When it comes to crypto compliance Singapore, the set of legal and operational rules that crypto businesses must follow to operate legally in Singapore. Also known as virtual asset compliance, it's not just about paperwork—it's about proving you're trustworthy, secure, and transparent to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Unlike places where crypto is banned or ignored, Singapore treats digital assets as serious financial instruments. That means if you're running an exchange, a wallet, or even issuing a token here, you need to play by the rules—or get shut down.
Two big entities shape this space: MAS, Singapore's central bank and primary financial regulator. Also known as Monetary Authority of Singapore, it sets the standards for everything from anti-money laundering to customer fund protection. And then there's crypto exchange Singapore, licensed platforms like Kraken, Binance (for non-U.S. users), and independent local firms. Also known as virtual asset service providers, these are the companies that must pass strict audits, prove they have real security, and keep detailed records of every transaction. If you're a user, you're not directly regulated—but the platforms you use are. That’s why some exchanges don’t serve Singaporeans at all: they can’t meet the cost or complexity of compliance.
What does this mean in practice? You can’t just launch a token and call it a day. You need a license, a local office, a compliance officer, and systems that track every user’s identity and transaction history. Privacy coins? Banned. Anonymous trading? Not allowed. Even small DeFi projects need to prove they’re not facilitating fraud. The MAS doesn’t just want to stop crime—they want to make Singapore the global hub for clean, reliable crypto. That’s why firms like Figure Markets and others that meet U.S. standards also look to Singapore: the rules are clear, and breaking them costs millions.
And here’s the catch: compliance isn’t a one-time checklist. It’s ongoing. You need to update your systems every time a rule changes, train your staff, and report suspicious activity—even if it’s just a small transfer. Many startups fail not because their tech is bad, but because they underestimated the cost and effort of staying legal. That’s why you’ll see so many posts here about scams, unlicensed exchanges, and failed airdrops: they’re the flip side of compliance. While one side builds secure, regulated platforms, the other side tries to sneak in without permission.
Below, you’ll find real-world examples of what works—and what doesn’t—in Singapore’s crypto landscape. From how Binance P2P operates under the radar to why Dubai’s VARA rules are being watched closely here, these posts cut through the noise. You’ll see which exchanges got licensed, which ones got shut down, and how users are adapting when the rules tighten. No fluff. No hype. Just what you need to know to stay safe, stay legal, and understand where the market is really headed.
Singapore's 2025 crypto regulations require all digital token service providers to be licensed by MAS. Learn the licensing tiers, compliance rules, stablecoin requirements, and penalties for non-compliance.