SINGAPORE PAYMENTS AND FINTECH UPDATE

In this bulletin we cover the following key developments in the payments and fintech space:

• Payment Services Bill: On 14 January 2019, the Payment Services Bill (Bill) was passed by the Singapore Parliament. When it comes into force, the Payment Services Act (as the enacted Bill will be known) will introduce two regulatory frameworks: a designation scheme which enables the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to designate significant payment systems for financial stability reasons, and a licensing regime which allows MAS to regulate a wider range of payment services, including cryptocurrency dealing and exchange services, in a proportionate manner depending on the scope and scale of the provider’s services.
• Sandbox Express: On 14 November 2018, MAS released a consultation paper on Sandbox Express, which comprises of a set of to pre-defined sandboxes to complement the existing approach of customised sandboxes.
• Digital Token Offerings: On 3 December 2018, MAS updated its Guide to Digital Token Offerings which provides general guidance on the application of the securities laws administered by MAS to offers or issues of digital tokens in Singapore.

For more information on the key developments in the payments and fintech space and the implications of the Payment Services Bill, Sandbox Express and Guide to Digital Token Offerings, please see our full bulletin here.