementation of one foreign exchange with clear guidelines has successfully eliminated the practice of multiple currency rates. This move is expected to further strengthen the country’s financial infrastructure and currency situation.
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Remittances are funds sent by foreign workers to their home country, often serving as a significant source of income for their loved ones in their home country. These transfers, usually made through banks or money transfer services, can exceed official development aid amounts and contribute significantly to a country’s GDP and communities.
Overview: Remittances refer to money sent by individuals working abroad to their home country, usually to support family members or for other purposes. These transfers often occur through specialized remittance services or international money transfer platforms, facilitating economic support and development in the recipient country.
Recommendations for the best way to send remittances
Service Provider (Link Included) |
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Retirement planning is the process of determining retirement income goals and the actions necessary to achieve those goals. It involves identifying sources of income, estimating expenses, implementing a savings program, and managing assets. This planning is crucial for maintaining a comfortable lifestyle after work, and it’s recommended to start as early as possible.
Overview: Retirement plans are financial strategies aimed at helping individuals save and invest for their post-employment years. These plans, which can include employer-sponsored options and personal savings accounts (High Yield Savings), offer various benefits and investment opportunities tailored to individuals’ needs. Participants contribute regularly to these accounts during their working years, with the aim of building a financial cushion to support their retirement lifestyle.
Nation Specific: In Myanmar, retirement plans vary considerably. While there are no mandatory pension obligations for most workers, civil servants are an exception. Retired employees who have contributed to the Health and Social Care fund for a minimum of 180 months are entitled to medical treatment at specified clinics. Additionally, some companies voluntarily offer benefits like private health insurance, provident funds, savings plans, and ESOPs (employee stock option plans) to their employees. However, these voluntary benefits are not standardized and are outlined in internal company policies, making information about them scarce.
What can I do?
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Estate planning is the process of organizing your personal and financial affairs to prepare for the possibility of mental incapacity and eventual death. It involves creating legal documents such as wills and trusts, and taking inventory of assets. The goal is to preserve the maximum amount of wealth possible for the intended beneficiaries.
Overview: Estate planning is a transfer process that involves making preparations during a person’s life for the management of their estate in the event of death or mental incapacitation. It encompasses various aspects, including wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, powers of appointment, property ownership, gift, and powers of attorney. The goal is to ensure the greatest possible value of the estate is preserved while considering tax implications and any potential legal problems. If an estate plan is not agreed upon by the individual, the government will decide how to distribute their assets once presumed dead.
Definitions
The most common type(s) of estate planning
How a transfer process takes place
Estate Tax Rates
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Income tax is a financial charge imposed by governments on the income or profits of individuals or entities. It applies to various forms of income, including salaries, wages, business profits, and unearned income, such as interest, dividends, and capital gains.
Overview: Income taxes are the portion of your earnings that you’re required to pay to the government. They fund public services like schools, roads, and healthcare.
Tax Brackets
Income tax brackets categorize taxpayers into different groups based on their income levels, with each group subject to a specific tax rate corresponding to their earnings.
Tax Rate | Taxable Income Threshold |
0% | MMK 0.00 to MMK 2,000,000.00 |
5% | MMK 2,000,000.01 to MMK 5,000,000.00 |
10% | MMK 5,000,000.01 to MMK 10,000,000.00 |
15% | MMK 10,000,000.01 to MMK 20,000,000.00 |
20% | MMK 20,000,000.01 to MMK 30,000,000.00 |
25% | MMK 30,000,000.01 and above |
Common Tax Deductibles: A tax-deductible is an expense that can be subtracted from an individual’s or business’ taxable income, reducing the amount of income subject to taxation.
Nation Specific Deductions
Tax Returns
A tax return is a form submitted to the tax authority that reports income, expenses, and deductibles to calculate taxes owed or refunds due. In Myanmar, depending on an individual’s circumstances, they may be eligible for a tax return. Please consult with a tax professional to determine eligibility and provide guidance on the process.
*Information above relating to Myanmar Taxes was pulled from the ‘Myanmar Tax Booklet 2021-2023’
Sources
– PWC
– Myanmar Tax Booklet 2021-2023
The stock market is a complex network where shares of companies are bought and sold. It plays a crucial role in global economies by enabling money to move between investors and companies.
Overview: The stock market is a public arena where shares of companies are traded at agreed prices. It’s a universal mechanism for companies to raise capital and for investors to gain partial ownership in these companies. The price of a company’s stock is subject to fluctuations based on numerous factors such as supply and demand, the company’s financial health, and wider economic indicators. While the stock market can present risks, it also offers a significant avenue for wealth creation over time.
Stock Market Profile
Myanmar operates two stock exchanges: the Myanmar Securities Exchange Centre (MSEC) and the Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX). The MSEC, a joint venture between the state-owned Myanmar Economic Bank and the Daiwa Securities Group, is located in Yangon and currently lists only two securities. The YSX, on the other hand, has eight listed companies with a market capitalization of 703,132 million MMK as of May 2024. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Myanmar (SECM) permits both resident and non-resident foreigners to participate in securities trading on the YSX.
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Credit scores and systems are integral to financial health, serving as a measure of an individual’s or entity’s ability to repay debts and manage credit responsibly. As it can significantly impact your ability to secure loans, mortgages, or other forms of credit, and can even influence the interest rates you’re offered.
Overview: A credit score is a numerical measurement of an individual’s creditworthiness, influenced by factors like payment history, amounts owed, and length of credit history. This score plays a significant role in determining eligibility for loans, credit cards, and even housing. A higher score can lead to better financial opportunities.
Credit System Profile
In Myanmar, the credit scoring system is still in its early stages, primarily used in safe environments like commercial banks and Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). At the moment, Myanmar does not have an official credit score system. However some companies, such as Mother Finance have created their own credit score system, mirroring the United States’ system, to establish creditworthiness for their users. Mother Finance, has introduced a smartphone-based credit scoring service called MotherCredit, only used within Mother Finance services. The credit score ranges from 300 to 850 points, with higher scores indicating lower credit risk. Each user can check their credit scores up to four times each year to monitor their credit performance. The interest rates on debt are not fixed but depend on the risk level, personal financial history, and background of the individual borrower. This system allows users to start building up a credit record, which will help them gain access to funding in the future within Mother Finance services.
What can I do?
In Myanmar, improving one’s credit score involves demonstrating responsible financial behavior over time. This includes consistently making payments on time, as late or missed payments can negatively impact your credit score. It is also advised to maintain a low credit utilization ratio, which is the ratio of your current credit card balances to your credit limits, to avoid another negative impact on your credit score. While the exact mechanisms for credit scoring are still developing in Myanmar, these principles are generally applicable and can help individuals improve their creditworthiness.
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Financial scams are fraudulent schemes that trick individuals or organizations into losing money. Scammers exploit various channels and use advanced techniques, including phishing attacks and investment scams.
Overview: Scams are deceptive schemes or fraudulent activities designed to trick individuals or organizations into giving away money, personal information, or other valuable assets. They often exploit trust, fear, or unfamiliarity, posing as legitimate businesses, organizations, or individuals. Common types of scams include phishing emails, fake investment opportunities, get-rich courses, romance scams, and lottery scams.
Common scams: If you’re uncertain whether something might be a scam, don’t hesitate to contact the Collatz Capital Foundation through our one-on-one form. We’re here to assist you in identifying potential scams. We also strongly encourage you to utilize Collatz as a resource to prioritize your safety. Falling victim to scams can have severe financial consequences, legal ramifications, and in some cases, even pose life-threatening risks.
Online Scams & Human Trafficking
Investment/Crypto Scams
Phishing
Dear Costumer,
We’ve detcted suspicous activity in you’re Google account. Your account may have been acessed by someone else. To protekt your account, it’s been temporarly locked.
Please **click here** to verify your identy and restore full access. Do this within 24 hours or your account will be permanantly deleted!
Best,
Googel Support
“Get rich quick” Online Courses
Business Capital Raise Scam
Online Catfishing (Pig Butchering)
Receive Money, Keep a Percentage (Money Mule/Transfer Scam)
I have fallen victim to a scam, what do I do? If you suspect you have fallen victim to a scam, please reach out to the foundation immediately via the one-on-one link provided. Depending on the details of the scam, such as severity, impact, and the safety of the victims, we may be able to offer assistance or provide guidance to mitigate negative impacts.
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The Tools & Resources section encompasses tools and regional organizations that can help empower your financial journey, from budgeting to seeking aid.
Overview: The financial resources below are a compilation of apps and tools identified by Collatz that can be beneficial in one’s financial success. These range from tools in budgeting, non-profit aid and maintaining consistency in one’s financial plan.
Mobile Apps
Below is a table that includes some helpful finance resources
Resource | Description | Cost |
Mother Finance | Budgeting | Free |
KBZ Pay | Payments | Free |
AGD Pay | Payments | Free |
Organizations & Programs
Definitions
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Financial terminology encompasses the specialized language(jargon) used to describe various aspects of money management, investment strategies, and economic concepts, essential for effective communication and understanding in the world of finance. Click here to learn the most common terms!
Income: The money received regularly for work or through investments.
Expenses: The costs incurred for goods, services, and bills.
Emergency Fund: Savings set aside specifically for unexpected expenses or emergencies.
Credit Card: A card allowing the holder to make purchases on credit(borrowed money), with a limit set by the card issuer.
Loan: A sum of money borrowed from a lender, to be repaid with interest.
Bankruptcy: A legal status of being unable to repay debts, resulting in a court process to resolve financial obligations.
Compound Interest: Earning interest on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest over time.
Retirement Account: A tax-advantaged investment account to save for retirement, often offered by employers.
Net Income: The amount of money left after deducting taxes and other deductions from one’s gross income.
Assets vs. Liabilities: Assets are what you own, while liabilities are what you owe. The difference is your net worth.
Credit Report: A detailed record of a person’s credit history, including credit cards, loans, and payment history.
Budgeting: Creating a plan to manage and allocate money for various expenses and savings.
Down Payment: A portion of the total cost paid upfront when making a big purchase, like a home or car.
Insurance: A financial arrangement that provides protection against financial loss or risk.
Depreciation: A decrease in the value of an asset over time.
Inheritance: Money or assets passed down to heirs after someone’s death.
Stocks: Ownership shares in a company, representing a claim on part of the company’s assets and earnings.
Mutual Fund: An investment vehicle that pools money from many investors to buy a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities.
Interest: The cost of borrowing money or the return on investment, expressed as a percentage.
Principal: The initial amount of money borrowed or invested, on which interest is calculated.
Simple Interest: Interest calculated only on the initial principal amount over a specified period.
Compound Interest: Interest calculated on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest from previous periods.
Rate of Interest: The percentage at which interest is charged or earned over a specified period.
Lender: An individual, institution, or entity that provides money to a borrower, typically in exchange for interest.
Borrower: An individual, company, or entity that receives money from a lender with the obligation to repay it, usually with interest.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The total cost of borrowing, expressed as a yearly interest rate, including fees and other costs.
Term: The period for which a loan or investment is agreed upon, influencing the total interest paid or earned.
Fixed Interest Rate: An interest rate that remains constant throughout the term of a loan or investment.
Variable Interest Rate: An interest rate that can change over time, typically influenced by market conditions.
Credit Card Interest: The interest charged on outstanding balances(money owed) of credit card debt.
APY (Annual Percentage Yield): The total annual interest earned on an investment, including compounding, expressed as a percentage.
Prime Rate: The interest rate at which banks lend to their most creditworthy customers.
Installment Loan: A loan repaid with a fixed number of equal payments over a specified period.
Interest-Only Loan: A loan where the borrower pays only the interest for a certain period before starting to repay the principal.
Usury: The illegal or unethical practice of charging excessively high interest rates on loans.
Default: Failing to meet the agreed-upon terms of a loan, such as missing payments, leading to financial consequences.
Prepayment: Paying off a loan or part of a loan before the scheduled due date.
Credit Score: A numerical representation of an individual’s creditworthiness, influencing the interest rates they may be offered.