Located at the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore is well placed to serve the fast-growing markets of the Asia-Pacific region. Financial institutions in Singapore also trade around-the-clock with Asia-Pacific centres, as well as European and American centres, making Singapore a significant hub for 24-hour trading in foreign exchange and securities. International travel is equally convenient. Singapore has grown to be a strategic link and important gateway for global investors.
Singapore remains connected to growth markets, not just in Asia but also beyond. Singapore has concluded bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with major economies, including the United States, European Union, China, Japan, India, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland. Singapore is also part of a number of multilateral FTAs, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership, GCC-Singapore FTA and ASEAN FTAs with some of the key ASEAN Dialogue Partners. These FTAs provide privileged access to the markets of partner countries.
Singapore is also building linkages, including through Bilateral Investment Treaties and FinTech Cooperation Agreements, with countries further a-field including the Middle East, Africa and South America, given the growing trade and investment interests in emerging economies.
Singapore has long been recognised as one of the best cities for business. This is what a World Bank report had to say about doing business in Singapore:
Investors have also come to appreciate the high levels of transparency and reliability in business, economic and regulatory affairs in Singapore. A stable political structure with parliamentary democracy, a well-established judicial system, and the presence of strong domestic institutions with good corporate governance practices, have made the Singapore business environment even more attractive to global investors.
Singapore remains highly cost competitive compared with other major financial centres.
Financial institutions benefit from Singapore’s world-class infrastructure and connectivity. Singapore has built on its advantageous geographical location to become one of the world’s top trading and transportation hubs. Located right in the middle of the Asian timezone, Singapore maintains excellent connectivity and proximity to major Asian economies.
Financial institutions in Singapore can also tap on our extensive network of free trade agreements and Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) . Our network of DTAs with more than 80 jurisdictions works to the advantage of any financial institution using Singapore as its regional or global hub.
The availability of a large pool of finance professionals in Singapore is a key reason why global financial institutions operate here, and use Singapore as a regional or global hub. We continue to attract top talent and expertise from overseas. At the same time, MAS works closely with our tripartite partners to build the pipeline of finance professionals and leaders.
Singapore’s labour regulations and workforce have consistently been rated highly by leading international organisations such as the World Economic Forum and Washington-based risk consultancy agency, Business Environment Risk Intelligence (BERI).
MAS will provide up to US$60 billion of funding to banks in Singapore through a new MAS USD Facility. The Facility will support more stable USD funding conditions in Singapore, and facilitate USD lending to businesses in Singapore and the region.
The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo) expect all issuers to comply with the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) mandatory safe distancing measures. Issuers must implement all the relevant measures in the conduct of meetings including general meetings and scheme meetings.
MAS issued an advisory to all financial institutions in Singapore, telling them to implement safe distancing measures in all aspects of their business operations, especially customer touch points. This is part of the national effort to reduce the risk of further local transmission of COVID-19.
MAS will release its next six-monthly Monetary Policy Statement on 30 March 2020 (Monday), at 8:00 am. The statement will be posted on the MAS website.
Singapore and Australia have agreed to enhance data connectivity in financial services between both countries under the Singapore-Australia Digital Economy Agreement.
