Singapore remains one of the world’s top destinations for entrepreneurs, thanks to its pro-business regulations, government incentives, and attractive tax regime. The momentum is clear: in August 2025 alone, more than 5,300 new companies were incorporated. For founders, staying on top of regulatory changes is critical to building and scaling with confidence in such a dynamic market.
In this Singapore Regulatory Update: August 2025, we break down key changes in company law, accounting standards, immigration rules, startup funding, business law, and digital regulation. This roundup is designed for founders and business owners, highlighting the most relevant updates that may affect your existing operations or your plans for setting up a Singapore company.
Company Law
Proposed Amendments to Bar Money-laundering Convicts from Serving as Company Directors
Singapore’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) have proposed amendments to corporate and accounting legislation aimed at strengthening the anti-money laundering regime. Key changes include disqualifying individuals convicted of money laundering offences from serving as company directors, streamlining the deregistration of inactive companies, and expanding the Accountants Act to cover proliferation financing. These proposals follow Singapore’s efforts to enhance corporate governance and integrity.
Source: https://www.mof.gov.sg/news-publications/public-consultations/public-consultation-on-the-corporate-and-accounting-laws-(amendment)-bill
MAS Publishes Circular No. IID 04/2025: Key Fund-Manager Regulatory Changes for VCCs and LFMCs
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) issued Circular IID 04/2025 introducing regulatory changes for Variable Capital Companies (VCCs) and Licensed Fund Management Companies (LFMCs). These updates cover governance, compliance monitoring, and reporting standards, with implications for fund managers operating in Singapore’s financial sector.
Source: https://www.mas.gov.sg/-/media/mas-media-library/regulation/circulars/cmi/iid-04-2025-governance-and-management-of-vcc/iid-04-2025-governance-and-management-of-variable-capital-companies-vccs.pdf
Tax & Accounting Law
IRAS Issues Updated GST General Guide for Businesses (Sixteenth Edition)
In August 2025, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) released the sixteenth edition of its e-Tax Guide GST: General Guide for Businesses. The guide provides an overview of GST concepts, administration, and schemes, and is designed for businesses new to the GST system or planning to register. Suppliers of low-value goods and remote services are advised to also consult the accompanying guides on the Overseas Vendor Registration (OVR) regime.
ASC Issues Third Edition of SFRS for Small Entities and Amended FRS 119
On 18 August 2025, the Accounting Standards Council (ASC) issued the third edition of the Singapore Financial Reporting Standard (SFRS) for Small Entities and released the amended FRS 119 Subsidiaries and Small Entities without Public Accountability: Disclosures. Both standards will take effect for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2027, giving SMEs time to adapt their accounting and disclosure practices.
Source: https://www.acra.gov.sg/news-events/news-details/id/885
Extended Timelines for Climate Reporting Requirements
On 25 August 2025, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo) announced extensions for implementing climate reporting and external assurance obligations. Listed companies will still be required to report Scope 1 and 2 emissions from FY2025, while Scope 3 reporting will be phased in based on market capitalisation and readiness. Large non-listed companies will now begin ISSB-based climate-related disclosures only from FY2030. The changes provide more time for smaller firms to build reporting capabilities while keeping Singapore aligned with its 2050 net-zero target.
Source: https://www.acra.gov.sg/news-events/news-details/id/887
Immigration Law
S Pass Salary Thresholds and Levies Revised from 1 September 2025
From 1 September 2025, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will raise the minimum qualifying salary for S Pass holders from S$3,150 to S$3,300 in most sectors, with higher thresholds for financial services. The levy framework is also being revised, with the Tier 1 levy standardised at S$650 per month. These changes aim to better align S Pass holders with local mid-level professionals and strengthen Singapore’s workforce policies.
Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/s-pass/quota-and-levy/levy-and-quota-requirements
ICA Rolls Out Group eCOA Feature for Change of Address Reporting
On 15 August 2025, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) introduced a new feature in its electronic Change of Address (eCOA) service. A main applicant can now update a residential address for themselves and up to four other individuals moving to the same location, provided consent is given. This enhancement simplifies the process for families and groups relocating together.
Source: https://www.ica.gov.sg/news-and-publications/newsroom/media-release/new-feature-in-electronic-change-of-address-service-from-15-august-2025
CCCS Takes Action Against Immigration Consultancies for Misleading PR Claims
On 11 August 2025, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) secured court orders against immigration consultancy firms for engaging in unfair practices. These firms misled clients with false guarantees of permanent residency approvals and employed scare tactics. The orders require the consultancies to cease such conduct and make public disclosures, reinforcing protections for consumers in the immigration services sector.
Funding & Startup Ecosystem
Antler Commits US$7.4M in Early-Stage Investments, Including US$2.8M for AI Startups
In August 2025, Singapore-based venture capital firm Antler announced that it had invested US$7.4 million across Southeast Asia in the first half of the year. Notably, US$2.8 million was deployed to support seven AI startups through its new AI Disrupt residency program in Singapore. The initiative highlights growing investor focus on AI-driven business models.
Singapore Health-Tech Startup Naluri Raises US$5M for Southeast Asian Expansion
On 12 August 2025, health-tech startup Naluri secured US$5 million in funding to expand its operations in Southeast Asia. The capital will support product development and market entry into new regional hubs, reflecting the continued strength of Singapore’s health-tech sector.
Source: https://www.biospectrumasia.com/news/54/26486/singapore-based-health-tech-startup-naluri-raises-5-m-for-sea-expansion-.html
Fintech Startup Kiwi Secures US$24M Led by Vertex Ventures
Fintech startup Kiwi raised US$24 million in a round led by Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India, with participation from Nexus, Omidyar Network, and Stellaris Venture Partners. The funding will support Kiwi’s product scaling and expansion into new markets, reinforcing Singapore’s role as a fintech hub.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/funding/fintech-startup-kiwi-secures-24-million-from-vertex-ventures-and-existing-investors/articleshow/123489617.cms
Carro Eyes US IPO with Valuation Over US$3B
Carro, Southeast Asia’s largest used-car marketplace headquartered in Singapore, is preparing for a U.S. IPO as early as 2026. The company is targeting a raise of up to US$500 million at a valuation exceeding US$3 billion, underscoring the international ambitions of Singapore-based startups.
Business Law
Singapore Court of Appeal Clarifies Directors’ Duty in Related-Party Transactions
In August 2025, the Singapore Court of Appeal reaffirmed the strict duty of directors to act in good faith and fully disclose conflicts of interest in related-party transactions. The ruling emphasises that directors cannot prioritise personal or third-party interests over the company’s interests, particularly in financially sensitive situations. The judgment provides important guidance on governance standards for boards of Singapore-incorporated companies.
Source: https://www.elitigation.sg/gd/s/2025_SGHC_149
Tech & Digital Law
Cyber Security Agency Publishes 2025 Singapore Cyber Landscape Report
The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) released its annual Singapore Cyber Landscape report in August 2025. The findings show an increase in ransomware attacks targeting SMEs and highlight emerging threats in AI-driven fraud. As a regional leader in combating digital threats, Singapore also introduced updated benchmarks to strengthen cyber resilience across key business sectors.
Source: https://www.csa.gov.sg/news-events/press-releases/a-decade-of-strengthening-singapore-s-cyber-defence-amid-escalating-threats
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