The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has announced a $88 million support package for the banks and fintechs operating in the country, the media reported.
According to the central bank of Singapore, the support package is funded by the Financial Sector Development (FSD) Fund. It will be used to encourage businesses in Singapore to upskill their employees as well as digitalisation acceleration.
The support package announced by MAS is in addition to the $4.02 billion set aside in the 2020 Budget to help businesses overcome the coronavirus pandemic.
The fund is also designed to help Singapore maintain its position as the financial hub in these harsh times.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore also recently revealed that it has extended the assessment period for approving digital bank licences. The decision is taken in light of the novel coronavirus, which has pushed the global economy into recession.
According to media reports, around 21 different parties have applied for digital banking licences in Singapore. Some of the big names that have applied for a digital banking licence includes Ant Financial, the fintech arm of Alibaba, Singtel, Razer and Grab.
The central bank said in a statement, “The global escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic since then has prompted the implementation of enhanced safe distancing measures in Singapore, and many companies are allowing staff to work from home to the extent possible. In view of these developments, MAS will extend the assessment period for the award of digital bank licences.”
So far Singapore has recorded more than 3000 cases and 10 casualties.