Gemini Secures MAS Licence for Crypto, Cross-Border Payments

Crypto exchange Gemini has secured a Major Payment Institution licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. According to the MAS Financial Institutions Directory, the licence covers cross-border money transfer and digital payment token services.

Singapore has taken a measured, forward-looking approach to AI governance, balancing innovation with responsible deployment. The report underscores how the capital intensity of AI is reshaping cost structures and headcount decisions across the technology sector.

The implications extend beyond the immediate announcement. Gemini currently offers spot trading, digital asset custody and over-the-counter services in Singapore “Securing the MPI license from MAS validates our [...]. This development comes at a time when Singapore is doubling down on its AI ambitions, with significant investments in compute infrastructure, talent development, and cross-border collaboration. For enterprises in the city-state, the practical question is how quickly these changes translate into new capabilities, cost structures, and competitive dynamics.

Singapore's AI ecosystem continues to grow as the city-state positions itself as a leading hub for artificial intelligence innovation in Southeast Asia. Local players — from government agencies to startups and established enterprises — are watching closely, because moves like this tend to reshape expectations across the entire ecosystem rather than in isolation.

Why it matters for Singapore: For businesses operating in Singapore, these policy developments signal both opportunities and compliance requirements. Staying ahead of the regulatory curve is essential for any organisation building or deploying AI in the city-state.