Singapore Payments Network (SPaN) Formed to Streamline Governance of National Payments Schemes
On 25 June 2025, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS“) and the Association of Banks in Singapore (“ABS“) jointly announced the incorporation of Singapore Payments Network (“SPaN“). Set up by MAS and ABS, SPaN is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee to drive national payments objectives. SPaN will administer and govern Singapore’s national payment schemes, promote continuous […]
PDPC and CSA Issue Joint Advisory to Organisations against Using NRIC Numbers for Authentication
The Personal Data Protection Commission (“PDPC“) and Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (“CSA“) have issued a joint advisory to advise organisations against using NRIC numbers for authentication. The advisory sets out the following guidance on the use of NRIC numbers: NRIC numbers (full or partial) should not be used as passwords to authenticate a person. […]
Singapore Launches New Global AI Initiatives at ATxSummit 2025
Introduction Singapore stands as a trailblazer in the area of artificial intelligence (“AI“), quickly establishing AI standards, guidelines, and tools to stay ahead of the ever-advancing tides of AI development and deployment. In recognition of the importance of global collaboration in AI, Singapore has also stepped up as a global leader, spearheading efforts in […]
Announcement on the Progress of Draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the Opening of Public Consultation
APPA Releases Guide for Organisations Looking to Get Started on Personal Data Anonymisation
The Guide to Getting Started with Anonymisation (“Guide“) was launched at the 63rd Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (“APPA“) Forum on 11 June 2025. The Guide seeks to help organisations adopt anonymisation practices to safeguard personal data. It provides an overview of basic anonymisation concepts and outlines practical steps for organisations to get started on their anonymisation […]
Regulatory Framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers in line with FATF Enhanced Standards Commences on 30 June 2025
Introduction With effect from 30 June 2025, Part 9 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2022 (“FSMA“) will take effect to introduce a new class of financial institutions (“FIs“), namely digital token service providers (“DTSPs“). The new DTSP regulatory framework aims to implement the enhanced standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (“FATF“) which […]
Singapore Continues Efforts to Align International AI Governance Frameworks
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (“AI“) has meant that more countries are establishing their own AI governance frameworks to encourage development while managing the associated risks. However, due to the cross-border nature of AI application, it is important to harmonise the disparate frameworks. In this regard, Singapore is continuing its efforts to align international […]
EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement – Enhancing Digital Trade between Singapore and the EU
Introduction In light of the increasing prevalence of digital trade, which now makes up around 25% of international trade, Singapore – as a global trade hub – has demonstrated a keen focus on developing stronger bilateral ties in the area of digital economy. Such trade ties are of particular importance against the current backdrop […]
Launch of Personal Data Protection Guideline for Cross Border Data Transfers
Introduction Following from our previous Legal Update setting out our analysis on the latest amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (“PDPA“) pursuant to the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2024 (“Amendment Act“), which can be accessed here, and our Legal Update on the launch of the Personal Data Protection Guidelines for Data […]
New Regulation on Technology Crimes
Introduction On 12 April 2025, the Thai Government announced expanded enforcement powers of government authorities, as well as a range of new obligations for relevant business operators, in order to more effectively combat technology-related crimes. The significant legislative update, called the Emergency Decree on Measures for the Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crimes […]