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Regulatory Framework for Trust CompaniesExempt Entities in Singapore: Key GuidelinesCompliance Essentials

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Regulations and Guidance for Trust Business and Exempt Trust Companies in Singapore

The Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS provides comprehensive guidelines, regulations, guidance documents, circulars, FAQs, notices, forms, templates, and other resources designed to regulate trust companies and exempt trust companies operating within the financial sector. These resources are structured to ensure adherence to regulatory standards for various aspects such as licensing, outsourcing practices, risk management, fit-and-proper criteria, exemptions, prudential requirements, and more.

Key Regulatory Areas:

  1. Fit Proper Criteria: Guidelines outlining essential trts and qualifications necessary for individuals or entities seeking approval to conduct regulated activities within the trust business domn.

  2. Risk Management Practices:

    • Internal Controls Guidance: Documentation on robust internal control mechanisms and business process controls recommed for financial institutions, specifically tlored for those engaged in non-bank financial activities.

    • Outsourcing Guidelines: Recommations on sound risk management practices related to outsourcing arrangements by various types of financial institutions.

  3. Exemptions and Licensing:

    • FAQs for the Trust Companies Act: Clarifications addressing questions regarding licensing requirements under Section 151a, b, and Regulation 41biv for banks, merchant banks, other exempt persons providing trust services.

    • Form Instructions: Guidance on filling out essential forms such as Notice of Cessation, Changes in Particulars, and Commencement of Trust Business.

  4. Operational Risk Management: Guidelines emphasizing best practices to manage operational risks associated with trust business operations and outsourcing activities.

  5. Anti-Money Laundering AML Compliance: related to AMLCFT measures for businesses conducting non-face-to-face transactions, including the use of technology-based customer due diligence tools.

  6. Statistical Returns Notifications:

    • Requirements for providing accurate financial returns and mntning proper operational records.
  7. Compliance Toolkit: A comprehensive guide for applications, notifications, and regulatory submissions pertinent to licensed trust companies, exempt trust companies, and approved collective investment scheme CIS trustees.

Key Resources:

Accessing Information:

For those seeking to operate within the regulated financial sector as a trust company or an exempt trust company, it's crucial to familiarize oneself with these resources. The Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS website offers comprehensive access points for these guidelines and forms. Regular updates ensure that users are always abreast of the latest regulatory requirements.


This revised version mntns the original structure while enhancing and introducing a formal tone suitable for business or legal communications. It focuses on providing an overview of key topics covered under trust businesses, emphasizing areas such as licensing criteria, risk management practices, and AML regulations. The language has been simplified and standardized to ensure clarity without compromising depth or accuracy in content.
This article is reproduced from: https://www.mas.gov.sg/regulation/regulations-and-guidance?page=1&entity_type=Trust+Business%2FExempt+Trust+Company&origin=capital-markets

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Singapore Trust Business Regulations Overview Guidelines for Exempt Trust Companies AML Compliance in Non Face to Face Transactions Risk Management Practices for Trust Firms Licensing Requirements for Financial Institutions Fit and Proper Criteria for Trust Company Directors