In this bulletin we cover the following key developments in the payments and fintech space:

• Payment Services Bill: On 14 January 2019, the Payment Services Bill (Bill) was passed by the Singapore Parliament. When it comes into force, the Payment Services Act (as the enacted Bill will be known) will introduce two regulatory frameworks: a designation scheme which enables the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to designate significant payment systems for financial stability reasons, and a licensing regime which allows MAS to regulate a wider range of payment services, including cryptocurrency dealing and exchange services, in a proportionate manner depending on the scope and scale of the provider’s services.
• Sandbox Express: On 14 November 2018, MAS released a consultation paper on Sandbox Express, which comprises a set of pre-defined sandboxes to complement the existing approached of customized sandboxes.
• Digital Token Offerings: On 3 December 2018, MAS updated its Guide to Digital Token Offerings which provides general guidance on the application of the securities laws administered by MAS to offers or issues of digital tokens in Singapore.

For more information on these key developments, please see our full bulletin here.

Key contacts

Natalie Curtis

Of Counsel (Herbert Smith Freehills), Singapore

+65 6868 9805

Grace Chong

Senior Associate (Herbert Smith Freehills), Singapore

+65 6868 8059

Kenneth Lo

Associate (Herbert Smith Freehills), Singapore

+65 6868 9827

Sandra Tsao

Of Counsel (Prolegis), Singapore

+65 6812 1353