What this area covers: MLRO services in Singapore
MLRO services is one of 6 parts of our “Compliance & AML” practice. It covers the full cycle from initial scoping to operational launch, run by a single named partner from our Singapore practice.
What it is in Singapore: external / outsourced MLRO.
How we handle MLRO services
The “MLRO services” project in Singapore is structured as a 4-stage process run by a single named partner.
Regulatory program drafting, MLRO services, and examination preparation across FINTRAC, FCA, MAS, FIU, and CBUAE frameworks.
The same desk that runs MLRO services handles your banking, bookkeeping, compliance and — where needed — your wind-down.INNOVA · Operating model
Why Singapore
Singapore is the operating hub of the Asia-Pacific region, with territorial taxation, a strong regulator (MAS), and the rule of law. Our priority for structures focused on Southeast Asia and for fintech licensing under the PSA.
A reliable regulatory environment
Banking ecosystem
Corporate tax 17% (effectively lower with reliefs)
INNOVA represented on the ground
Why INNOVA
Operational differences that hold up on the 2nd, 5th and 10th project — not just at first impression.
One partner — the whole cycle
Registration, banking, tax, compliance, immigration — run by one team from start to finish.
14 years of practice
Working since 2012 through several regulatory cycles — including FATCA/CRS, the tightening of banking, and the introduction of UAE CT.
Regulator-grade documentation
Every output document is ready for audit and investor scrutiny — whatever the size of the deal.
Multi-jurisdiction within the group
Cross-border work is handled inside the group — no chain of external subcontractors.
How the work is structured
A 4-stage process led by a single named partner — from the intro call to the operational hand-over.
Risk assessment
Risk assessment across products, clients and geography
Program development
Manuals, training and control mechanisms
Regulator submission
Submission of the documentation to the regulator
Monitoring
Reviews, audits and keeping the program current
What we need from you · what you get from us
What we need from you to begin — and what you walk away with. We won't pester you with needless questions: we already have most of the answers.
- Activity / sector descriptionstructured
- Customer-base profiledocumented
- Geographic exposuremapped
- Existing controls (if any)stated
- AML/CFT risk assessmentregulator-ready
- Compliance manual + proceduresoperational
- MLRO appointednamed officer
- Training programme (annual)delivered
- Customer DD templatesready to use
- Sanctions/PEP screening liveautomated
Four ways to work together
We don't quote a fixed price without understanding your situation — cost depends on the complexity of your case. Start with an initial call, then we pick the right format.
Intro call
A 30-minute online consultation. We discuss your situation, define the project scope, and propose a structure and timeline.
Written analysis
A written consultation with a full review of the business — tax positioning, structure options, jurisdiction comparison, banking path. Turnaround: 5 business days.
Operating roadmap
For complex situations — multi-jurisdiction structures, regulated activity, founder relocation. A full plan with stages, dependencies, deliverables and timing.
Direct execution
You know what you need — we execute. No advisory mark-up and no discovery phase.
Fill in the questionnaire
Complete the online questionnaire: it creates your account on the portal, where your structure, renewal reminders and documents will live.
Fill in the questionnaire
4 steps · creates an INNOVA portal account · 24h review.
Once you submit the questionnaire we create a portal account. Inside: your live structure, a renewals calendar (annual returns, register updates, tax filings), a document vault (certificates, share register, bank letters), a partner chat and project status. A single place for your entire operational life.
From a client
A review from a client who went through a comparable project. Verified, the engagement is ongoing.
Frequently asked questions
The questions we're asked most often. If yours isn't here, an intro call is the fastest way to get an answer.
Most “MLRO services” projects in Singapore run 4–5 weeks start to finish. The fastest stage is document filing; the longest is post-registration onboarding (banking, tax registration). A single named partner runs the project throughout.
From US$ 6,500 · program development. The lower bound is for clean, standard profiles; the upper bound is for complex ownership structures, multi-jurisdiction projects or regulated activity. A fixed quote follows a 30-minute scoping call.
In most cases, no. The entire process runs remotely under a notarised power of attorney. A handful of jurisdictions require an in-person visit (typically biometrics for a residence permit) — we plan those as efficiently as possible.
Singapore's AML/CFT framework rests on the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act (CDSA) and the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) supervises financial institutions; Corporate Service Providers, accountants, and other Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) fall under sector regulators such as ACRA and ISCA. Obligations: customer due diligence (CDD), beneficial-ownership identification, ongoing transaction monitoring, and filing Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) with the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO) via the SONAR system. We build the programme around your profile.
AML/CFT supervision in Singapore is split across regulators. MAS supervises banks, payment institutions, capital markets entities, and digital token service providers, issuing binding Notices (such as MAS Notice 626 for banks). ACRA regulates Corporate Service Providers and company secretaries. The Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO) — Singapore's financial intelligence unit, housed in the Police Force's Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) — receives every STR. Singapore is a founding member of the FATF and was rated largely compliant at its most recent mutual evaluation.
Yes. Since 2017, a Singapore company must keep a Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC) identifying individuals with significant control or ownership — generally 25% or more of shares or voting rights. The RORC sits at the registered office or with a Corporate Service Provider, and the data is also filed with ACRA's central register. Nominee directors and shareholders must disclose their nominee status. Fail to keep it accurate, and it's an offence under the Companies Act.
MLRO services in other countries
The same service — in every jurisdiction we run. One desk, one standard.
