How the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is protecting consumers in the investment space

Navigating the investment world can be daunting, but in Singapore, you’re not alone.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) stands as a vigilant guardian, ensuring that your financial journey is safe and transparent.

Whether you’re exploring complex financial products or leveraging the latest fintech solutions, MAS has set up robust guidelines and initiatives to protect you.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the many ways MAS has your back in the investment realm, making sure you’re well-equipped, informed, and secure every step of the way.

Let’s get started.

Robust Licensing Requirements

In Singapore, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) protects consumers by requiring robust licensing requirements for financial institutions.

The licensing requirements aim to ensure that:

• There is no doubt that the service providers are qualified and competent
• Their governance and risk management arrangements are adequate
• Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures are adhered to by service providers
• They safeguard the data and funds of customers
• All service providers maintain interoperability and technology standards

As part of the licensing regime, MAS can impose different regulatory requirements on different licensee classes depending on their risk levels.

The MAS has licensing and registration requirements for investment and fund management companies based on their size and scope of operations.

MAS ensures that investment and fund management companies meet the following minimum requirements before issuing licenses:

• Applicant, shareholders, and directors’ fitness and propriety.
• Applicants and their parent companies or significant shareholders’ track records and fund management expertise.
• Securities and Futures Act minimum financial requirements of the applicant.
• Compliance with applicable laws and regulations and disclosure of material information to investors by the applicant.

Different Types of Fund Management Companies Operating in Singapore

Companies that manage, sell, and market investment funds are known as fund management companies.

Typically, they offer portfolio management and custodial services to investors.

MAS requires fund management companies to comply with the following requirements:

Venture Capital Fund Manager (VCFM)

A VCFM can only manage funds that invest at least 80% of their committed capital in securities directly issued by unlisted business ventures that have been incorporated for no more than 10 years at the initial investment.

There are fewer admission criteria and regulatory requirements for VCFM, such as no minimum capital requirement or financial resources, no requirement to appoint independent valuers, custodians, or auditors, and no requirement to comply with anti-money laundering or counter-terrorism financing laws.

Real Estate Investment Trust (REITs)

REIT managers are subject to MAS’ regulatory oversight and enforcement powers.

The goal is to ensure that REIT managers and their directors/sponsors act in the best interests of unitholders and comply with applicable laws and regulations.

For REIT managers to obtain a Singapore licence and continue operations in Singapore, they must comply with the following regulatory requirements:

• Manage their capital structure in accordance with regulatory leverage limits while maintaining prudent financial discipline and risk management
• Enhance market transparency while diversifying income streams and protecting unit holders’ interests
• Strengthen governance and oversight of REIT managers by disclosing remuneration policies and practices
• To protect the interests of unitholders, establish a robust internal audit department

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

ETFs are investment products that track the performance of various securities, including stocks, bonds, commodities, and indices.

An investor can purchase and sell ETFs through a broker when listed and traded on a securities exchange.

Continue reading to learn how MAS regulates ETFs:

• Under the Securities and Futures Act, securities, futures, and derivatives markets are regulated, and intermediaries and market operators are licensed.
• The Code of Collective Investment Schemes sets out best practices and requirements for managing, operating, and marketing collective investment schemes, such as ETFs.
• In accordance with the Guidelines on the Regulation of Markets, recognising or approving market operators.
• Managing the listing requirements of Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited for issuers of securities, such as ETFs.
• Investments in securities, such as ETFs, are subject to tax rules and incentives under the Income Tax Act.

Financial Advisors (FA)

The Financial Adviser Act of Singapore, Section 2, defines a financial advisor as a professional licensed to provide guidance and advice on financial matters.

They help individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals while adhering to the regulations and standards set out in the Act.

FA Licensing

At the most basic, financial advisors must obtain a business license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) before offering their services.

This ensures they meet the necessary qualifications and adhere to stringent regulatory standards, safeguarding the interests of the consumers.

Consumers are urged always to verify the credentials of financial advisors and ensure they are licensed by MAS before engaging in their services.

Here’s our guide on how MAS regulates financial advisors for your safety.

For the most accurate information, refer to the MAS’ official website.

Brokerage Accounts

Through a brokerage account, you can buy and sell securities, such as stocks, bonds, ETFs, and REITs.

Singapore’s MAS regulates brokerage accounts in various ways, including

• Setting the legal framework for the regulation of securities, futures, and derivatives markets, as well as the licensing and conduct of market operators.

By establishing a clear legal framework, MAS ensures that all market participants operate under a standardised set of rules. This promotes fairness and transparency in the market, ensuring that you are not at a disadvantage when trading.

• Publish guidelines for fund managers, including those who manage funds through brokerage accounts, on licensing, registration, and business conduct.

You can have confidence that the securities, futures, and derivatives markets operate with integrity and that market operators are held to consistent standards.

By publishing guidelines for fund managers, MAS sets clear expectations for the management of funds, including those in brokerage accounts.

• Brokers who hold capital markets services licenses are required to comply with capital adequacy requirements.

This means that the brokerage will have enough capital to keep the platform going and to minimise dissolutions – ensuring sustainability and security for you.

• Brokers holding capital markets services licenses are subject to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations.

This protects you from potential financial and reputational risks associated with brokers that might be involved in illegal activities. It also ensures the overall integrity and reputation of the financial market in Singapore.

• Issue requirements for brokers to safeguard customers’ wealth and assets held in brokerage accounts. This includes separating company funds and investor funds in different accounts.

This ensures that consumers’ funds and securities held in brokerage accounts are safe and cannot be misused or misappropriated by the broker. In the event of broker insolvency or other unforeseen circumstances, consumers’ assets are segregated and protected from the broker’s liabilities

Monetary Policy (Stabilising the Singaporean Dollar)

MAS uses monetary policy in favour of the general public by promoting price stability and sustainable economic growth.

To achieve price stability and sustainable economic growth, the MAS uses a variety of monetary policy tools. Among these tools are:

• Interest Rates: The MAS can set the interest rate banks charge each other for overnight loans. This is known as the overnight interest rate. The MAS can also influence interest rates in the Singapore economy by buying and selling government bonds.

• Exchange Rate: The MAS can also use exchange rates for monetary policy purposes. In other words, the exchange rate is the price of the Singapore dollar in relation to other currencies. Foreign exchange can be influenced by the MAS by buying and selling.

When interest rates are lowered, it becomes cheaper for you to borrow money, whether it’s for purchasing a home, starting a business, or other needs.

Conversely, when the economy is overheating, raising interest rates can help curb excessive spending and borrowing.

Additionally, the interest you earn on savings accounts or fixed deposits can also be influenced by these rates.

A steadily growing economy often leads to more job opportunities, higher wages, and increased wealth and standard of living.

This means better prospects for you in terms of employment, career growth, and overall financial well-being.

In essence, the monetary policy tools and objectives of MAS ensure that you can plan your financial future with more certainty, enjoy the benefits of a stable and growing economy, and be shielded from extreme economic volatilities.

Customer Awareness and Protection Initiatives

All the regulations issued by MAS for financial institutions are public property and available online for consultation and awareness.

This ensures transparency and enables the consumers to evaluate a financial institution, including fund management companies, on the best regulatory practices enforced by MAS.

An educated and fully aware customer helps contribute towards a prosperous society.

Here’s how MAS is working towards customer awareness:

MoneySENSE: Enhancing Financial Literacy for Singaporeans

Understanding the nuances of personal finance is essential for making informed decisions that affect your future.

In tandem with other government agencies, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) recognises this importance and has taken the initiative to spearhead MoneySENSE.

Initiated in 2003 under the auspices of the Financial Education Steering Committee (FESC), which MAS chairs along with other Government Agencies, MoneySENSE seeks to arm Singaporeans with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complex world of finance.

MoneySENSE is more than just a financial literacy program — it’s a pathway to prudent financial decisions.

Through this initiative, Singaporeans are educated on:

• Cash Flow Management: Recognise the importance of budgeting, track income and expenses, and emphasise living within one’s means.

• Sensible Home Buying: Understand the financial commitments and implications of home ownership. MoneySENSE educates potential homeowners on buying properties that align with their financial capabilities.

• Preparation for Unforeseen Events: Accidents and illnesses can be devastating emotionally and financially. MoneySENSE educates Singaporeans on the importance of insurance and emergency savings to overcome such unexpected events.

• Planning for the Long Term: Retirement might seem distant, but planning for it begins today. MoneySENSE guides individuals on the necessary steps to ensure a comfortable income throughout their lives, including post-retirement.

• Understanding Insurance and Its Importance: Navigating the myriad insurance options can be daunting. MoneySENSE demystifies the insurance world, helping Singaporeans grasp its significance as a safety net for various life events.

Through MoneySENSE, MAS has showcased its commitment to fostering a financially literate and savvy populace, empowering Singaporeans to steer their financial ship confidently.

The Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC)

FIDReC is an organisation that helps consumers and financial institutions resolve their disputes fairly, efficiently, and cheaply.

FIDReC was established in 2005 due to the merger of the Consumer Mediation Unit of the Association of Banks in Singapore and the Insurance Disputes Resolution Organisation.

FIDReC is supported by MAS, the Association of Banks in Singapore, the Life Insurance Association of Singapore, the General Insurance Association of Singapore, the Finance Houses Association of Singapore, and the Financial Planning Association of Singapore.

FIDReC has a panel of mediators and adjudicators who are experienced and qualified in the fields of law, banking, insurance, and finance.

Consumers can file their complaints online or by mail and pay a nominal filing fee of S$50 or S$100, depending on the nature of their dispute.

FIDReC assigns a case manager to facilitate the parties’ communication and arrange a mediation session.

Suppose the mediation fails to resolve the dispute, in that case, the case will proceed to adjudication, where an adjudicator will make a final and binding decision based on the facts and evidence presented by both parties.

Consumers can accept or reject FIDReC’s decisions within 14 days of receiving them. If they accept the findings, they will receive compensation from the financial institutions within 30 days.

FIDReC is a valuable service for consumers with disputes with Singapore’s financial institutions. It gives them an alternative to going to court, which can be costly, time-consuming, and stressful.

Consumer Alerts

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) takes proactive measures to safeguard the interests of consumers in the financial sector. One of these measures is the issuance of consumer alerts.

MAS constantly monitors the financial landscape to identify unauthorized entities or individuals that might be engaging in fraudulent activities or misrepresenting themselves.

MAS also collaborates with other regulatory bodies, both locally and internationally, to gather intelligence and share information about potential threats to consumers.

Once a potential threat is identified, MAS promptly issues a public notification. This alert provides details about the unauthorised entity or individual, the nature of their activities, and advice on how consumers should respond.

Why Consumer Alerts are Important

MAS does not license or authorise persons or entities that mislead consumers by providing financial services under names similar to legitimate financial institutions (FIs).

By issuing alerts, MAS aims to:

• Prevent you from falling victim to scams or fraudulent schemes.
• Educate the public about the importance of verifying the credentials of financial service providers.
• Encourage you to be vigilant and proactive in protecting your financial interests.

Fairness, Ethics, Accountability, and Transparency (FEAT) Principles

MAS has developed a set of principles to guide the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) by FIs in Singapore.

The FEAT principles aim to foster greater trust and confidence in AI-driven solutions in the financial sector and ensure that FIs that use AI treat consumers fairly and ethically.

The FEAT principles cover 4 key areas:

• Fairness: Ensuring that AI-driven decisions do not result in discriminatory outcomes for consumers
• Ethics: Ensuring that AI-driven choices are aligned with human values and norms
• Accountability: Ensuring that AI-driven decisions are explainable and traceable
• Transparency: Ensuring that AI-driven decisions are communicated clearly and accurately to consumers

Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation Limited (SDIC)

Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation Limited (SDIC) administers the Deposit Insurance (DI) Scheme and Policy Owners’ Protection (PPF) Scheme.

MAS strives to maintain the stability of Singapore’s financial system, but it does not guarantee the soundness of individual financial institutions.

It is here that DI and PPF schemes come into play to protect you if a scheme member, such as a bank or insurer, fails.

Policyholders and depositors are protected by these schemes when a member insurer or bank fails by ensuring that they receive at least some of their guaranteed benefits or deposits.

Below are the basics of the 2 schemes:

Deposit Insurance Scheme

The Deposit Insurance (DI) Scheme covers individuals and other non-bank depositors with insured deposits placed with a DI Scheme member.

Other non-bank depositors include

• Sole proprietorships,
• partnerships,
• companies and
• unincorporated entities like associations and societies.

Singapore dollar deposits placed with a DI Scheme member in any of its branches in Singapore are insured under this scheme. Among them are

• A deposit held in a savings account
• A deposit held in a fixed deposit account
• A deposit held in a current account
• Any monies placed under the CPF Investment Scheme
• Any monies placed under the CPF Retirement Sum Scheme
• Any monies placed under the Supplementary Retirement Scheme
• Other products, as prescribed by the Authority

Also, these types of deposits aren’t covered or insured by this scheme:

• Foreign currency deposits
• Structured deposits
• Investment products such as unit trusts, shares and other securities

Following compensation is available under the scheme:

Policy owner’s protection scheme

A Policy Owners’ Protection (PPF) Scheme has been set up to protect you in the event of a failure of a life or general insurer which is a PPF Scheme member.

PPF Scheme members are direct life and direct general insurers who issue life and general insurance policies covered under the Scheme.

The following types of insurance policies are covered by the scheme:

Following entitlement is available to the consumer/investor in the event of insurer failure:

If a general insurer fails and you have a claim against a general insured policy, you are entitled to compensation as follows:

• Insurance policy under the Motor Vehicles Act: Full liability is payable.
• Insured policy of specified personal lines: Full liability to the insured policy owner under the terms of the general insured policy is payable.
• Applicable caps for compensating general insured policies
  • Under personal motor insurance policies, S$50,000 is available for own property damage claims
  • Under personal property insurance policies, S$300,000 can be claimed for property damage

Complex products regime

Singapore’s complex products regime, introduced by MAS in 2012, helps protect retail investors from the risks associated with complex investment products.

Investment products are classified into 2 categories under the complex products regime:

Excluded Investment Products (EIPs)

In Singapore, EIPs are investment products with features that retail investors understand easily. EIPs are considered more suitable and straightforward.

The classification of the investment products is based on the complexity of the product rather than the risk level associated with the product.

These EIPs include most plain vanilla banking and investment products. Here are a few that will help you better understand them:

• Bonds and shares listed on the stock exchange
• Fixed deposits
• Gold certificates and gold-saving accounts
• Mutual funds. etc.

Specified Investment Products (SIPs)

The distribution of SIPs is subject to enhanced safeguards due to their complexity and risk. Hence, you should have some prior financial knowledge or experience to invest in SIPs.

There are generally 2 types of SIPs.

• SIPs listed on an exchange
• Unlisted SIPs

Few examples are quoted below:

MAS licenses and regulates financial intermediaries that distribute SIPs to retail investors.

Before selling SIPs to you, financial institutions must assess your investment knowledge and experience.

As a result, you are better prepared to understand the features and risks associated with investing in such products. Based on the type of SIP, the following assessments are required:

• Customer Account Review (CAR) for listed SIPs
• Customer Knowledge Assessment (CKA) for unlisted SIPs.

You can find more information about the assessments in the table below:

The complex products regime is essential to MAS’s efforts to protect retail investors in Singapore.

The regime assists retail investors in identifying and understanding complex investment products’ risks. It ensures that the investors are only recommended or sold SIPs suitable for their investment knowledge and experience.

Introducing Fintech to the Financial Environment of Singapore

Through partnerships with industry, academia, and other regulators, MAS is introducing FinTech to the financial environment.

Here are some specific examples of how MAS promotes FinTech in Singapore:

• FinTech Regulatory Sandbox: The FinTech Regulatory Sandbox is a platform that allows fintech companies to test their products and services in a live environment with real consumers under the supervision of MAS. This helps to accelerate the development and adoption of FinTech innovation in Singapore.

• FinTech Innovation Lab: The FinTech Innovation Lab is a dedicated space where FinTech companies can collaborate with MAS and other industry partners to develop and test new FinTech solutions.

• FinTech Regulatory Framework: The FinTech regulatory framework is a set of guidelines that clarifies FinTech companies on how to comply with MAS regulations. This helps to reduce regulatory uncertainty and encourage Fintech companies to operate in Singapore.

By introducing Fintech to the financial environment, MAS helps consumers in many ways. Below are some of them for your better understanding:

• Promoting Financial Inclusion: FinTech can help to make financial services more accessible and affordable for consumers, especially those who are underserved by traditional financial institutions.

• Enhancing Competition and Innovation: FinTech can promote competition and innovation in the financial sector. This can lead to lower costs and better products and services for consumers.

• Improving Financial Literacy: MAS is working with FinTech companies to develop educational resources and tools to help consumers understand and use Fintech products and services responsibly.

Introducing Global Standards to the Financial Environment of Singapore

The global financial environment is constantly changing. Economies evolve accordingly to protect consumer wealth.

International bodies like Basel, FATF, and Wolfsberg release regulations and standards based on the best financial practices worldwide to protect public wealth.

As part of its efforts to stabilise Singapore’s financial environment and protect consumers, MAS has adopted the following measures:

• Basel III Capital Adequacy Standards: MAS has implemented Basel III in Singapore to strengthen the resilience of the Singapore banking system.
• Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations: MAS has implemented the FATF recommendations in Singapore to protect the Singapore financial system from money laundering and terrorism financing crimes.
• Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Foreign Regulators: MAS has signed MOUs with financial regulators in other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, to share information and coordinate supervisory efforts. This helps to identify and address cross-border financial risks more effectively.

Conclusion

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has consistently demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of consumers in the investment space.

Through rigorous licensing requirements, the introduction of fintech innovations, and adherence to global standards, MAS ensures a robust and transparent financial ecosystem in Singapore.

By classifying and regulating different financial entities, from fund management companies to financial advisors, MAS provides layers of protection to investors like yourselves.

Initiatives like MoneySENSE and the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre further empower consumers with knowledge and avenues for redress.

The adoption of international standards and the proactive approach towards fintech showcase MAS’s forward-thinking strategy, ensuring that Singapore remains at the forefront of global financial innovation while prioritising consumer protection.

As you navigate the complex world of finance, you can take solace in the fact that MAS’s vigilant oversight and comprehensive regulatory framework are in place to protect their interests.

But that doesn’t mean you should completely rely on MAS’ efforts.

You should also play your part in making sure you maximise on MAS’ initiatives and while also doing your due diligence in selecting invests/investment service providers.