Crypto Market Movers

Story: Singapore’s Crypto Crackdown Ends Loopholes for Unlicensed Firms

By Julie Binoche

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A Longstanding Commitment to Regulation. The MAS’s directive is not a sudden shift but the result of ongoing efforts dating back to early…

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Why Singapore Matters. Singapore has long been a hub for crypto firms seeking favorable regulatory conditions, largely…

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Limited Options for Crypto Firms on the Move. As unlicensed firms face eviction in Singapore, many are scouting for alternative jurisdictions.

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Global Crackdown on Crypto Compliance. Singapore’s crackdown aligns with broader international efforts.

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The End of Regulatory Arbitrage. For crypto firms, the era of hopping between lenient jurisdictions to avoid regulation is drawing…

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What’s Next for Crypto Firms?. Firms displaced by Singapore’s enforcement are in a challenging position.

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Singapore’s recent directive forcing unlicensed cryptocurrency firms to cease services to overseas customers marks a pivotal moment in the global effort to tighten blockchain…

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On May 30, 2025, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) issued a clear order: crypto firms and individuals must obtain proper licenses if they want to offer services abroad —…

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Joshua Chu, a Hong Kong-based legal expert and co-chair of a regional Web3 association, explained that firms “playing regulatory pinball” by jumping through loopholes are running…

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Singapore has long been a hub for crypto firms seeking favorable regulatory conditions, largely due to its Payment Services Act (PSA), which mandates licensing for businesses…

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The regulator has maintained a steady message for years, emphasizing its role as a global financial center first, with crypto regulation evolving to meet international anti-money…

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As unlicensed firms face eviction in Singapore, many are scouting for alternative jurisdictions. Yet, the global landscape offers few truly lenient havens.

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Hong Kong has emerged as a notable option. The city-state, long Singapore’s regional competitor, has been actively developing its crypto regulatory framework.

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One example is Bybit, a crypto exchange recently expelled from Thailand, which is now seeking licenses in Hong Kong and Malaysia.

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Singapore’s crackdown aligns with broader international efforts. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global watchdog, has intensified its focus on crypto regulations,…

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