by jiawen
Share
Share
Financial inclusion is one of the key enablers in boosting economic growth and reducing poverty particularly in developing countries. Explore our insights on the importance of financial inclusion if you would like to know more. G20, a collective body that made up of both developed countries and emerging countries, is focusing on building a roadmap that can enhance cross-border payments. Their ultimate goals are to drive down the cost, enhance the speed and promote financial inclusion. Although Singapore is not a member of G20, the country is showing support to the G20’s initiatives and willing to play a part in reforming global financial system. Further to that, as the ASEAN member country, Singapore strives to achieve the goal of financial integration by 2025 in order to build strong ties with other member countries.
Singapore’s collaboration with other ASEAN countries
Last month in November, Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has announced their partnership with central bank of the Philippines, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). This is a significant milestone for both countries in facilitating transfers between Singapore and the Philippines. On the other hand, the increasing number of Malaysian migrants in Singapore and growing economic activities have triggered a surge in volume of remittances between two countries, which hit RM4.2 billion (approximately SG$1.3 billion) in 2020. On top of that, the rise of digital payment adoption further intensified the need for a seamless cross-border payment system. For this reason, MAS is working closely together with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to establish a Duit Now-Pay Now linkage. This enables users to make instant transfers between Singapore and Malaysia using a phone number. Such collaborations with neighbouring countries help to drive interoperability of cross-border money transfer and promote ASEAN financial integration.
What are the building blocks to enhance cross-border payments?
With reference to the report published by Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMI), we can classify the set of building blocks into five focus areas. These areas include (i) public and private sector commitment; (ii) regulatory, supervisory and oversight framework; (iii) existing payment infrastructures and arrangements; (iv) data and market practices; and (v) new payment infrastructures and arrangements. To summarise, it is important for public and private sectors to share a common vision and target while easing the process of sending and receiving funds across borders. This requires a consistent, relevant rules and standards that will not compromise or weaken the regulations of another jurisdiction. Other than making continuous technical and operational improvements, exploration of new cross-border payment infrastructure and standardisation of data exchange can also help to tackle some of the cross-border payment frictions and form a strong base that supports the practical implementation of the roadmap.
Conclusion
With an increasing number of international trade and investment, it has changed the existing payment ecosystem and resulted in the rising demand for a faster, cost effective and inclusive cross-border payment. Countries can cater to the rising demand by establishing an integrated solution with a sound management of money laundering and terrorist financing risks that can enhance cross-border connectivity. In brief, cross-border payments can serve as an engine stimulating post pandemic economic growth and enabling interoperable payments among participating countries.
How We Can Help
- Offer Professional Advice on the Specific Licence Requirements
- Assist with the PSP Licence Application
- Review the Submission Documents (Form 1 and the supporting documents)
- Liaise with MAS on Licence Application-related matters
- Provide On-going Compliance Support Post-Licence Approval
Reference Materials
Bank for International Settlements (2020). ‘Enhancing cross-border payments: building blocks of a global roadmap’. Available at: https://www.bis.org/cpmi/publ/d193.pdf
Bank Negara Malaysia (2021). ‘Malaysia’s DuitNow and Singapore’s PayNow to Link in 2022’. Available at: https://www.bnm.gov.my/-/malaysia-duitnow-and-singapore-paynow-link-in-2022
Monetary Authority of Singapore (2021). ‘MAS and BSP to Pursue Cross-border Payment Linkages’. Available at: https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/media-releases/2021/mas-and-bsp-to-pursue-cross-border-payment-linkages
Singapore remains one of the world’s top destinations for fund managers, managing S$6.07 trillion in assets as of December 2024. To operate locally, all fund management companies must be licensed or registered with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Securities and Futures Act (SFA). This guide outlines the key licensing requirements under MAS’s latest framework.
On 25 September 2025, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) issued the Guidelines on Standards of Conduct for Digital Advertising Activities. These new rules, effective 25 March 2026, apply to all financial institutions (FIs) and their appointed digital marketers — including agencies, affiliates, and influencers (“finfluencers”).
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Singapore imposed targeted financial measures under MAS’s notice dated 13 March 2022. These measures prohibit financial institutions from conducting transactions or providing financial assistance to designated Russian banks, entities, and individuals. Institutions must freeze related assets and restrict dealings involving controlled strategic or dual-use goods bound for Russia. MAS’s directive highlights the importance of vigilance, robust due diligence, and strong compliance controls to ensure adherence to Singapore’s sanctions regime.
As Singapore positions itself as a global FinTech hub, cryptocurrency activities are gaining traction under tighter regulatory oversight. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) now requires all Digital Payment Token (DPT) service providers to be licensed and meet stringent AML/CFT and technology risk management standards. Whether you’re an exchange operator or an investor exploring the digital asset space, understanding the Payment Services Act is essential to staying compliant and future-ready.
