MONETARY AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE

AML / KYC

MAS Fines Five Payment Firms for AML/CFT Lapses

By Nithya Subramanian | 01/07/2025

MAS investigations found lapses in customer due diligence, identifying beneficial owners and cross-border transaction monitoring.

Securities / Derivatives

Singapore Retail Investors Face Hurdles Exercising Rights: Survey

By Nithya Subramanian | 30/06/2025

The SIAS survey revealed that retail investors continue to face challenges in exercising their rights and calls for stronger protections.

MAS to Consider Stronger Safeguards for Inter-bank Transfers

By Nithya Subramanian | 27/06/2025

Currently, with no built-in verification of recipient names, the onus is on the sender to ensure the accuracy of inter-bank transfers.

Capital / Liquidity

MAS Issues New Guidance to Strengthen VCC Governance

By Nithya Subramanian | 27/06/2025

A thematic review revealed gaps in custody arrangements, director appointments, fund management substance, and AML controls.

Fintech / Regtech

MAS, ABS Launch Entity to Govern Singapore’s Payment Schemes

By Nithya Subramanian | 26/06/2025

The new not-for-profit entity, formed by MAS and several D-SIBs, will transition to full operational readiness by end-2026.

Big Picture

UK Regulators Told to Learn from Singapore’s Pro-Business Model

By Thisanka Siripala | 16/06/2025

A House of Lords committee said Singapore’s faster approvals and pro-business culture should guide UK reforms to enhance competitiveness and growth.

Securities / Derivatives

The Path to Readiness for HKMA’s Derivatives Reporting Rewrite

By Priya Kundamal | 16/06/2025

HKMA’s new derivatives reporting rules require firms to prioritise testing and stakeholder engagement, writes DTCC’s Priya Kundamal.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Bitget and Bybit Consider Move Away from Singapore: Report

By Nithya Subramanian | 12/06/2025

Both firms, which operate in Singapore without a full licence, are considering reassigning staff to Dubai or Hong Kong.

Fintech / Regtech

MAS Sets Deadline for Mandatory 2FA on Online Financial Platforms

By Nithya Subramanian | 12/06/2025

MAS has set a 12 September 2025 deadline for financial institutions to implement 2FA. Other safeguards include prompt notifications and strong password policies.