Date: For Parliament Sitting on 8 April 2025
Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin, Ang Mo Kio GRC
Question:
To ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance whether the Government assesses a need to introduce stricter advertising guidelines for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) schemes similar to the regulations for advertisement on gambling or high-risk financial products in view that BNPL providers heavily market their services on social media and often using influencers to promote instalment payments on discretionary spending such as fashion, travel, and entertainment to young consumers who may be particularly susceptible to these psychological nudges.
Answer by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, and Chairman of MAS:
1. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) firms operating in Singapore have committed to the industry-led BNPL Code of Conduct (“Code”), that was developed under the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) guidance, to mitigate the risk of debt accumulation and protect consumer interests. Under the Code, accredited firms commit to ensuring that advertisements on BNPL services are clear and not misleading in any way, such as through inaccuracy, ambiguity, exaggeration, omission or otherwise. The advertisements must also clearly disclose any fees or late charges, and not imply that BNPL services are “risk-free” or suitable for all customers. Accredited firms must also ensure that their advertisements on BNPL services comply with the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act 2003 as well as the advertising codes set out by the Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore.
2. The guidelines on fair marketing are complemented by other safeguards in the Code that limit debt accumulation through BNPL, such as not charging compound interest, suspending users who fail to make repayments on time, and committing to only offer BNPL services to those aged 18 and over. MAS had provided further details on these safeguards in its reply to a Parliamentary Question in February this year. Financial education efforts through MoneySense also seek to empower consumers to make informed and responsible borrowing decisions.
3. We assess this approach to be appropriate and proportionate for now. MAS continues to monitor developments in the BNPL sector and will review its regulatory framework as appropriate.
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