OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Malaysia is planning to liberalize its financial sector by allowing more foreign operators in the insurance and banking industry and issuing nine new licenses for the two sectors. BestWeek Asia/Pacific examines what has happened and what it means for insurers.

A.M. Best Co.’s BestWeek Asia/Pacific is a multimedia online digital newsletter for insurance professionals. The 5 May edition is available at www.bestweek.com/bwap050509.html or by visiting www.bestweek.com.

This week’s edition also examines takaful, or Islamic insurance, which is expected to grow rapidly in Asia and the Middle East, as insurance regulators and companies are taking steps to improve and standardize operating models in an effort to make the products appeal to a wider market.

The edition includes an audio interview with Daniel Staib, Swiss Re vice president and senior economist of economic research consulting and client markets, on the growing takaful marketplace.

Video reports include a review of the A.M. Best Stock Indexes for Asia/Pacific, Global Brokers and Global Reinsurers and video news updates.

For a complimentary subscription, visit www.bestweek.asia.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care system providers. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.