Singapore Reins In on Family Offices, Hedge Funds

• The Singapore authorities have initiated more scrutiny into the family offices and hedge funds.
• The move follows a series of criminal cases and highlights Singapore’s efforts to safeguard individuals.
• One of the accused involved in the largest money laundering case in Singapore was connected to a family office.

Singaporean authorities have intensified scrutiny of family offices and hedge funds in a move to protect individuals from money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

Authorities have tightened regulations and investment regimes since March, following a series of criminal cases. One accused in a S$3 billion ($2.2 billion USD) money laundering case was reportedly linked to a family office that received tax exemptions, according to a Bloomberg report.

As authorities launch new strategies to address the challenges of foreign wealth inflows, Richard Crowley, Assistant Professor of Accounting at Singapore Management University, stated:

“Having more (and ideally more varied) data helps with potentially detecting undesirable activity earlier, which can help to minimize any loss of economic impact or reputation that illegal activity may cause.”

Chinese crypto reporter Colin Wu, via his Wu Blockchain X account, shared insights on Singapore’s tightened scrutiny of family offices, which now requires them to “provide updated information by the end of June.” Citing the official announcement, Wu stated, “This was prompted by the largest money laundering case in Singapore’s history last year.”

Several family offices of high-net-worth cryptocurrency individuals reportedly operate in Singapore. In March, regulators announced the termination of the licensing regime for hedge funds with up to $250 million in assets by August 1. While authorities have initiated the probe, additional details are expected in the coming months.