US neobroker Robinhood Markets has hit a significant milestone in its international expansion, by receiving in-principle approval (IPA) from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to offer brokerage services.
“Singapore’s world-class regulatory environment, high rates of digital adoption, and growing population of retail investors make it the ideal hub for our mission. We see enormous potential to democratize the financial markets for a new generation of investors in Singapore,” said Patrick Chan, Head of Asia for Robinhood.
The IPA now paves the way for Robinhood to offer a comprehensive suite of brokerage services in the city state, including trading of securities, exchange-traded derivatives, custody, product financing, and collective investment funds.
The Southeast Asian country also serves as Robinhood’s Asia-Pacific headquarters, supporting the American neobroker’s broader goal of building the world’s leading financial ecosystem. Robinhood’s presence in the region has been further strengthened by its subsidiary, Bitstamp Asia, which holds a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from the MAS.
“By establishing a local footprint, we aim to provide investors in the Singapore with the tools and access they need to participate in the global economy, furthering our mission to democratize finance for all,” Robinhood remarked.
“An in-principle approval (IPA) reflects MAS’ view that a license may be issued to the applicant, Robinhood Singapore, upon the fulfilment of specified conditions and provided there are no material adverse developments affecting the applicant. An IPA does not constitute a license for RHSG to provide brokerage services at this juncture. MAS reserves the right to rescind the IPA in circumstances where it considers appropriate,” the company concluded.
Simultaneously, Robinhood has outlined its principles for opening private markets to retail investors through its organisational fold, with CEO Vlad Tenev pledging to operate with transparency, protect investors through valuation discipline, and respect issuer preferences on retail exposure.
After tripling in 2025, Robinhood’s stock has dropped roughly 39% year-to-date. To counter the slide, the company approved a USD 1.5 billion share buyback program in March 2026.