Singapore is stepping up its efforts to strengthen its position as a global financial technology hub, with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) committing S$220 million (US$173 million) over the next three years to accelerate innovation across the financial sector.
The funding will be provided through the renewed Financial Sector Technology and Innovation Scheme (FSTI 4.0), which is designed to encourage the development and adoption of emerging technologies by financial institutions and fintech companies.
Singapore has already established itself as one of Asia’s leading fintech centres. The country is home to more than 1,800 fintech firms, employing close to 10,000 professionals across areas including technology, data, artificial intelligence, compliance and cybersecurity. Fintech investment in Singapore reached S$2.9 billion in 2025, according to figures cited by Finextra.
AI, Digital Assets and Distributed Ledger Technology
FSTI 4.0 places particular emphasis on technologies that could reshape financial services.
The programme will support projects involving artificial intelligence (AI), distributed ledger technology (DLT), quantum technology, digital assets and financial infrastructure.
A dedicated AI Pathfinder track will support the scaling and adoption of market-ready AI solutions within the financial sector, while the Institution Project track will help Singapore-based financial institutions and fintech companies develop and deploy innovative technologies.
The initiative also includes support for industry-wide infrastructure and platforms designed to improve efficiency, productivity and innovation.
For the digital asset industry, the inclusion of digital assets and DLT is particularly significant. Singapore has already developed a regulated ecosystem for digital payment token services, with MAS currently listing dozens of licensed major payment institutions providing such services.
Focus on Talent
MAS is also putting significant emphasis on developing the next generation of fintech professionals.
Through a new FinTech Internship Portal, managed by the Singapore FinTech Association, the programme aims to support at least 1,000 internship opportunities over the next three years.
The manpower track will co-fund internship stipends and connect students with fintech companies for opportunities across technology, business and other roles.
The goal is not only to attract international companies and capital to Singapore, but also to build a local talent pipeline capable of supporting the country’s rapidly evolving financial technology sector.
Strengthening Singapore’s Global Fintech Position
FSTI 4.0 is built around four broad objectives: anchoring and scaling innovation, accelerating the development and adoption of financial technologies, developing infrastructure for technology adoption and supporting talent development and attraction.
The programme also includes a Centre of Excellence track aimed at encouraging leading global financial institutions and fintech companies to establish innovative functions in Singapore.
MAS will further use the Singapore FinTech Festival, awards and a hackcelerator programme to raise Singapore’s international profile as a centre for financial innovation.
For Singapore, the S$220 million commitment represents more than simply another technology investment. It is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the city-state remains competitive as financial services increasingly converge with AI, blockchain, digital assets and other emerging technologies.
With substantial private-sector investment already flowing into the sector, MAS is effectively positioning Singapore to compete for the next generation of fintech companies, financial infrastructure and talent across Asia.
For the digital asset industry, the message is clear: Singapore intends to remain at the centre of Asia’s regulated financial innovation economy.