Electronic Money Institution Licence in Singapore
Asia-Pacific gateway, world-class regulator. MAS regulated. Capital from SGD 250k. Typical timeline 6 to 12 months.
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Tell us the business, the markets and your timing. Every enquiry is answered the same business day, with a written proposal: the licence, the requirements, the cost and the timeline.
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Why Singapore for Your Electronic Money Institution Licence?
Singapore is the premier financial centre in Asia-Pacific with a globally respected regulatory framework and access to fast-growing Asian digital payments markets.
MAS regulates e-money issuance under the Payment Services Act 2019. A Major Payment Institution licence covering e-money issuance is required above certain thresholds.
Licence requirements
Detailed requirements
SGD 250,000 minimum capital. Comprehensive AML/CFT frameworks, technology risk management, and governance arrangements required. Local directors mandatory.
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 in its assessment.
Singapore vs United Kingdom
| Criteria | Singapore | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | SGD 250k | £350k |
| Timeline | 6 to 12 months | 6 to 12 months |
| Regulator | MAS | FCA |
| Key Feature | Asia-Pacific gateway, world-class regulator | Full EMI or Small EMI available, UK market access |
Related services
Licensing & Authorisation
Full-service licensing advisory from strategy to authorisation.
Compliance Support
Ongoing compliance frameworks tailored to your regulatory obligations.
Financial Crime
AML, KYC and financial crime prevention programmes.
Ready to get started?
Every enquiry is answered the same business day, with a written proposal.
Speak to a licensing expertFrequently asked questions
The capital requirement for a electronic money institution licence in Singapore is SGD 250k. SGD 250,000 minimum capital. Comprehensive AML/CFT frameworks, technology risk management, and governance arrangements required. Local directors mandatory.
The typical timeline for a electronic money institution licence in Singapore is 6 to 12 months. 6 to 12 months. MAS is thorough in its assessment.
Singapore is the premier financial centre in Asia-Pacific with a globally respected regulatory framework and access to fast-growing Asian digital payments markets.
After receiving your electronic money 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 electronic money 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 electronic money institution licence in Singapore provides access to the domestic market. Asia-Pacific gateway, world-class regulator. Separate authorisation may be required for other jurisdictions.