Crypto Exchange License Singapore: What You Need to Know About Legality and Regulation

When you hear crypto exchange license Singapore, a legal requirement issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) that allows digital asset platforms to operate lawfully in the country. Also known as MAS crypto license, it’s not just paperwork—it’s a shield for users and a signal of trust. Singapore doesn’t just allow crypto exchanges; it demands they play by strict rules. Unlike places where crypto operates in a gray zone, Singapore requires every exchange to prove they have strong security, clean finances, and real anti-fraud systems before they can touch a single dollar of user money.

This MAS crypto rules, the regulatory framework set by Singapore’s central bank to oversee digital asset trading and prevent money laundering. Also known as Payment Services Act (PSA), it forces exchanges to verify every user’s identity, track every transaction, and keep user funds separate from company money. If an exchange doesn’t have this license, it’s operating illegally—even if it claims to be "global" or "decentralized." And here’s the catch: just because a platform accepts Singapore users doesn’t mean it’s licensed. Many unlicensed sites still let you trade, but if they get shut down, your money vanishes with no recourse. The licensed crypto exchange, a crypto platform that has passed MAS’s full audit, including capital requirements, cybersecurity checks, and ongoing reporting. Also known as licensed digital payment token service provider, it’s the only kind you should trust if you’re in Singapore. Think of it like a restaurant: you can eat at a street vendor, but if you want to know your food was inspected, you pick the one with the health certificate.

Why does this matter? Because Singapore is one of the few places where crypto regulation actually works. The crypto exchange compliance, the ongoing process of following MAS rules, including regular audits, transaction monitoring, and staff training. Also known as regulatory adherence, it’s not a one-time check—it’s a daily commitment. Licensed exchanges here must report suspicious activity, freeze accounts tied to crime, and prove they’re not just a front for money laundering. That’s why platforms like Coinbase and Kraken got their licenses here, while hundreds of others never even applied. The result? Fewer scams, fewer sudden shutdowns, and real accountability.

Below, you’ll find real reviews and deep dives into exchanges that either hold this license or have been caught trying to sneak past it. Some are safe, some are scams, and some are barely hanging on. You’ll see how regulators cracked down, how users lost money because they ignored the license, and which platforms are actually worth your time. No fluff. Just facts you can use to trade smarter—and stay out of trouble.