Bitstamp Wins MAS Licence to Operate Crypto in Singapore

Bitstamp has been granted a Major Payment Institution licence by Singapore’s Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), officially allowing it to offer digital asset services within the city‑state.

Overview

Bitstamp, the European crypto exchange founded in 2011 and recently rebranded as Bitstamp by Robinhood, announced that the licence is part of the exchange’s broader expansion into the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. In June, MAS ordered all crypto exchanges serving overseas customers to get licensed and mentioned that obtaining a licence would be difficult. 

MAS officials said,

“MAS has set the bar high for licensing and will generally not issue a licence. The money laundering risks are higher in such business models and if their substantive regulated activity is outside of Singapore, MAS is unable to supervise such persons effectively.”

This approval comes under the Payment Services Act 2019, which mandates all crypto exchanges serving Singapore residents to obtain MAS authorisation or cease operations. Bitstamp joins an elite group of licensed platforms, affirming its commitment to regulatory compliance and anti-money laundering standards.

What This Means for APAC Crypto Markets

Bitstamp’s licence arrived amid MAS’s tightened crypto framework: since June, all platforms targeting Singapore must have been MAS‑approved. Securing this licence underlines the exchange’s robust AML controls and operational transparency—key criteria set forth by Singapore’s regulator. As one of the first global crypto firms to meet these standards, Bitstamp gains a strong foothold in APAC’s most regulated market. 

Leveraging 14+ years in operation, deep liquidity, low‑latency APIs powered by its Nasdaq-grade matching engine, and ISO/IEC 27001 and SOC 2 Type 2 certifications, Bitstamp sets a high bar for institutional-grade infrastructure. Its Singapore licence ensures local on/off ramps across multiple fiat currencies, allowing seamless entry and exit between traditional finance and crypto. 

With its APAC team based in Singapore, Bitstamp aims to offer responsive, face‑to‑face support in markets and regulatory operations. The licence also unlocks connectivity to UK, EU, and US liquidity pools—a strategic gateway facilitating cross‑border crypto operations.

Implications for Users and the Ecosystem

MAS’s decision to enforce mandatory licensing highlights its focus on consumer safety and market integrity. Licensed platforms are expected to maintain strong AML protocols, clear custody arrangements, and transparent Bitcoin Trading practices, raising the bar for industry participants. This also signals to institutional investors that crypto in Singapore is now backed by rigorous oversight. 

Singapore has emerged as a rising crypto hub in Asia, balancing innovation with regulation amid modest local adoption (approx. 29%). Bitstamp’s licence and entry may catalyse broader APAC adoption, offering a regulated, trusted infrastructure for institutions and retail users. International firms may now view Singapore as a safe, compliant gateway to the region. 

Regional and global players must match Bitstamp’s institutional offerings—multicurrency support, security certifications, and local presence to stay competitive. MAS’s regulatory clarity could encourage more firms to seek licensing, bolstering competition and service quality. However, those without rigorous compliance might struggle under this strict regulatory regime.

A Turning Point for Crypto in Singapore

The MAS granting a Major Payment Institution licence to Bitstamp marks a significant turning point in Singapore’s crypto narrative. Bitstamp secures a trusted local base, institutional-grade infrastructure, and compliance credentials. It reinforces Singapore’s ambition to be a premier, regulated digital asset hub. And for the APAC crypto community, it represents a leap forward in pushing boundaries: from cautious exploration to structured, scalable growth.

As the broader Payment Services Act sanctions regulated crypto activity, Bitstamp’s presence—grounded in experience and institutional quality—will likely influence how other players operate and innovate across the region. This could herald a new wave of regulated crypto services in Asia, where trust, transparency, and growth converge.