For years, many financial institutions (FIs) in Singapore treated their Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) frameworks as a “set and forget” exercise. As long as the Enterprise-Wide
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.
Singapore continues to advance as a global crypto hub under the Payment Services Act (PS Act). With stricter oversight by MAS to address ML/TF, cyber, and consumer protection risks, crypto service providers are expected to strengthen compliance, risk management, and cyber resilience to operate responsibly in this evolving landscape.
Interoperability lies at the heart of seamless cross-border transactions, empowering businesses and individuals to send and receive money effortlessly across borders. With rising global payment flows and demand for faster, cheaper, and more inclusive services, Singapore is taking the lead through innovative FinTech solutions. From PayNow-PromptPay linkages to the ambitious Project Nexus, Singapore’s initiatives are driving real-time connectivity and fostering financial inclusion across the region — paving the way for a borderless payments future.
Financial inclusion fuels economic growth and reduces poverty, especially in developing regions. Singapore supports global initiatives like the G20 roadmap to make cross-border payments faster, cheaper, and more accessible. Through partnerships with ASEAN neighbours such as Malaysia and the Philippines, Singapore is enhancing interoperability and building a more connected regional payment ecosystem — a vital step toward inclusive and sustainable financial integration.
The urgency to tackle climate change has never been greater. From COP26 commitments to phase out coal and end deforestation, to Singapore’s own green finance initiatives under Project Greenprint and membership in the Powering Past Coal Alliance, global and regional efforts are accelerating toward a net-zero future. Collective action from governments, businesses, and financial institutions is essential to drive meaningful progress and align ESG practices with global climate goals.
