Singapore

Crypto / Digital Assets

MAS Consults on Adoption of BCBS Crypto Standards

By Nithya Subramanian | 28/03/2025

MAS seeks feedback on eligible reserve assets for unbacked cryptocurrencies, and proposes that AT1 and T2 capital instruments issued to retail investors shouldn’t count as regulatory capital.

ESG / Sustainability

UOB Becomes First Singapore Bank to Publish TNFD-aligned Report

By Nithya Subramanian | 27/03/2025

UOB will prioritise the agriculture, metals and mining, and built environment sectors, as they are “the most material in terms of portfolio size and potential risk”.

AML / KYC

MAS Releases Paper to Strengthen Singapore’s Defences Against PF Risk

By Nithya Subramanian | 26/03/2025

The paper provides guidance on PF risks and typologies, risk assessment methodologies, mitigation strategies, and AI-driven detection solutions.

Enforcement

MAS Imposes Six-Year Ban on ex-Financial Adviser

By Mark Johnston | 24/03/2025

A former Professional Investment Advisory Services representative has received a prohibition order for forgery and cheating convictions.

Singapore Family Office Sues Ex-Employees for S$74m Fraud

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/03/2025

Chinese businessman has accused former staff of fabricating transactions and documents to siphon funds from his family office.

Capital / Liquidity

Singapore Banks to Take Steps to Reduce Excess Capital – Report

By Manesh Samtani | 19/03/2025

S&P Global Ratings says the Basel reforms raised capital ratios at Singapore banks, and they are now likely to take steps to cut back on this excess capital.

Crypto / Digital Assets

MAS Grants In-Principle Approval to Crypto Major Cumberland

By Nithya Subramanian | 19/03/2025

Cumberland’s regulatory progress in Singapore comes after the US SEC agreed to drop its lawsuit against the firm earlier this month.

Enforcement

Taiwan Fines Singapore Fintech Firm Over China Links

By Nithya Subramanian | 19/03/2025

AnyTech violated Taiwan’s investment norms due to links to a Beijing-based investor. Cathay United Bank terminated its contract with the Singapore company.

ESG / Sustainability

Singapore’s Banks Embrace the Singapore-Asia Taxonomy

By Nithya Subramanian | 19/03/2025

MAS information paper reveals how banks are referencing the taxonomy in their sustainable financing frameworks.