SWOT analysis for Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPPA): A case of Malaysian unit trust companies

The study aims to identify the initial expectations of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by the Malaysian Unit Trust Companies (UTC) involved in the Comprehensive and Progressive for Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPPA) which has been officially signed on 8 March 2018. As the CPTPPA will affect the asset portfolio investment in capital markets and stock markets, then UTC need to prepare in terms of knowing their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This study uses qualitative methods through an in-depth interview on fund managers. The findings found that the UTC should utilise strengths such as market analysis skills and offering attractive new financial instruments across borders. The results show that there is inadequate preparation made by the UTC to confront the CPTPPA due to the lack of detailed information provided by government agencies. UTC have identified several opportunities such as the increase in GDP and exports as a result of the CPTPPA. Among the identified threats is the liberalization of the local market and the absence of specific regulations. Therefore, UTC need to analyze and formulate strategies in dealing with CPTPPA.