Singapore

AML / KYC

MAS Publishes Responses to VCC Consultation Papers

By Editors | 16/01/2020

VCCs are required to engage an Eligible Financial Institution, or EFI, to perform necessary AML/CFT checks and maintain the register of controllers, nominee directors and beneficial owners.

Securities / Derivatives

SGX Proposes Tighter Auditing, Property Valuation Standards

By Editors | 16/01/2020

Foreign issuers may appoint foreign auditors, but an ACRA-registered firm must also serve as a joint auditor. Standards for property valuations by issuers are also being raised.

ESG / Sustainability

Singapore Launches New VCC Framework for Funds

By Manesh Samtani | 15/01/2020

To mark the launch, 20 investment funds have established or re-redomiciled in Singapore as VCCs. To encourage adoption, MAS will fund up to 70% of eligible expenses to set up a VCC.

AML / KYC

Singapore Convicts a Second National for Terrorism Financing

By Editors | 15/01/2020

Imran Kassim became the first Singapore national to be charged for terrorism financing last April, but is the second to be convicted and sentenced.

Securities / Derivatives

SGX Enhances Listing Due Diligence Standards for Issue Managers

By Editors | 13/01/2020

The ABS listings due diligence guidelines and independence requirements have been incorporated into SGX’s mainboard listing rules.

Enforcement

SGX RegCo Adopts Risk-Based Approach to Quarterly Reporting

By Manesh Samtani | 10/01/2020

A new risk-based approach to quarterly reporting and stronger continuous disclosure requirements will apply from 7 February. The new whistleblowing office has also been established.

Securities / Derivatives

Singapore Fund Managers See Opportunity in ESG Investing: IMAS

By Manesh Samtani | 08/01/2020

The 5th annual IMAS Investment Managers’ Outlook Survey shows that 2020 could be the biggest year yet for ESG investing for Singapore fund managers.

Market Infrastructure

UPDATED – 21 Digital Bank Licence Applications Received: MAS

By Editors | 07/01/2020

MAS will announce the successful applicants in June 2020. The new digital bank licencees will be expected to commence business by mid-2021.

Market Infrastructure

UPDATED – Known Applicants for Singapore Digital Bank Licences

By Manesh Samtani | 05/01/2020

Grab, Singtel, Razer, Ant Financial, V3 Group, EZ-Link, iFast Corporation, ByteDance, AMTD, Xiaomi, PhillipCapital, Temasek, Enigma Group and Singapura Finance are among applicants.