Monetary Authority of Singapore

PEPs & Sanctions

MAS Clarifies Sanctions Scope After Russia-Linked Stablecoin Appears at Conference

By Manesh Samtani | 08/10/2025

The issuer of A7A5, owned by a sanctioned Moldovan fugitive banker and Russia’s state-owned Promsvyazbank, was featured as a sponsor at Token2049.

Market Abuse

Former REIT Manager Charged for Insider Trading, MAS Reveals

By Nithya Subramanian | 06/10/2025

Xie Jianfeng faces insider trading and deception charges under the Securities and Futures Act for trades made while privy to confidential financial results.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Singapore Enhances Anti-Scam Safeguards for High-value Transfers

By Nithya Subramanian | 05/10/2025

Seven major banks will apply enhanced fraud checks on accounts above SGD 50,000 to curb scams that rapidly drain customer accounts.

Stablecoins

OKX Enables Stablecoin Payments at GrabPay Merchants in Singapore

By Nithya Subramanian | 02/10/2025

The launch of OKX Pay allows Singapore consumers to use USDT and USDC for daily purchases at GrabPay merchants, with payments settled in Singapore dollars via StraitsX’s XSGD stablecoin.

Cybersecurity

APAC Payments Sector Faces Urgent Call to Act on Quantum Computing Risks

By Editors | 02/10/2025

An industry report warns of "harvest-now, decrypt-later" cyber threats and urges banks and payment providers to upgrade cryptographic defences amid a significant awareness gap.

AI Risk & Governance

MAS to Simplify Tax Scheme, Account Opening for Family Offices

By Nithya Subramanian | 30/09/2025

MAS will ease reporting and documentation for family office tax schemes, while a new working group is targeting more efficient account opening through AI.

Cybersecurity

MAS Completes Quantum Security Trials to Safeguard Financial Networks

By Nithya Subramanian | 30/09/2025

A proof-of-concept sandbox on QKD highlighted both benefits and gaps, with findings revealing the need for interoperability, stronger assurance, and international standards.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Singapore Banks, ABS to Develop Guidelines to Shield Seniors from Financial Abuse

By Nithya Subramanian | 29/09/2025

Singapore banks are stepping up training for front-line staff to spot signs of elderly customers being financially abused by family members.

KYC & CDD

Singapore Cuts Family Office Application Time from 12 to Three Months

By Editors | 26/09/2025

The move is part of a broader strategy to improve client onboarding and strengthen Singapore's position as a leading international wealth management centre.