Singapore
1. Does Singapore have a sanctions regime in place?
Yes.
2. Does Singapore implement UN sanctions?
Yes. As a member state of the UN, Singapore implements UN sanctions through the United Nations Act (Cap. 339) (UNA), UNA which applies to non-financial institutions and individuals, and, through regulations issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the MAS Act, which apply to financial institutions
3. Does Singapore implement an autonomous sanctions regime?
Singapore also applies targeted financial sanctions against designated individuals and entities under the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act (TSOFA), The relevant individuals and entities are designated by the Inter-Ministry Committee on Terrorist Designation pursuant to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1373 relating to terrorism. Variable Capital Companies are required to comply with targeted financial sanctions issued under the Variable Capital Companies Act.
4. What is the nature of the sanctions regime in Singapore ?
As noted above, the sanctions regime in Singapore has a dual approach where the UNSCR are generally implemented through regulations made under the UN Act, while regulations targeting financial institutions are implemented under the MAS Act.
In addition, TSOFA gives effect to the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.
5. Does Singapore maintain a list of sanctioned individuals and entities?
Singapore does not have a consolidated searchable list of sanctioned individuals and entities. The MAS does maintain a website with links to the relevant UN lists as well as the schedule of terrorist/ terrorist entities under the TSOFA here.
6. Are there any other lists related to sanctions?
The MAS issues regulations and notices to financial institutions on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures. A list of the notices and guidelines may be found here.
7. Does Singapore have a licensing or authorization system in place?
Exemptions may be granted in appropriate cases by either the Minister of Home Affairs or the MAS. By way of example, under TSOFA, the Minister may exempt any person in Singapore, or any citizen outside Singapore, in respect of any specified activity or transaction that would otherwise contravene the Act.
8. What are the consequences for a breach of sanctions in Singapore?
The consequences vary depending on the relevant legislation or provision that has been breached. For instance, a financial institution which fails to comply with any of the Monetary Authority of Singapore Regulations may be guilty of an offense and liable to a fine up to Singapore Dollars (SGD) 1 million.
Under the United Nations Act, every person who commits, attempts to do so, does any act with intent to commit, or aids, abets or conspires with another person to commit an offense may be liable to a fine of up to SGD 1 million or to imprisonment for a term up to 10 years or to both. Similar penalties apply in respect of offenses of dealing with sanctioned individuals or entities under the TSOFA.
9. Who are the relevant regulators in Singapore and what are their contact details?
The Monetary Authority of Singapore is responsible for enforcing financial sanctions.
Monetary Authority of Singapore
10 Shenton Way, MAS Building, Singapore, 079117 T: (+65) 6225 5577 F: (+65) 6229 9229 E: www.mas.gov.sg/contact-us
Singapore Customs is responsible for enforcing trade sanctions.
Singapore Customs
c/o Ministry of Home Affairs, 55 Newton Road #10-01, Revenue House, Singapore, 307987
T: (+65) 6355 2000 F: (+65) 6250 8663 E: customs_stgc@customs.gov.sg
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Terrorist Designation is responsible for matters relating to the designation of terrorists.
c/o Ministry of Home Affairs, New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore, 329560
T: (+65) 6478 7010 F: (+65) 6254 6250
Contributor law firm
Jocelyn Chow
Partner
Eversheds Sutherland
37/F Taikoo Place
Taikoo Place
979 King's Road
Quarry Bay
Hong Kong SAR
Explore other countries
© Eversheds Sutherland. All rights reserved. Eversheds Sutherland is a global provider of legal and other services operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. Eversheds Sutherland is the name and brand under which the members of Eversheds Sutherland Limited (Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP and Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP) and their respective controlled, managed and affiliated firms and the members of Eversheds Sutherland (Europe) Limited (each an "Eversheds Sutherland Entity" and together the "Eversheds Sutherland Entities") provide legal or other services to clients around the world. Eversheds Sutherland Entities are constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local regulatory and legal requirements and operate in accordance with their locally registered names. The use of the name Eversheds Sutherland, is for description purposes only and does not imply that the Eversheds Sutherland Entities are in a partnership or are part of a global LLP. The responsibility for the provision of services to the client is defined in the terms of engagement between the instructed firm and the client.
Share this page
The information contained on this site is intended as a guide only. Whilst the information it contains is believed to be correct, it is not a substitute for appropriate legal advice. Eversheds Sutherland can take no responsibility for actions taken based on the information contained in this document.