Payment Institution Licence — Singapore
Asia-Pacific gateway, world-class regulator. MAS regulated. Capital from SGD 100k–250k. Typical timeline 6–12 months.
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Why Singapore for Your Payment Institution Licence?
Singapore is the premier financial centre in Asia-Pacific with a globally respected regulatory framework and access to fast-growing Asian markets.
Singapore's Monetary Authority (MAS) regulates payment services under the Payment Services Act 2019. MPS or SPS licences are required depending on payment volumes.
Licence Requirements
Detailed Requirements
Capital requirements range from SGD 100,000 to SGD 250,000 depending on licence type and services. Local directors, registered office, and comprehensive AML/CFT frameworks required.
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
6 to 12 months. MAS is thorough and may request substantial additional information.
Singapore vs United Kingdom
| Criteria | Singapore | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | SGD 100k–250k | £20k–£125k |
| Timeline | 6–12 months | 6–12 months |
| Regulator | MAS | FCA |
| Key Feature | Asia-Pacific gateway, world-class regulator | UK market access — no EEA passporting post-Brexit |
Frequently Asked Questions
The capital requirement for a payment institution licence in Singapore is SGD 100k–250k. Capital requirements range from SGD 100,000 to SGD 250,000 depending on licence type and services. Local directors, registered office, and comprehensive AML/CFT frameworks required.
The typical timeline for a payment institution licence in Singapore is 6–12 months. 6 to 12 months. MAS is thorough and may request substantial additional information.
Singapore is the premier financial centre in Asia-Pacific with a globally respected regulatory framework and access to fast-growing Asian markets.
After receiving your payment institution 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 payment institution 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 payment institution licence in Singapore provides access to the domestic market. Asia-Pacific gateway, world-class regulator. Separate authorisation may be required for other jurisdictions.