Singapore’s MAS Grants Bitstamp Crypto License Amid Crackdown on Offshore Firms
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has licensed Bitstamp to operate as a regulated crypto exchange, the platform confirmed Thursday—a significant win amid the city-state’s tightening oversight of digital asset firms.
In June, MAS ordered all crypto businesses serving overseas customers to obtain approval or risk expulsion, fines, or even imprisonment. The regulator cautioned that licenses would be “generally not issued,” citing supervision challenges and elevated money laundering risks.
Bitstamp’s approval signals its compliance with MAS’s rigorous standards, contrasting with firms now facing existential uncertainty under the new rules.
Singapore’s dual identity as a crypto hub and strict regulator continues to shape its market: While institutional interest grows, local retail participation remains muted.
