When you trade or hold crypto in Singapore, you’re operating under the MAS AML requirements, anti-money laundering rules enforced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore to prevent financial crime in digital asset markets. Also known as Singapore crypto AML rules, these aren’t optional guidelines—they’re legal obligations that apply to anyone running a crypto business or using regulated platforms. The MAS doesn’t just want to stop criminals; it wants to make sure legitimate users can trade safely without their funds being swept up in illegal activity.
The core of these rules is Know Your Customer, a process where crypto exchanges and service providers must verify the identity of every user. Also known as KYC, it’s why you had to upload your ID when signing up for MEXC, Paritex, or any other platform operating in Singapore. But it goes deeper than that. The MAS also demands transaction monitoring, real-time tracking of suspicious activity like sudden large transfers or rapid movement between wallets. And if you’re running a business, you need a license—no exceptions. This is why platforms like Cryptonex got flagged: no license, no oversight, no compliance. The MAS doesn’t tolerate gray areas.
These rules don’t just affect exchanges. They ripple into DeFi, NFTs, and even personal wallets if they’re used for commercial purposes. If you’re running a token sale, managing a crypto fund, or offering staking services in Singapore, you’re already in the MAS crosshairs. The 2025 updates tightened reporting timelines, required more detailed record-keeping, and expanded the definition of what counts as a virtual asset service provider. Even if you’re not based in Singapore but serve users there, you still need to comply—or risk being blocked.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just theory. It’s real-world examples: how Hong Kong’s new ordinance compares to MAS rules, why US state laws differ so much from Singapore’s strict approach, and how platforms like QuickSwap and PancakeSwap navigate these waters without getting shut down. You’ll see how regulation shapes what exchanges can offer, why some tokens vanish overnight, and how compliance isn’t just a legal box to check—it’s a survival tool in today’s crypto market.
As of June 2025, Singapore's MAS has effectively halted new crypto licenses, enforcing strict AML, capital, and compliance rules. Only elite firms with local teams and full Travel Rule systems can operate. This is no longer a crypto-friendly hub - it's a fortress of financial integrity.