Banking Licence — Singapore
Asia-Pacific gateway, digital bank licences. MAS regulated. Capital from SGD 1.5B (full) / SGD 100M (digital). Typical timeline 12–24 months.
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Why Singapore for Your Banking Licence?
Singapore is the leading financial centre in Asia-Pacific with a globally respected regulatory framework and access to fast-growing Asian markets.
MAS regulates banking in Singapore and has introduced digital bank licences to encourage innovation. Singapore is Asia's premier banking centre.
Licence Requirements
Detailed Requirements
Full banking licence requires SGD 1.5 billion capital. Digital bank licences require SGD 100 million minimum (phased). Comprehensive regulatory requirements.
Application Process
Regulatory Strategy
We assess your business model and regulatory position to develop a clear licensing strategy.
Business Plan
We prepare a comprehensive business plan meeting the regulator's expectations.
Programme of Operations
Detailed programme of operations covering governance, compliance, and operational arrangements.
Compliance Framework
Full AML/CFT framework, compliance monitoring programme, and risk management policies.
Application Submission
We compile and submit the complete application package to the regulator.
Regulator Review
We manage all regulator communications and information requests during the review period.
Authorisation
Upon approval, we support your transition to live operations.
Process Detail
12 to 24 months.
Singapore vs United Kingdom
| Criteria | Singapore | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | SGD 1.5B (full) / SGD 100M (digital) | £1M+ |
| Timeline | 12–24 months | 12–36 months |
| Regulator | MAS | PRA + FCA |
| Key Feature | Asia-Pacific gateway, digital bank licences | Dual regulation, mobilisation stage available |
Frequently Asked Questions
The capital requirement for a banking licence in Singapore is SGD 1.5B (full) / SGD 100M (digital). Full banking licence requires SGD 1.5 billion capital. Digital bank licences require SGD 100 million minimum (phased). Comprehensive regulatory requirements.
The typical timeline for a banking licence in Singapore is 12–24 months. 12 to 24 months.
Singapore is the leading financial centre in Asia-Pacific with a globally respected regulatory framework and access to fast-growing Asian markets.
After receiving your banking licence in Singapore, you must maintain ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements including safeguarding of customer funds, regular regulatory reporting, maintaining adequate capital, updating AML and compliance frameworks, and cooperating with supervisory reviews and inspections.
Most jurisdictions require local substance for a banking licence. In Singapore, you will typically need a registered office, at least one locally resident director, and potentially additional operational staff. We can advise on the exact requirements and help you establish the minimum viable local presence.
A banking licence in Singapore provides access to the domestic market. Asia-Pacific gateway, digital bank licences. Separate authorisation may be required for other jurisdictions.