Why license a crypto business in Singapore?
Singapore pairs a globally respected regulator with strong rule of law. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) runs a clear, if demanding, licensing regime under the Payment Services Act, and the city-state offers deep capital markets, established banking relationships, and a concentration of fintech and digital asset talent. For crypto founders, a MAS licence is a strong reputational signal to counterparties and banks across Asia and beyond.
Respected regulator. A Singapore licence carries significant credibility with banks, investors, and counterparties, given the global standing of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Strong rule of law. A stable, predictable legal system gives crypto and Web3 projects a dependable footing for long-term operations.
Deep financial hub. Singapore offers deep capital markets, established banking relationships, and a concentration of fintech and digital asset talent.
Clear licensing regime. The Payment Services Act sets out a clear, if demanding, framework for digital payment token services, so founders know what is expected.
Reputational signal. Holding a MAS licence is a strong reputational signal to partners, exchanges, and banking providers across Asia and beyond.
Regional gateway. Singapore is a natural base for serving Southeast Asian and wider Asia-Pacific markets from a credible, well-regulated jurisdiction.
Singapore authorisation routes and activities
The right route depends on what your business does. We map your model to the correct MAS authorisation:
DPT Service Licence
A Digital Payment Token service licence under the Payment Services Act, held as a Standard Payment Institution or a Major Payment Institution depending on transaction thresholds.
Crypto Dealing and Exchange
Buying, selling, and facilitating the exchange of digital payment tokens (crypto) for customers, a core DPT service under MAS supervision.
Token Transfers
Transmitting digital payment tokens and providing related transfer services, with AML/CFT and Travel Rule expectations.
Payment Services
Other payment services that may sit alongside DPT activity under the Payment Services Act, scoped to your business model.
SFA Token Activities
Some token activities may instead fall under the Securities and Futures Act (SFA), for example where a token is a capital markets product.
AML/CFT Compliance
Anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism-financing controls, KYC, and ongoing monitoring, which MAS expects to a high standard.
Note: Costs are indicative and may change with your requirements and regulations. Contact us for a tailored quote.