Malaysian credit recovery agencies form AMCRA to align with Consumer Credit Act 2025 and promote ethics
PETALING JAYA: The Association of Malaysian Credit Recovery Agencies (AMCRA) has been established to support Malaysia’s newly regulated credit recovery industry under the Consumer Credit Act 2025 (Act 873), marking a pivotal shift towards greater professionalism and consumer protection in the sector.
The formation of AMCRA represents a unified response from credit recovery agencies seeking to align with the country’s new regulatory framework overseen by the Consumer Credit Oversight Board (CCOB). The association will be officially launched on January 29, (Thursday) in Kuala Lumpur.
For years, Malaysia’s credit recovery sector operated in a fragmented environment with varying standards and limited formal coordination. The Consumer Credit Act 2025 introduces mandatory licensing for debt recovery agencies and explicitly prohibits harassment, threats, intimidation, and public shaming during collection activities.
“The credit recovery industry plays an integral role in the financial ecosystem, supporting responsible lending and financial stability,” said Rohan Jayaratnam (pic), President of AMCRA.
“We welcome the Consumer Credit Act and the establishment of the CCOB as an important step towards creating a more structured, transparent, and professional environment for all stakeholders.”
AMCRA was formed to serve as a coordinated platform for licensed agencies to engage constructively with regulators and policymakers. The association aims to facilitate meaningful dialogue with the CCOB while ensuring industry realities are understood and ethical standards are consistently applied.
“AMCRA was established to give the industry a coordinated voice and to facilitate meaningful engagement with the CCOB,” Rohan explained.
“Our objective is not to resist regulation, but to support it by ensuring that industry realities are understood, best practices are upheld, and ethical standards are consistently applied.”
Datuk Mohd Shahrom, Deputy President of AMCRA, emphasised that the new regulatory framework presents an opportunity to elevate industry standards further.
“A well-regulated environment encourages responsible behaviour and raises standards across the board,” he said. “When agencies operate within clear guidelines, it protects consumers, supports creditors, and strengthens the credibility of the entire industry.”
The credit recovery sector employs thousands of Malaysians and forms a critical link between creditors and borrowers. Industry leaders believe that proper oversight will benefit financial institutions, debtors, and the wider public by promoting fair treatment, reducing misconduct, and improving trust.
AMCRA believes that collaboration between regulators, financial institutions, and licensed credit recovery agencies will lead to a healthier and more sustainable credit ecosystem in Malaysia.
The association is committed to upholding best practices while advocating for policies that balance consumer protection with the operational realities of credit recovery.
The Association will formally introduce its mandate, objectives, and industry commitments during its Official Launch & Media Announcement on January 29, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, where industry stakeholders and invited guests will gather to mark this milestone.
For more information, visit www.amcra.com.my or contact the AMCRA Secretariat at [email protected].
