Industry News

A recent study by MetaComp, a major payment institution licenced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, has highlighted significant vulnerabilities in the detection of financial crime risks within blockchain transactions. The research, focusing on stablecoin flows, analysed 7,000 transactions on Ethereum and Tron using four leading Know Your Transactions (KYT) tools: Chainalysis, Elliptic, Merkle Science, and Beosin. Findings revealed that up to 25% of high-risk transactions were not flagged when relying on only one or two KYT tools.

The study underscores the importance of a multilayered KYT approach for effective Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) compliance. Tin Pei Ling, Co-President of MetaComp, stated, “For institutions operating in a regulated environment, especially those dealing with stablecoin flows, it is no longer sufficient to rely on a single tool for transaction screening.”

MetaComp’s analysis demonstrated that a three-tool screening model significantly improves risk detection whilst maintaining processing speed, making it suitable for real-time environments. This approach reduced the false clean rate to below 0.10%, ensuring near-instant results. The study also identified systemic weaknesses, such as fragmented risk coverage and inconsistent risk categorisation, contributing to screening inconsistencies.

The research focused on USDT and USDC stablecoins, given their prominence in institutional use cases. MetaComp recommends using at least three KYT tools per transaction to balance AML/CFT effectiveness, cost, and processing efficiency. The study’s findings aim to elevate industry standards for on-chain risk monitoring and support the development of a more trusted digital finance environment.
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A recent survey by Robert Walters Singapore reveals that 93% of employers have observed increased staff turnover or disengagement following delays in pay rises. The survey, which included nearly 200 professionals and employers, highlights the significant impact of monetary compensation on employee retention and engagement in Singapore.

The findings show that 45% of employers have either reduced or postponed pay rises, whilst 17% did not offer any pay increases this year. Consequently, 64% of employers noticed employee disengagement, and 29% reported higher turnover rates. Among professionals, 72% are actively seeking new jobs after not receiving their expected pay rise, and 58% of those who did receive a raise found it lower than anticipated. Furthermore, 92% of professionals feel underpaid compared to the market rate.

Kirsty Poltock, Country Manager at Robert Walters Singapore, commented on the financial pressures businesses face, stating, “Businesses are under immense pressure to keep costs down, and for many, salary increases just haven’t been feasible this year.” She emphasised the consequences of these decisions, noting the rise in turnover and drop in motivation.

The survey underscores a disconnect between employer decisions and employee expectations, with unmet expectations driving employees to explore new opportunities. Poltock advises employers to consider non-monetary perks such as career development and flexible working arrangements to retain talent. The Robert Walters 2025 Salary Survey offers insights into pay levels and hiring trends, aiding leaders in having transparent discussions about compensation.
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Skechers, renowned for its comfort technology and lifestyle footwear, is marking Singapore’s 60th birthday with the launch of the Skechers x Mr. Merlion & Friends collection. Set to debut on 18 July, this exclusive collection will be available only in Singapore and features a range of unisex short-sleeve tees for both adults and children, a tote bag, and Cali Bits accessories. The designs highlight Mr. Merlion engaging in popular sports alongside his food-inspired companions, Loti Bread, Chilli Krabby, and Kopi-O, embodying the vibrant spirit of Singapore.

The collection aims to blend playful local charm with Skechers’ signature performance innovation. To further celebrate the launch, Skechers is offering a special in-store promotion from 24 July to 11 August, allowing customers to purchase any two Mr. Merlion & Friends items for $60, excluding Cali Bits.

Available at selected Skechers concept stores and online, the tees and tote bags can be found at locations such as Bugis Junction, Century Square, and Jewel Changi Airport, among others. Meanwhile, the Cali Bits accessories will be offered at a curated list of stores, including Causeway Point and VivoCity.

This collaboration not only highlights Skechers’ commitment to local culture but also provides a unique way for Singaporeans to celebrate their nation’s milestone. As the collection launches, it promises to bring a touch of local flair to Skechers’ global brand.
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Rental prices and volumes for both HDB flats and condominiums in Singapore saw an uptick in June 2025, according to the latest report by 99.co and SRX. This increase is attributed to seasonal factors such as school holidays and mid-year lease renewals, alongside a pause in home purchases ahead of the July Build-To-Order (BTO) launch.

Condominium rental prices experienced a slight decrease of 0.2% compared to May 2025, with the Core Central Region (CCR) and Rest of Central Region (RCR) each seeing a 0.6% drop, whilst the Outside Central Region (OCR) rose by 0.2%. Despite this monthly dip, year-on-year figures show a 2.5% increase in overall condo rental prices. Rental volumes for condos surged by 18.8% month-on-month, with 6,674 units rented in June, marking a 10.7% rise from the previous year.

In the HDB rental market, prices increased by 0.3% from May 2025. Non-Mature estates saw a 0.8% rise, whilst Mature estates experienced a 0.2% decline. Notably, Executive flats recorded the highest price increase at 1.5%. Year-on-year, HDB rental prices rose by 2.8%. Rental volumes also climbed by 4.5% month-on-month, with 2,706 HDB flats rented in June.

Luqman Hakim, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at 99.co, noted that the rental market’s buoyancy is partly due to families relocating for better school access and expatriates renewing leases. The upcoming BTO launch, offering 10,000 new flats, has also led prospective buyers to temporarily turn to rentals, particularly in more affordable segments like Executive and 4-room HDB flats or OCR condos.
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Tiger Brokers, a leading online brokerage firm listed on Nasdaq, has been recognised by CNBC and Statista as one of the World’s Top FinTech Companies 2025. This accolade highlights the company’s ongoing influence in the fintech sector, particularly in the Wealth Technology category, where it continues to innovate and redefine global investing for the next generation.

The CNBC x Statista list evaluates fintech companies based on technological innovation, industry impact, and growth potential. Over 3,000 companies were assessed across seven verticals, including Payments, Alternative Financing, and Digital Assets. Tiger Brokers stood out in Wealth Technology, thanks to its strong focus on technology and seamless user experience. “In today’s world, no company can go far without continuous technological innovation,” said Wu Tianhua, CEO of Tiger Brokers.

Since its public listing on Nasdaq in 2019, Tiger Brokers has expanded globally, operating in Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, the US, Australia, and New Zealand. The firm now serves over 10 million users worldwide, with client assets exceeding $45 billion. Its flagship platform, Tiger Trade, offers multi-market, multi-currency, and multi-asset trading, supported by advanced tools like TigerAI.

In Q1 2025, Tiger Brokers reported record revenues of $122.6 million and a non-GAAP net income of $36 million, marking a 145% year-over-year increase. The company’s total trading volume reached $217.5 billion, underscoring its robust growth and commitment to technological advancement in the fintech industry.
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As Singapore marks its 60th anniversary, Grand Park City Hall is inviting locals to explore the island’s rich cultural heritage with a series of exclusive experiences. Located in Singapore’s Civic District, the hotel is offering a blend of history, gastronomy, and luxury to celebrate this national milestone.

Grand Park City Hall has curated a suite of experiences that highlight Singapore’s multicultural heritage. Guests can enjoy exclusive stay packages, including complimentary Club Lounge upgrades for Singapore citizens and permanent residents who book by 31 August. The hotel also offers Heritage Stay Packages and nostalgic in-room play amenities in the Family Suite.

Visitors can catch the celebratory fireworks every Saturday leading up to National Day on 9 August from the hotel’s Rooftop Garden. Additionally, guests can benefit from special perks and discounts at nearby museums and attractions, enhancing their cultural exploration.

Tablescape Restaurant at the hotel is offering a limited-time SG60 Celebration Menu, featuring local flavours in a neoclassical setting. Moreover, the Mid-Week SG60 Sale provides special room rates for bookings made every Wednesday and Thursday in August.

Grand Park City Hall, the flagship luxury hotel of Park Hotel Group, is situated within a three-minute walk from City Hall MRT, offering easy access to Singapore’s major train lines and cultural landmarks. With its blend of sleek design and Peranakan motifs, the hotel promises a uniquely Singaporean experience, reflecting the nation’s past and its forward-facing hospitality.
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NHG Health has partnered with general practitioners (GPs) and community organisations to enhance access to diabetic foot and eye screenings in Singapore’s Central and North regions. Launched in November 2023, this initiative aims to facilitate early detection and management of diabetes-related complications by offering screenings at convenient neighbourhood locations.

To date, more than 700 patients have utilised the one-stop screening services, with 92 GP clinics referring patients to 12 designated sites, including Active Ageing Centres, Community Centres, and Resident Networks. These locations were strategically chosen for their proximity to CN-PCN partner GP clinics, ensuring ease of access for patients. Additionally, patients receive support in managing their conditions through nurse counselling at Community Health Posts.

Associate Professor Karen Ng, Director of Central-North Primary Care Network, emphasised the importance of early screening, stating, “Early screening for diabetic foot and eye complications is key to timely intervention and preventing serious issues such as lower limb extremity amputations and diabetic retinopathy.”

The initiative not only improves patient access but also enhances operational efficiency for GPs, allowing them to provide preventive care supported by a team of CN-PCN Nurses and Primary Care Coordinators. Dr Seow En Hao, Medical Director of EH Medical, noted that the partnership allows GPs to offer essential services at subsidised rates, strengthening doctor-patient relationships.

Looking ahead, NHG Health plans to establish at least one community screening location near each cluster of CN-PCN GP clinics by 2026, further expanding access and supporting chronic care management in the community.
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Cornerstone Robotics, a leader in precision surgical systems, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Healthcare Group (NHG) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore. This agreement, witnessed by Singapore’s Minister of Health, aims to advance robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) through clinical research, surgical education, and innovation.

The MOU outlines a focus on telesurgical education and cost-effectiveness studies to improve RAS accessibility. RAS is pivotal in minimally invasive care, enhancing surgical precision and patient recovery through advanced imaging and smart algorithms. Cornerstone Robotics’ Sentire Endoscopic Surgical Robot C1000, developed in-house, has already completed clinical trials in China and Hong Kong, receiving approval from the National Medical Products Administration.

Professor Samuel Au, CEO of Cornerstone Robotics, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are honoured to collaborate with NHG Health and LKCMedicine to further advance RAS in Singapore.” The partnership aims to integrate precision engineering and insights from surgeons to make advanced surgical technology more accessible globally.

Looking forward, the collaboration will focus on driving innovation, expanding clinical impact, and cultivating surgical talent. This initiative represents a significant step towards a more accessible future for surgical care in the region and beyond.
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Singapore’s non-oil domestic exports (NODX) are projected to grow by 2% in 2025, according to RHB Bank’s latest Global Economics and Market Strategy Report. This revision marks an increase from the previous forecast of no growth, highlighting the resilience in regional demand as a critical factor for Singapore’s external sector. Despite the positive outlook, RHB maintains a cautious stance on the broader trade environment.

In June 2025, Singapore’s NODX surged by 13% year-on-year, with a month-on-month seasonally adjusted increase of 14.3%. This sharp rebound follows a 3.9% year-on-year decline in May and surpasses Bloomberg’s estimates of a 5% year-on-year increase. Barnabas Gan, RHB’s Group Chief Economist and Head of Market Research, emphasised the significance of these figures, noting the ongoing strength in regional demand.

The report underscores the importance of Singapore’s trade performance amidst global economic uncertainties. Whilst the upgraded forecast reflects optimism, the bank advises a measured approach given the complexities of the global trade landscape. The resilience of Singapore’s NODX is seen as a positive indicator, yet the broader trade outlook remains cautious.

As the year progresses, the performance of Singapore’s NODX will be closely monitored, with potential implications for the country’s economic strategy and regional trade relations.
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OCBC has announced a significant collaboration with three of Singapore’s leading universities—National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU)—to advance research in quantum technology. This 12-month partnership aims to explore innovative applications in derivative pricing, data security, and fraud detection.

The collaboration aligns with Singapore’s ambition to become a global hub for quantum technology, supported by a nearly $220 million (S$300 million) investment in research and talent development. This initiative includes building processors for quantum computers and developing industry-specific applications under the National Quantum Computing Hub.

The research findings will be published in technology-focused journals, potentially accelerating the adoption of quantum technology in the banking sector. OCBC, one of the first banks to offer formal quantum technology training, aims to have over 100 employees trained to an intermediate level by 2026.

Quantum computing offers enhanced computational power, enabling faster and more precise financial simulations, whilst post-quantum cryptography aims to secure data against future cyber threats. “The industry-academia exchange is deeply meaningful to us,” said Praveen Raina, Head of Group Operations and Technology at OCBC, highlighting the practical benefits of merging academic expertise with real-world applications.

This collaboration marks a proactive step by OCBC to integrate emerging technologies into its operations, ensuring long-term security and innovation in the financial sector.
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