Singapore Regulator Targets One Month Private Bank Onboarding Time

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has mandated private banks to reduce account opening times to within one month by the end of 2026, down from a current average of six weeks or longer. This initiative aims to enhance Singapore's competitiveness in the global wealth management sector, especially after a notable S$3 billion ($2 billion) money-laundering case three years ago that imposed stricter client vetting processes. The MAS outlined strategies for banks to streamline onboarding procedures while still adhering to anti-money laundering standards. These changes could positively influence the attractiveness of Singapore as a destination for overseas wealth.