The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is Singapore’s central bank and integrated financial regulator. It oversees all financial institutions in the country, including forex brokers, banks, insurance firms, and fund managers. MAS is known globally for its robust regulatory framework and strong investor protection standards.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) sets high standards for forex broker regulation, balancing innovation with investor protection. Choosing a MAS-regulated broker ensures robust compliance, capital safety, and transparent trading practices in one of the world’s most respected financial hubs.
MAS does not impose specific retail forex leverage caps. Instead, brokers must:
- Set leverage based on client risk profiling and product complexity
- Provide full risk disclosures
- Adhere to strict margin requirements and liquidation policies
- Licensing and regulating forex brokers and financial institutions
- Enforcing anti-money laundering (AML), risk management, and capital adequacy standards
- Monitoring trading activity and client fund protection
- Supervising derivative contracts, including CFDs and leveraged forex
- Visit the MAS Financial Institutions Directory
- Search by broker name or license number
- Confirm regulatory status and license type
- CMS License: Required for offering forex CFDs or leveraged trading
- Minimum Capital Requirements: SGD 1 million or more based on scope
- Client Fund Segregation: Brokers must separate client funds from operational capital
- Risk Disclosure & Suitability: Investors must be informed of product risks
- Audit & Reporting: Annual financial audits and transaction monitoring required
- AML/CTF Compliance: Adherence to Singapore’s anti-money laundering framework
Advantages
- High global reputation for regulatory excellence
- Transparent licensing and financial standards
- Strong client protection and dispute resolution framework
- No overregulation—risk managed through disclosure and profiling
Limitations
- Fewer high-leverage offerings than offshore brokers
- Licensing process is strict and resource-intensive
- No fixed leverage limit creates inconsistency across brokers
Country
Singapore
Established
1971
Contact
+65 6225 5577
Complaint bodies
Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC) – for retail client disputes
Hotline
+65 6225 5577
Complaint email
Last updated on: March 27, 2025
High Risk Warning : Please note that foreign exchange and other leveraged trading involves significant risk of loss. It is not suitable for all investors and you should make sure you understand the risks involved, seeking independent advice if necessary.