Is cryptocurrency worth it? As digital currencies reshape finance, Singapore emerges as a crypto hub. We’ll dive into its regulatory framework, clarifying legal status, regulatory bodies, and regulations. Whether you’re seasoned or new, understanding Singapore’s rules is crucial for confident navigation.
Is cryptocurrency considered legal tender in Singapore?
While cryptocurrency isn’t recognized as legal tender in Singapore, it serves as an alternative payment method. Legal tender in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Do you need a license to trade cryptocurrency in Singapore? Depending on the platform’s functionality, a license may be required for trading in Singapore.
Who regulates cryptocurrency in Singapore?
Navigating cryptocurrency regulations in Singapore can seem daunting, given the involvement of multiple regulatory bodies. However, understanding their roles can provide clarity and ensure compliance with the established framework.
1: The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
As the primary regulator, MAS plays a central role in shaping and overseeing the crypto landscape under the Payment Services Act (PSA) 2019. MAS licenses businesses engaged in digital payment token (DPT) services, covering activities like operating exchanges and providing wallets. With a focus on innovation and risk management, MAS enforces strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT) regulations.
2: Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)
While not the main regulatory body, the SFC oversees digital tokens categorized as securities under the Securities and Futures Act (SFA). It focuses on tokens with characteristics similar to stocks or bonds, collaborating with other regulators to maintain market integrity.
3: The Payment Services Act (PSA)
Enacted in 2019, the PSA serves as the primary legal framework, ensuring a fair and safe crypto environment by mandating licenses and exemptions for specific activities.
4: Singapore Police Force (SPF)
SPF investigates and prosecutes criminal activities in the crypto space, working closely with MAS and other authorities to enforce laws and regulations, ensuring a secure financial environment.
Important Singapore Crypto Regulations governs cryptocurrency activities:
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1: Payment Services Act (PSA) Mandates licenses for various crypto activities, with exemptions for certain tokens.
2: Securities and Futures Act (SFA) Regulates tokens resembling securities or derivatives, aligning with established financial market principles.
4: Travel Rule Requires DPT service providers to collect and share client information during transactions, enhancing AML measures.
In conclusion, Singapore’s crypto regulation fosters innovation while ensuring stability. With oversight from MAS, SFC, and SPF, investors can engage confidently. Staying informed and compliant is key for maximizing your crypto journey.
Between January 22, 2024 and December 31, 2026, the Housing & Development Board (HDB) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) announced a temporary relaxation of the occupancy cap for larger HDB flats and private residential properties. During this period, these accommodations will be permitted to accommodate up to eight unrelated persons, an increase from the current limit of six. This measure aims to address rental demand and support households seeking rental accommodations.
This relaxation applies to four-room and larger HDB flats, living quarters of HDB commercial properties equivalent to at least a four-room flat, and private residential properties of at least 90 square meters. However, any extension of this relaxed occupancy cap beyond 2026 will be subject to review based on market conditions at that time.
Minister for National Development Desmond Lee highlighted the surge in residential rents, largely attributed to heightened demand amidst construction delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. To alleviate this situation, the government accelerated housing supply, with nearly 100,000 homes slated for completion by 2025. Mr. Lee emphasized that this increased supply would enable Singaporeans to vacate rental units sooner, thereby freeing up rental stock.
He stated that the government “(anticipates) the need to maintain a healthy rental supply to support those seeking to rent.”
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To ensure a harmonious living environment, the temporary measure applies only to larger properties capable of accommodating more occupants with minimal impact on their surroundings. Residential property owners currently housing up to six unrelated persons must apply to HDB or URA, depending on the property type, to include additional occupants. Private property owners can register their properties through URA’s e-services for a S$20 administrative fee.
HDB and URA reiterated that the existing rule requiring HDB flat owners and commercial property owners to obtain approval before commencing tenancy remains unchanged.
Applications for renting out HDB flats or bedrooms can be submitted online through HDB’s e-services, with an administrative fee of S$10 per bedroom or S$20 per whole flat rented out. Similarly, HDB commercial property owners and tenants seeking to rent out living quarters can apply via the GoBusiness Licensing Portal, with an applicable administrative fee of S$100 per application.
Furthermore, to meet growing housing demand, the government has bolstered the supply of both public and private housing units, collaborating closely with the construction industry to address supply-side challenges.
With a significant surge in housing supply anticipated in the coming years, rental demand is expected to be sufficiently addressed. This year, around 40,000 homes are projected to be completed across public and private residential sectors, marking the highest completion rate in five years. Furthermore, from 2023 to 2025, approximately 100,000 public and private residential units are scheduled for completion. HDB is also doubling the supply of flats under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) to about 2,000 units, compared to 2021.
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For enquiries regarding the rental of HDB flats/living quarters, the public can write in using HDB’s e-Feedback form, or contact the HDB Branch Service Line at 1800-225-5432 (for HDB flats) or HDB Commercial Enquiry Line (for living quarters) at 1800-866-3073. For enquiries regarding the rental of private residential properties, the public can reach out via URA’s e-Feedback form or contact the URA Development Control Line at 6223-4811.
Forex trading, an intricate tapestry woven from the threads of global economies, has evolved into a dynamic and multifaceted industry, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Understanding the historical trajectory and the contemporary nuances of this market is paramount for traders, whether they are novices embarking on their financial journey or seasoned professionals seeking to harness its vast potential.
Historical Overview
The roots of forex trading are closely linked with those of economic history in general, with an important milestone being marked by the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1944. This accord laid the groundwork for an exchange rate system that would be fixed, setting the stage for international monetary cooperation. However, it was the subsequent shift in the early 1970s to an exchange rate system that was “floating” that catalyzed the modern era of forex trading. This move unleashed currencies to fluctuate based on market forces, leading to what would go on to become the decentralized and 24-hour market that we recognize today.
Role of Brokers
Brokers are an integral part of the system, and they do their job by offering trading platforms that empower individuals to buy and sell currencies. It’s within this framework that legitimate forex trading platforms come to the forefront, serving as reliable intermediaries facilitating access to the global forex market.
The Necessity of Broker Licenses
A linchpin in the forex trading ecosystem is the acquisition of a broker license, a regulatory imprimatur that distinguishes reputable brokers from their counterparts. Regulatory bodies such as CySEC, FSCA, and ASIC bestow these licenses upon brokers who demonstrate a commitment to financial regulations, ethical business practices, and the protection of client funds. The importance of broker licenses cannot be overstated, and popular platforms tend to exemplify this commitment, ensuring a secure trading environment for their clientele.
Guarding Against Scam Brokers
The allure of the forex market also attracts less scrupulous entities—scam brokers seeking to exploit unsuspecting traders. These unregistered and unauthorized actors can pose a threat to the integrity of the industry. Regulatory bodies globally actively combat such malpractices, emphasizing the crucial role of broker licenses in identifying trustworthy platforms. Services like OctaFX, FBS, and IQ Option, being stalwarts in the industry, prioritize the safety of their traders by adhering to stringent regulatory standards.
Forex Trading: An Ever-Evolving Landscape
The evolution of the forex market marches in tandem with technological advancements, giving rise to sophisticated trading platforms. These platforms are instrumental in executing trades, providing real-time data, and offering advanced analysis tools. The continuous interplay between forex trading, reputable brokers, and cutting-edge trading platforms showcases the industry’s adaptability and resilience in the face of changing global dynamics.
Educational Imperative for Traders
In an industry as dynamic as forex trading, education emerges as a powerful tool for traders who are new to the game, as well as those who are already veterans. Continuous learning equips traders with the knowledge needed to navigate the ever-evolving landscape, make better decisions, and guard against potential pitfalls. Platforms are constantly competing for users, so it is in their best interest to offer traders more than just a simple trading system, but other resources as well, such as guides and educational materials.
Conclusion
As forex trading continues to shape the global financial landscape, understanding its history, the role of brokers, and the significance of broker licenses remains paramount. The ability to adapt, stay informed, and choose reputable brokers like OctaFX, for example, is key to success in this dynamic industry. The ongoing evolution of forex trading, coupled with the safeguards provided by broker licenses, ensures a resilient and trustworthy place for traders worldwide to operate.
To kick start the year 2024, Webull, a leading online brokerage platform, is rewarding its customers with attractive offers. This time round, Webull is rewarding both their new and existing users with stackable rewards from now till 31 January 2024. While most of us may be familiar with their generous Welcome Rewards, Webull is taking it further to another level by throwing in other attractive offers.
Stackable Rewards
First, register an account with Webull via this link. Then, download the Webull app on Apple Store, Google Play or the Webull Desktop. Once you are done, you can refer to the table below and stack the rewards and get as much as you can.
You can easily stack [Offer A] + [Offer B1] + [Offer C1] without much outlay
Offer A – Pick The Lowest Hanging Fruit First
For those who are new, you can start off by signing up an account with them via this link and fund any amount from as little as $0.01. You will receive 5 free shares worth between US$3 – US$500 each randomly. That also means you are guaranteed to receive a minimum of 5 x US$3 worth of fractional sharesor US$15 by simply signing up without doing any trading. If you are super risk adverse, you can stop at this step.
Offer B – Get Up to USD3,000
Let’s say you are a little bit more risk tolerant, you can choose to take it up a notch further and earn even more rewards with Moneybull. What is Moneybull if you may ask? Well, to put it simply, it is a wealth management tool for the lazy investor. It is designed for margin accounts to earn a yield on idle cash while maintaining liquidity and low risk. These low-risk cash funds are effectively mutual funds. As of time of writing, Moneybull USD and SGD has a 7-day annualized yield of 5.4162%* and 3.8208%* respectively.
*T&Cs apply. Figures shown are based on 7-Day Yield (P.A.) of the USD Cash Fund and SGD Cash Fund in Moneybull as of 11 Jan 2024. Principal is not guaranteed. Returns are not guaranteed and not an indication of future performance. All investments involve risks and are not suitable for every investor. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
The yield is on top of the offers given by the Moneybull promotion so you are actually earning both the interest yield plus the rewards. While money market funds are considered relatively safe and low risk, however, like all investment, there may be negative return on certain days. Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing.
You can start small and subscribe US$500+ on Moneybull and get a minimum of US$75 worth of fractional shares up to this step.
Offer C – Highest Transfer In Rewards
Webull is offering the highest transfer-in rewards*, and we definitely want to give you a heads-up! From now till 31 January 24, Webull is giving both new and existing customers up to USD2,000 worth of Tesla Shares for free when you make an initial transfer of your stocks from another broker.
For seasoned investors who have positions with other brokers, this offer is worth considering as you can receive the highest transfer-in rewards*. For example, if you have positions under TD Ameritrade Singapore (who no longer serve non-Accredited Investors) or with other online brokers, you can transfer in US$5,000+ of US Stocks over and receive US$1,000 worth of TSLA Shares from Webull as a reward. You will then need to maintain it for a holding period of between 90 days to 360 days to receive the rewards.
You will then need to maintain it for a holding period of between 90 days to 360 days to receive the rewards.
If you transfer US$25,000+ from another broker, you will receive double the rewards with the same holding period.
*T&Cs apply. For details, please refer to Webull’s Website at https://www.webull.com.sg/. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Here are the steps provided by Webull on how to initiate a transfer in.
Subsequently, please contact your respective broker and provide them with the following details to initiate a transfer-out request. (You can Google “How to transfer out shares from [name of broker]”)
*Please note that only Stocks and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) listed on US Exchanges are supported for Share Transfer-In.
Note that there will may be fees involved from transferring out from another broker. Webull is aware of this and will subsidise the fee up to US$150. Simply submit the proof of payment and Webull will reimburse it!
That’s about it! We hope you can stack as many rewards like we did! We recommend that you try and obtain [Offer A, B1, B2 & C1] and get at least US$1,155 in reward* as they do not require a large sum of money and do not require you to undertake too much risk.
Is Webull Safe?
Webull is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and holds a Capital Markets Services (CMS) Licence under the Securities and Futures Act 2001. As such, Webull must comply with the “Customer’s Moneys” regulations; Webull is only allowed to utilise these monies as per the customers’ instructions, for example, settling your trades, or to defray costs that was agreed or as stated, for example, taxation and brokerage fees, if any.
Under the same regulation, the trust account must be opened with specified financial institutions, for example, a bank licensed by the MAS under the Banking Act 1970. Webull has appointed DBS Bank Limited as the custodian of their customers’ monies, a licensed bank under the Banking Act. The bank is not allowed to exercise any right of set-off against the moneys in this trust account for any debt owed by Webull. Monies belonging to customers must be kept in this trust account for safekeeping, separate from all other monies belonging to Webull or for other purposes.
With the above safeguards in place, your money placed in Webull is safe.
*Terms and conditions apply. Principal is not guaranteed. Returns are not guaranteed and not an indication of future performance. All investments involve risks and are not suitable for every investor. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
New to Tiger Brokers and not yet a customer? Great news because by opening an account during the promotion period, you will have 3 bites of the cherry to bag incredible welcome gifts. Here’s how the promotion mechanism works!
SingSaver’s Exclusive Offer
As the table shows, a new customer who signs up for a Tiger Brokers account via SingSaver and meets the eligible criteria receive up to 3 different types of welcome gifts, i.e. Welcome Gifts 1A or 1B, 2 and 3. Yes, you read it right, the SingSaver and Tiger Brokers welcome gifts are stackable.
Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure you do not miss out on Welcome Gifts 1 and 2 that are fulfilled by SingSaver.
Step 1: Click on this URL and submit an application for a Tiger Brokers account during the Promotion Period (13 Nov – 20 Dec 2023, both days included)
Step 2: Follow the link in the email sent to you, select your reward of choice and submit your Rewards Redemption Form.
Step 3: Fund your account with the minimum required amount (US$1,000 if you are aiming for a larger welcome gift) within the Promotion Period
Note that lucky draw winners at the SingSaver 101! Milestone Giveaway will be announced on SingSaver’s contest winners page by 7 June 2024.
On the other hand, Reward 3 will be fulfilled by Tiger Brokers and is only valid till 22 Nov.
What is Tiger Brokers?
Tiger Brokers is a leading global online broker founded in 2014. Listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange, it uses next-generation technology to enable clients to trade a wide range of securities across multiple global markets and currencies.
Customers enjoy commission-free trades on US, HK, SG and China A stocks and has access to real-time market data and detailed analysis to make informed decisions. With offices in Singapore and other cities, it provides instant account opening capabilities as well as 24/7 customer support. It is also licensed by Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Sign up for Tiger Brokers
So what are you waiting for? Open an account right away and fund an initial minimum of USD1,000 to start your investing journey with Tiger Brokers. In doing so, let’s also not forget that you will be in store to receive the amazing welcome gifts offered by SingSaver and Tiger Brokers as summarized below!
Receive S$120 upsized cash via PayNow or S$140 Capitaland voucher when you open a Tiger Brokers account and fund any amount. Fund at least USD 1,000 on your account, or transfer in stocks of the same value from another brokerage, to snag an additional S$60 cash (S$180 total) via PayNow or a S$190 Capitaland Voucher. Valid till 20 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Also get up to USD 888 worth of prizes and 8% p.a. bonus interest when you deposit and trade with your Tiger Brokers account. Valid till 22 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply.
Plus, get 3x chances to win your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply
