Crypto Exchange License Singapore: What You Need to Know About Legal Crypto Trading in Singapore
When you hear crypto exchange license Singapore, a government-issued permit allowing a business to operate a digital asset trading platform under strict financial oversight. Also known as MAS crypto license, it’s not just paperwork—it’s the difference between a platform you can trust and one that could vanish overnight. Singapore doesn’t just welcome crypto; it regulates it tightly. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) requires every exchange handling fiat-to-crypto trades or offering services to local users to get a license. No license? That means no legal operation in Singapore—and if you’re trading on an unlicensed platform, you’re taking real risks.
Why does this matter? Because unlicensed exchanges like ELDEX, a crypto platform with no verified data, user reviews, or regulatory oversight, or FreiExchange, a zero-fee exchange with no regulation and high withdrawal fees, often appear legitimate but leave users with zero recourse if things go wrong. Meanwhile, licensed exchanges in Singapore must follow strict KYC, AML, and capital requirements. They’re audited, monitored, and held accountable. If you’re looking to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, or altcoins safely in Asia, a licensed Singapore exchange is one of the few places where rules actually protect you.
But getting a license isn’t easy. It takes years, millions in capital, and a team that understands both blockchain tech and financial law. That’s why so many platforms claim to be "Singapore-based" but aren’t licensed—they’re just using the city’s reputation to trick users. Even some platforms listed on CoinMarketCap, like ARzPaya, an Iranian exchange that operates outside global compliance standards, may seem popular but aren’t approved by MAS. The truth? A license isn’t a badge you buy—it’s a standard you earn.
If you’re in Singapore—or even just trading with Singapore-based users—you need to know who’s licensed and who’s not. The MAS public register is your best tool. And if you’re considering starting a crypto business here, understand this: the license isn’t a goal, it’s the starting line. Everything else—security, transparency, customer support—follows from it.
Below, you’ll find real reviews, scam alerts, and deep dives into platforms that claim to be compliant—and the ones that aren’t. No fluff. No hype. Just what you need to avoid losing money to fake exchanges, ghost projects, or unregulated platforms hiding behind buzzwords. If you’re serious about crypto in Asia, this is the filter you need.
Crypto Exchange Licensing Requirements in Singapore: What You Need to Know in 2025
Singapore's crypto exchange licensing rules changed in June 2025. Now, all exchanges operating from Singapore - even those serving overseas clients - must be licensed by MAS. Learn the two license types, costs, application timelines, and what happens if you don't comply.
