Trading
Singapore cbank issues guidelines to discourage crypto trading by public
Published by maria gbaf
Posted on January 18, 2022
2 min readLast updated: January 28, 2026
Quick Summary
MAS in Singapore issues guidelines to limit crypto trading promotions to protect retail investors, emphasizing the high risks involved.
Singapore's MAS Issues New Crypto Trading Guidelines
SINGAPORE (Reuters) – The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) on Monday issued guidelines that limit cryptocurrency trading service providers from promoting their services to the general public, as part of a bid to shield retail investors from potential risks.
Singapore is a popular location for cryptocurrency companies due to a comparatively clear regulatory and operating environment and is among the forerunners globally in developing a formal licensing framework.
But the city-state’s authorities have repeatedly warned that trading in digital payment tokens (DPT), or cryptocurrency, is highly risky and not suitable for the general public, as they are subject to sharp speculative swings.
The new guidelines clarify the expectations of MAS that companies should not engage in marketing or advertising of DPT services in public areas in Singapore or through the engagement of third parties, such as social media influencers, to promote DPT services to the general public.
They can only market or advertise on their own corporate websites, mobile applications or official social media accounts.
MAS said it has received about 180 applications for licences to provide DPT services, of which five have been awarded in-principle approvals. Sixty have withdrawn their applications and three have been rejected. MAS did not disclose the status of the other applications.
“MAS strongly encourages the development of blockchain technology and innovative application of crypto tokens in value-adding use cases,” Loo Siew Yee, MAS Assistant Managing Director (Policy, Payments and Financial Crime), said in a statement.
“But the trading of cryptocurrencies is highly risky and not suitable for the general public. DPT service providers should therefore not portray the trading of DPTs in a manner that trivialises the high risks of trading in DPTs, nor engage in marketing activities that target the general public.”
(Reporting by Chen Lin in Singapore; Writing by Aradhana Aravindan; Editing by Ed Davies)
Key Takeaways
- •MAS limits crypto trading promotions to protect retail investors.
- •Singapore is a key location for crypto companies due to clear regulations.
- •New guidelines restrict public marketing of crypto services.
- •MAS supports blockchain but warns of crypto trading risks.
- •180 applications for crypto service licenses received by MAS.
Frequently Asked Questions about Singapore cbank issues guidelines to discourage crypto trading by public
1What is the main topic?
The main topic is the new guidelines issued by MAS in Singapore to limit cryptocurrency trading promotions to the public.
2Why is Singapore important for crypto companies?
Singapore is favored by crypto companies due to its clear regulatory and operating environment.
3What are the risks of crypto trading according to MAS?
MAS warns that crypto trading is highly risky due to sharp speculative swings and is not suitable for the general public.
