Gold has long been viewed as a reliable way to preserve wealth and hedge against economic uncertainty. But for modern Malaysian investors, the question is not whether to invest in gold — it is how. Wahed is a Shariah-compliant digital investment platform that launched in Malaysia in 2019, offering a way to invest in gold without the hassle of storing physical bars or worrying about security. But is it right for you? This guide answers everything you need to know before investing.
- Wahed gold investment works through the TradePlus Shariah Gold Tracker ETF — you own ETF units backed by 95% physical gold
- Minimum investment is just RM100 — one of the most accessible gold options in Malaysia
- Total annual cost is approximately 1.42% — higher than direct platforms but includes storage, security and management
- Fully Shariah-compliant, SC Malaysia regulated, and includes a Zakat calculator for your gold holdings
What is Wahed Invest?
Wahed is a robo-advisor platform — a digital investment service that uses algorithms to build and manage your portfolio automatically. It is the world’s first automated Shariah-compliant wealth advisor, operating in Malaysia since 2019 under Securities Commission Malaysia licence (eCMSL/A0359/2019).
Think of it as a set-and-forget investment tool. You deposit money, tell Wahed your risk tolerance, and the platform handles the rest — choosing investments, rebalancing your portfolio, and charging a single transparent fee. Wahed invests in a diversified mix of halal assets including global equities, sukuk (Islamic bonds), real estate and gold. You can learn more at wahed.com/mme.
How Does Wahed’s Gold Investment Work?
When you invest in Wahed’s gold portfolio, your money goes into the TradePlus Shariah Gold Tracker ETF — Malaysia’s first Shariah-compliant commodity ETF, tradeable on Bursa Malaysia. Here is what that means in plain English:
The ETF tracks the price of gold closely. When gold prices go up, your investment value goes up. When they fall, so does your portfolio. This is different from MIGA or Bursa Gold Dinar where you directly buy and sell gold — with Wahed, gold is one component of a managed portfolio. Read our MIGA full review and Malaysian gold investment guide for comparison.
How Much Does It Cost?
There is what Wahed charges you directly, and there are the underlying fund costs you need to be aware of.
💡 MyFinanceMemo Tip: The 1.42% total annual cost is higher than buying gold directly through Bursa Gold Dinar (0.40% round trip). However with Wahed you are paying for automated management, secure storage and portfolio rebalancing. Use our Compound Interest Calculator to model how fees affect your returns over 10 to 20 years.
Requirements to Open an Account
Is It Shariah-Compliant?
Yes — and this is a core part of Wahed’s identity. Wahed has appointed the Shariyah Review Bureau (SRB) as its Shariah committee, a body of scholars with Islamic finance presence in over 15 jurisdictions. The TradePlus Shariah Gold Tracker ETF is Malaysia’s first Shariah-compliant commodity ETF, guided by Amanie Shariah Advisors. Wahed’s portfolios avoid alcohol, gambling, tobacco and interest-based investments entirely.
Wahed also provides a Zakat calculator specifically designed to calculate Zakat on your investments including ETFs, stocks, sukuk, gold and cash. Gold is fully liquid and Zakatable at 100% of its value. If your gold savings reach the nisab threshold of 85 grams, Zakat of 2.5% applies.
What Are the Risks?
Wahed vs Other Gold Investment Options in Malaysia
Who Is Wahed Gold For?
Wahed gold suits Muslim investors seeking Shariah-compliant options, beginners who want to start with as little as RM100, people who do not want to deal with physical gold storage, and those who prefer a set-and-forget approach with gold as part of a broader diversified portfolio.
It is not ideal for investors who want to hold physical gold directly, those seeking the absolute lowest possible fees, or short-term traders. Gold is a long-term hedge, not a trading vehicle.
“Wahed makes gold investing accessible, halal and completely hassle-free — no storage worries, no security concerns, and fully regulated by SC Malaysia.”
— MyFinanceMemo Editorial Team
Wahed’s gold investment offers a convenient, accessible and Shariah-compliant way to gain exposure to gold in Malaysia. The RM100 minimum makes it one of the most accessible options available. The trade-off is the higher annual cost of approximately 1.42% — but you are paying for automated management, secure storage and portfolio rebalancing. If you want a hassle-free, halal way to add gold to your portfolio, Wahed is a solid option. Sign up at wahed.com and use referral code ABDLUQ1 for a free RM20 bonus when you join.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Gold prices are volatile and all investments carry risk including the potential loss of principal. The referral bonus is subject to Wahed’s terms and conditions. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Always verify platforms on SC Malaysia before investing.
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