
GUIDANCE
MAS PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON RISK MANAGEMENT BEST PRACTICES FOR FUND MANAGEMENT COMPANIES
Background On 29 May 2026, MAS published an information paper on risk management practices of Fund Management Companies (“FMCs”) arising from MAS’s thematic inspections concerning how FMCs manage their overall investment and operational risks. This paper provides supervisory guidance and best practices regarding 5 broad areas: governance frameworks, policy and procedures (“P&Ps”), new fund launches and changes to existing funds, investment due diligence and ongoing monitoring of investment. Identified Gaps…
CHINA REGULATORS CRACK DOWN ON TIGER BROKERS, FUTU AND LONGBRIDGE FOR CROSS-BORDER BROKERAGE BUSINESS FOR MAINLAND CLIENTS
Background On 25 May 2026, Chinese regulatory authorities, led by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), intensified their crackdown on unlicensed cross-border brokerage services. The enforcement targets Chinese online platforms facilitating offshore stock trading for domestic mainland residents without localized licenses. This regulatory tightening severely impacts capital outflow channels and reshapes the operational landscape for…
MAS ISSUED RESPONSE TO CONSULTATION PAPER ON ENHANCEMENTS TO PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS SHEET (PHS) REQUIREMENTS AND COMPLEX PRODUCTS FRAMEWORK
Background On 15 May 2026, MAS issued its response to the public consultation paper on proposed enhancements to Product Highlights Sheet (“PHS”) and related product disclosure regimes to ensure retail investors can better understand key investment product features and their risks. The upcoming MAS updates affect issuers of Collective Investment Schemes and other investment products,…
MAS ISSUE GUIDANCE ON BEST PRACTICE IN AUM VALUATION FOR FUND MANAGEMENT COMPANIES
Background On 29 May 2026, MAS published an information paper on valuation practices for assets under management for Fund Management Companies (“FMCs”). FMCs are required to subject assets under its management to independent valuation and ensure fair dealing with customers. This paper provides supervisory guidance and best practices regarding 4 broad areas: establishing effective governance…
Financial Action Task Force Mutual Evaluation Report 2025 on Singapore highlights areas for further government action
Background On 6 May 2026, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Asia/Pacific Group (APG) published Singapore’s Fifth Round Mutual Evaluation Report following an assessment visit in July 2025. The assessment found that Singapore maintains a highly competent and coordinated regime, placing it on “Regular Follow-up”—the highest monitoring status., with a number of gaps. This…
Convictions Upheld in Singapore’s October 2013 stock market crash: Lessons for Brokerage firms
Background On 18 March 2026, the Court of Appeal (CA) upheld convictions and sentences for Mr. Soh Chee Wen and Ms. Quah Su-Ling, masterminds behind Singapore’s largest stock market manipulation which culminated in Singapore stock market crash in October 2013. This case, involving shares in the shares of Blumont Group Ltd, Asiasons Capital Ltd and…
MAS concludes Phase 2 of AI Consortium think tank Project MindForge for Financial Institutions
On 20 March 2026, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”) announced the successful completion of Phase Two of Project MindForge, resulting in the release of an AI Risk Management Toolkit for the financial sector. The initiative is part of MAS’ broader efforts to support the safe, responsible, and well-governed adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in…
MAS Proposes Guidelines on Third-Party Risk Management to replace Outsourcing Guidelines
Background In March 2026, MAS released a consultation paper proposing new Guidelines on Third-Party Risk Management (“TPRMG”). The TPRMG supersede existing MAS Outsourcing Guidelines, expanding expectations to all third-party arrangements due to increased reliance on external services and evolving risks. The framework aims to strengthen FIs’ oversight, incorporate international standards, and ensure robust risk management…
MAS Issues More Prohibition Orders for August 2023 Major Money Laundering Case
Background On 17 March 2026, the Monetary Authority of Singapore issued significant Prohibition Orders against former relationship managers Mr. Wang Qiming (16 years) and Mr. Liu Kai (7 years). These actions stem from their convictions related to a major money laundering case in August 2023. The POs were issued under the Financial Services and Markets…
