MAS Regulator Review (2026)
Monetary Authority of Singapore · Singapore · Est. 1971
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is a tier 1 — strongest based in Singapore, established in 1971. It provides SGD 1M minimum capital requirement. Retail leverage is capped at 1:20 retail. In BrokerRank's database, 34 brokers hold MAS licenses, averaging 3.57/5 — above the platform average of 3.3/5.
Official MAS websiteInvestor Protection
SGD 1M minimum capital requirement
Leverage Cap (Retail)
1:20 retail
Min. Capital Requirement
SGD 1,000,000 minimum
Key Requirements
- • Client fund segregation
- • Capital adequacy ratio
- • Annual audits
- • Technology risk management
Who Should Choose an MAS-Regulated Broker?
Singapore & Southeast Asia traders
MAS is the primary regulator for Singapore-based traders and is widely respected across Southeast Asia. MAS-regulated brokers must be locally incorporated or hold a Capital Markets Services licence.
High-net-worth & institutional traders
MAS is known for strict oversight of institutional-grade brokers. Singapore is a major global financial hub, and MAS-regulated firms tend to serve sophisticated clients with larger account sizes.
Traders wanting Asia-Pacific alternatives to ASIC
MAS and ASIC are both Tier-1 regulators. Traders who prefer a Singapore-domiciled broker (lower tax implications, regional support) often favour MAS over ASIC.
Broker Quality Distribution (34 brokers)
MAS Brokers with Additional Licenses
What MAS Requires from Brokers
Minimum Capital
SGD 1,000,000 minimum
Leverage Cap (Retail)
1:20 retail
Client Fund Safety
Segregated client accounts required
Investor Compensation
SGD 1M minimum capital requirement
Reporting
Annual audits + ongoing regulatory reporting
Key obligations
Top 5 MAS-Regulated Brokers
| # | Broker | Rating | Min Deposit | Spread from | Platforms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | 4.43 | $0 | 0.2 pips | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Open Account | |
| #2 | 4.40 | $100 | 0.8 pips | MT5, Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Open Account | |
| #3 | 4.33 | $250 | 0.6 pips | MT4, Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Open Account | |
| #4 | 4.09 | $0 | 0.6 pips | Proprietary Mobile, MT4, Proprietary Web | Open Account | |
| #5 | 4.06 | $0 | 0.5 pips | Proprietary Web, MT4, Proprietary Mobile | Open Account |
How to Verify a Broker's MAS License
Visit eservices.mas.gov.sg/fid/institution and search for the broker's legal name
Confirm the firm holds a Capital Markets Services (CMS) licence under the Securities and Futures Act
Check the licence is listed as 'Active' and the regulated activity includes 'Dealing in Capital Markets Products'
MAS also maintains an Investor Alert List of unregulated entities — cross-check at mas.gov.sg/investor-alert-list
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is MAS a safe regulator?
MAS is a Tier 1 regulator, one of the strongest in the world. It oversees 34 brokers in BrokerRank's database, which average a 3.57/5 rating — above the platform-wide average of 3.3/5. Client protection includes SGD 1M minimum capital requirement.
2How many brokers are regulated by MAS?
In 2026, 34 brokers in BrokerRank's database of 345 hold a MAS license. The top-rated MAS-regulated broker is Interactive Brokers (4.43/5).
3What leverage does MAS allow?
MAS caps retail client leverage at 1:20 retail. This is designed to limit losses for inexperienced traders.
4What happens if an MAS-regulated broker goes bankrupt?
MAS-regulated brokers are required to segregate client funds. In case of insolvency, clients may be eligible for compensation: SGD 1M minimum capital requirement.
5How does MAS compare to other regulators?
BrokerRank data shows regulation has a 0.84 correlation with overall broker quality. CFTC-regulated brokers average 3.73/5 (highest), ASIC 3.59/5, MAS 3.57/5, FCA 3.51/5, CySEC 3.51/5. MAS brokers average 3.57/5.
6How do I check if a broker really has a MAS licence?
Go to the official MAS Financial Institutions Directory at https://eservices.mas.gov.sg/fid/institution and search for the broker by name or licence number. Confirm the status is active and the authorised activities match what the broker offers. Never rely solely on a logo on the broker's website — clone firms frequently copy licence details from legitimate brokers.
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