Monetary Authority of Singapore
All news and announcements from the MAS (Singapore).
2027 Singapore Government Securities (SGS) Issuance Calendar
Why this matters
The document is an MAS publication of the 2027 SGS issuance calendar, attached as a PDF, with no obligations, rule text, or enforcement content. It is informational and operational, so it fits 'news' rather than regulatory_notice.
The National University of Singapore and MAS have jointly appointed Professor Davin Chor as the MAS Term Professor in Economics and Finance from 5 to 11 November 2026.
Why this matters
The document is an MAS and NUS press release announcing Professor Davin Chor as the 26th MAS Term Professor, including his hosting arrangements, a public lecture, and engagement sessions. It is organisational and event news.
MAS announced that the Future of Finance Institute (FFI) has commenced operations, following the June 2026 announcement of its establishment. FFI aims to accelerate the adoption of new financial technologies and catalyse innovation in the financial sector.
Why this matters
This is a MAS media release announcing that the Future of Finance Institute has commenced operations, along with its three AI-focused pillars, an interim CEO appointment, and a statement from the Managing Director. It is organisational news rather than guidance or a rule.
The Singapore Payments Network (SPaN), a not-for-profit entity set up by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) to administer and govern Singapore’s national payment schemes, has appointed its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Directors.
Why this matters
The document is an organisational announcement by MAS about SPaN's appointment of its inaugural CEO and 11-member Board, with operations starting in early 2027 and transfer of national payment schemes from current administrators.
MAS announced that Bank Negara Malaysia and Bank of Thailand have joined the BLOOM (Borderless, Liquid, Open, Online, Multi-currency) initiative as policymaker members.
Why this matters
This is an organisational announcement that BNM and BOT have joined BLOOM as policymaker members and that new industry participants have been added. It describes a collaborative initiative on cross-border settlement, acceptance, interoperability and programmable controls for digital money such as tokenised deposits...
The United Kingdom (UK) and Singapore held the 11th UK-Singapore Financial Dialogue in Singapore today. Reaffirming their strong and longstanding partnership, the discussions focused on advancing cooperation in digital finance and innovation, capital markets, sustainable finance, and regional and multilateral…
Why this matters
The document reports on the 11th UK-Singapore Financial Dialogue, an event with officials discussing cooperation on digital finance, capital markets, and sustainable finance. It announces no rules, consultations, or enforcement, and it sets no compliance dates.
MAS announced the 42 finalists for the 2026 Global FinTech Hackcelerator and the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) FinTech Excellence Awards. The winners will be revealed at the SFF FinTech Excellence Awards 2026 dinner on 19 November 2026.
Why this matters
This is a MAS media release announcing finalists for the 2026 Global FinTech Hackcelerator and SFF FinTech Excellence Awards, with winners to be revealed at later events. It describes prize money, pilot opportunities, and a grant that are voluntary participation routes, not regulatory requirements.
MAS today announced the appointment of Mr Loh Khum Yean to its Board of Directors from 1 November 2026 to 31 May 2029.
Why this matters
The announcement covers the appointment of Mr Loh Khum Yean to the MAS Board from 1 November 2026 and the board composition annex. It imposes no requirements and does not point to any sector or firm type, so the sector is General. The only topic the text supports is board governance at the regulator.
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on EQDP Phase 3 manager appointments and award terms.
Why this matters
This is a parliamentary reply announcing the appointment of the third batch of five asset managers under the EQDP and allocation of S$1.45 billion. It confirms that appointment terms and performance indicators follow a consistent framework aligned with programme objectives.
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on the International Postings Programme.
Why this matters
The content is a written parliamentary reply disclosing historical statistics about the International Postings Programme (iPOST), a talent mobility initiative launched in 2016.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore announced changes to its senior management team, which will take effect on 1 November 2026.
Why this matters
The update describes organizational restructuring and leadership transitions at MAS effective 1 November 2026. While it involves senior management changes across multiple departments (Corporate Development, Policy & Payments & Financial Crime, Development & International, Anti-Money Laundering), the content is purely...
MAS announced today the appointment of the third batch of five asset managers under the Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP) and the commitment of S$20 million from the FSDF for a new GEMS Market Making Grant to support market making activities in SGX-listed stocks till 31 December 2028.
Why this matters
This is an informational news release announcing MAS's appointment of five asset managers under the EQDP programme and a new market-making grant scheme. While it reflects regulatory policy direction and market development initiatives, it is not a binding obligation or enforcement action.
China, 18 September 2026… The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the People’s Bank of China (PBC) held the 4th annual Singapore-China Green Finance Taskforce (GFTF) meeting in Nanning, China on 17 September 2026.
Why this matters
This is a news release documenting the 4th Singapore-China Green Finance Taskforce meeting. It announces collaborative initiatives on taxonomy standards, green panda bonds, technology solutions, and emerging areas (biodiversity credits, climate insurance, carbon markets).
The explanatory brief for the Financial Services and Markets (Amendment) Bill 2026 provides the background and key amendments of the Bill.
Why this matters
This is a legislative update moving through Parliament that imposes new prudential obligations (TLAC minimum levels) on Division 6 financial institutions. The bill has completed public consultation and is now at First Reading stage, indicating imminent binding effect.
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on impact of the tax incentive conditions under the Income Tax Act and Philanthropy Tax Incentive Scheme
Why this matters
This is a written parliamentary reply explaining the Government's position on tax incentive tracking for family offices under existing schemes. It confirms that MAS does not track social contributions from SFOs, provides statistics on PTIS recipients and donations channelled (8 approved recipients, S$30M+ in...
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on the Investment Management Track under the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass framework
Why this matters
This is a written parliamentary reply addressing concerns about the ONE Pass Investment Management Track's impact on local employment and career progression in asset management. It confirms existing policy positions and talent development initiatives rather than announcing new regulatory requirements.
Written reply to Parliamentary Questions on impact of China's offshore trust taxation on Singapore's wealth management sector
Why this matters
This is a parliamentary Q&A response addressing concerns about China's new offshore trust tax rules and their impact on Singapore's wealth management sector. The content is informational and reassuring in nature—MAS reports no significant impact observed thus far, reaffirms Singapore's regulatory strengths, and...
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on the Hedge Fund Investment Programme
Why this matters
This is a parliamentary reply disclosing MAS's Hedge Fund Investment Programme (HFIP) design and selection approach. It outlines developmental commitment factors (nature/scale of activities, talent development, investment strategies, performance) and monitoring mechanisms, but is primarily informational and...
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on Singapore’s proposed profit-related returns exemption
Why this matters
This is a formal parliamentary reply from MAS leadership announcing a proposed tax exemption regime for asset managers. While framed as a response to parliamentary inquiry, it constitutes a policy announcement with concrete regulatory signals (exemption framework, industry consultation underway, Budget 2027 timeline).
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on the removal of the 5% cap on physical Investment Precious Metals from fund tax incentive schemes
Why this matters
This is a written parliamentary reply from MAS clarifying the removal of the 5% cap on physical investment precious metals in tax incentive schemes. It addresses fund manager regulatory obligations, defines what qualifies as IPM (excluding palladium), and explains the policy rationale.
MAS announced a S$220 million commitment over three years under the renewed Financial Sector Technology and Innovation Scheme (FSTI 4.0) to strengthen Singapore’s FinTech ecosystem and accelerate innovation and technology adoption across the financial sector.
Why this matters
This is a news release announcing a government-backed initiative (FSTI 4.0) with specific funding commitments, implementation tracks, and measurable targets (e.g., 1,000 internships, PathFin.ai platform).
Bank Indonesia (BI) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) today announced the operationalisation of a framework for the settlement of bilateral transactions between Indonesia and Singapore in their respective local currencies (LCT Framework).
Why this matters
This is an informational announcement of a framework operationalisation following prior MoU (2022) and operational guidelines agreement (2026). It designates specific banks as Appointed Cross Currency Dealers and establishes rules for Rupiah-Singapore Dollar settlement.
The Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) 2026 will take place from 18 to 20 November 2026, convening global technology and finance leaders to examine the structural forces rewiring the global financial system.
Why this matters
The content is a media release announcing the Singapore FinTech Festival 2026, a convening event organized by MAS and partners. It describes the festival's themes (AI, geoeconomics, capital, talent, policy) and special programmes, but contains no new rules, consultations, guidance, or enforcement precedents.
The measures comprise a tax exemption for profit-related returns from the provision of fund management services to qualifying funds; a new hedge fund investment programme to anchor leading hedge fund managers in Singapore; and a new Investment Management Track under the Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass…
MAS announced three measures on 19 August 2026 to improve Singapore’s competitiveness against rival asset-management centres: a proposed exemption for qualifying profit-related fund-management returns, a hedge-fund investment programme, and an Investment Management Track under the ONE Pass framework. Independent market coverage characterises the package as a response to growing international competition, particularly Hong Kong’s proposed carried-interest tax concessions, but the measures are not yet fully operational and key eligibility, application and calculation rules remain pending.
MAS and the Ministry of Finance plan to introduce a tax exemption from Year of Assessment 2027 for qualifying profit-related returns arising from fund-management services. The exemption is intended to cover a contractual share of profits of funds qualifying under Sections 13D, 13O, 13OA, 13U or 13V of the Income Tax Act 1947, where the funds are managed by Singapore-based fund managers and the returns are received directly or indirectly by corporate entities, partnerships or individuals for providing fund-management services.
The immediate compliance impact is limited because the announcement is a policy announcement rather than a final rule and does not impose a new obligation or provide complete eligibility criteria. The potential tax, structuring, remuneration and immigration impact is nevertheless material for Singapore-based managers and senior investment professionals, particularly because eligibility may depend on fund-tax status, Singapore economic substance and the contractual character of performance-linked returns.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the original MAS source before acting. Full disclaimer.
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on centralised digital service
Why this matters
Parliamentary reply regarding MAS's position on developing a centralised digital service for managing recurring payment authorisations. This is informational content addressing consumer protection and digital payment management capabilities across financial institutions and payment service providers.
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on corporate banking accounts opening
Why this matters
Parliamentary reply clarifying MAS position on corporate banking account opening requirements. Addresses customer due diligence practices and risk-based assessment for accounts with virtual/residential addresses. Informational content providing regulatory guidance on AML compliance and account authorization procedures.
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on the number of Single Family Offices
Why this matters
Parliamentary reply providing statistical update on Single Family Offices in Singapore. Reports 2,000+ SFOs receiving tax incentives as of December 2025, their AUM contribution to S$6.7 trillion asset management industry, and geographic distribution.
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on minors who incurred excessive or unauthorised spending through online platforms
Why this matters
Parliamentary reply addressing minors' unauthorized/excessive spending on online platforms. MAS clarifies it does not systematically collect complaint data, but confirms existing safeguards (transaction limits for under-16 accounts, credit card eligibility requirements).
MAS and ABS announced the establishment of the AI-Driven Cyber and Technology Risk Taskforce (ACT), an industry-wide initiative to strengthen collective cyber and technology resilience in response to the emerging risks posed by frontier AI models.
Why this matters
This is an informational announcement about a collaborative taskforce initiative between MAS and ABS to address AI-driven cyber threats in Singapore's financial sector.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Bank of Thailand signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cybersecurity Cooperation and Digital Fraud Protection.
Why this matters
MoU announcement between MAS and BOT establishing framework for cybersecurity cooperation and digital fraud protection. Informational content regarding regulatory coordination on cyber resilience and cross-border threat intelligence sharing.
In response to a forum letter suggesting about the use and acceptance of 5-cent coins, MAS explained there remains a use for 5-cent coins in Singapore and will continue issuing 5-cent coins to meet demand. Under the Currency Act, merchants are allowed to decide if they do not wish to accept certain coins for payment…
Why this matters
This is an informational response from MAS clarifying merchant rights regarding 5-cent coin acceptance under the Currency Act. It addresses consumer protection concerns about payment acceptance practices and legal tender definitions. The content is regulatory guidance rather than a directive requiring urgent action.
Singapore, 23 July 2026… The 31st Executives’ Meeting of East Asia-Pacific Central Banks (EMEAP)1 Governors’ Meeting was hosted by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in Singapore on 23 July 2026.
Why this matters
This is an informational news release about a central bank governors' meeting discussing macroeconomic developments and AI's impact on financial systems and stability. Primary focus is on technology (AI) implications and operational considerations for central banks and the broader financial sector.
MAS and the China Securities Regulatory Commission held their 10th annual supervisory roundtable in Singapore on 29 June 2026.
Why this matters
This is an informational news release announcing the 10th MAS-CSRC supervisory roundtable focused on capital markets cooperation, market infrastructure resilience, and regulatory developments.
MAS announced a call for applications and nominations for the 2026 Global FinTech Hackcelerator and the Singapore FinTech Festival FinTech Excellence Awards.
Why this matters
MAS announcement of 2026 FinTech Hackcelerator and Excellence Awards programs. Informational content inviting applications for innovation competitions focused on AI applications in digital banking, wealth management, and SME risk management. No compliance deadline or regulatory requirement imposed.
MAS announced that a Future of Finance Institute will be established to accelerate the adoption of new financial technologies and catalyse innovation in the financial sector.
Why this matters
MAS announcement establishing Future of Finance Institute to accelerate AI and tokenisation adoption across financial sector. Informational news update on regulatory initiative for innovation governance and industry collaboration framework.
MAS and ABS are exploring four areas of enhancements to Singapore's national instant payments infrastructure as part of a PayNow Generation 2 study.
Why this matters
This is an informational announcement about PayNow Generation 2 enhancements study by MAS and ABS. It covers instant payments infrastructure improvements including QR interoperability, online checkout experience, public-sector transactions, and expanded payment capabilities.
The Energy Transition Acceleration Finance partnership (ETAF) seeks to mobilise capital into earlier-stage or higher-risk energy transition infrastructure investments where financing is not otherwise available at a sufficient scale, tenor, or risk appetite. As these investments mature and their risk profiles improve…
Why this matters
This is an informational announcement about a blended finance fund (ETAF) under Singapore's FAST-P initiative achieving first close with US$250 million for energy transition infrastructure investments.
Singapore, 21 May 2026… The 13th Asian Monetary Policy Forum (AMPF), organised by the Asian Bureau of Finance and Economics Research (ABFER), the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), will take place in Singapore today and tomorrow. The AMPF brings…
Why this matters
This is an informational news release about an academic conference (13th Asian Monetary Policy Forum) organized by MAS, NUS, and ABFER. The forum discusses macroeconomic and monetary policy issues including AI, international monetary system transformation, trade systems, and global financial risks.
MAS today announced the the appointment of Mr Ong Pang Thye to its Board of Directors. MAS also announced the re-appointment of four existing Directors, including its Chairman, Mr Gan Kim Yong and its Managing Director, Mr Chia Der Jiun.
MAS is conducting a Proof-of-Value (POV) to explore artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques for pre-emptive scam detection.
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on Variable Capital Companies (VCCs)
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) provides information on the current state of Variable Capital Companies (VCCs) in Singapore, including the number of VCCs, those without assets or investors, and supervisory interventions.
The explanatory brief for the Securities and Futures (Amendment) Bill 2026 provides the background and key amendments of the Bill.
Why this matters
The regulatory update introduces a new framework for a dual-listing board, which will impact capital markets participants such as broker-dealers, asset managers, and banks. It also covers changes to market abuse provisions and reporting/disclosure requirements, which are of medium importance.
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on timeline for making cash acceptance mandatory
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses the timeline for making cash acceptance mandatory, which impacts banks, fintechs, and payment providers in terms of consumer protection, operational resilience, and licensing requirements.
MAS and the Singapore Bullion Market Association (SBMA) set out key focus areas to strengthen Singapore’s position as a trusted gold trading centre serving the Asia-Pacific region. This will meet the growing interest among investors to vault and trade gold in Singapore. The key focus areas were developed by a Gold…
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) outlines key focus areas to develop Singapore as a gold trading center, which is relevant for banks, wealth managers, and family offices involved in precious metals trading and investment.
MAS announced the successful conclusion of phase two of Project MindForge, which culminates in the publication of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Risk Management Toolkit for the financial services sector.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announces the development of an AI Risk Management Toolkit for the financial sector. It is a significant initiative to provide guidance and resources for financial institutions on managing AI-related risks across different AI technologies.
Singapore, 9 March 2026…The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Economic Society of Singapore (ESS) today launched the MAS-ESS Essay Competition 2026. The theme for this year’s competition is “Singapore’s AI-Driven Economic Future: How can artificial intelligence reshape our industries, workforce, and…
Why this matters
This is an informational announcement about an essay competition focused on the impact of AI on Singapore's economy and industries. It is of general interest to the financial sector, particularly banks, wealth managers, and fintechs, as they are likely to be impacted by AI developments.
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on green, social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked loans
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) provides information on the total value and number of green, social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked loans originated by financial institutions in Singapore over the past five years.
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on Philanthropic Contributions by Single Family Offices
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses philanthropic contributions made by Single Family Offices, which are relevant to the Wealth & Private Banking and Investment Management sectors.
Written reply to Parliamentary Questions on Visa and Mastercard Fees
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) provides information on the oversight and monitoring of interchange fees and merchant costs related to Visa and Mastercard payments in Singapore. It is relevant for banks and payment providers operating in the country.
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on New Currency Note Series
Why this matters
This is a regulatory update from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) regarding the issuance of a new series of Singapore dollar banknotes. It is of general interest to the banking and financial services industry, including banks, wealth managers, and other financial firms.
NUS and MAS have jointly appointed Professor Arvind Krishnamurthy as the MAS Distinguished Term Professor in Economics and Finance from 18 to 28 February 2026.
Why this matters
This is an informational news release about the appointment of a distinguished finance professor to a visiting role at NUS and MAS. It does not appear to contain any urgent regulatory updates, but rather highlights the academic and policy expertise of the professor and the MAS Term Professorship program.
Singapore, 13 February 2026… The Prime Minister and Minister for Finance announced at his 2026 Budget Statement the establishment of a workgroup to develop strategies to strengthen Singapore as a leading centre for growth capital. The Growth Capital Workgroup will be chaired by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister for…
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces the establishment of a workgroup to develop strategies to strengthen Singapore as a leading center for growth capital, including measures to support the financing needs of companies across various growth stages.
The expansion of the EQDP will enable more high-quality asset managers with strategies that invest significantly in Singapore equities to be funded, and also catalyse more third-party investments into the equities market.
Why this matters
The regulatory update announces the expansion of the Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP) by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which is aimed at developing the local fund management industry and increasing investor participation in Singapore equities.
Written reply to Parliamentary Question on alternative verification methods for medically vulnerable customers
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) addresses the requirement for banks, including digital-only banks, to provide alternative biometric or non-facial verification options for customers who are unable to use facial recognition technology due to medical conditions.
Written reply to Parliamentary Questions on Buy Now, Pay Later transactions and the maximum purchase limit for those below 21 years old.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) provides information on the current state of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) transactions in Singapore, including the total value, usage by those under 21, and monitoring of repayment issues.
MAS announced that Singapore intends to join international efforts to enhance the capacity of the International Monetary Fund to help vulnerable member countries deal with economic shocks.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announces that Singapore will join international efforts to support the IMF's initiatives for vulnerable countries.