MAS invests S$220m in fintech innovation

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) will invest S$220 million (US$173 million) over the next three years. This money will bolster the country's financial technology sector. The commitment forms part of the renewed Financial Sector Technology and Innovation Scheme, known as FSTI 4.0.

Singapore has established itself as a significant fintech hub. It is home to more than 1,800 fintech firms. These companies employ close to 10,000 professionals. Their roles span technology, data, artificial intelligence, compliance, cybersecurity, and business. Fintech investments in the country reached S$2.9 billion in 2025.

FSTI 4.0 Scheme Goals

The FSTI 4.0 initiative has four primary objectives. It aims to anchor and scale innovation within the financial sector. The scheme seeks to accelerate the development and adoption of financial technologies. Another goal is to develop the necessary infrastructure for new technology adoption. Finally, the program is designed to support talent development and attraction.

Implementation Through Six Tracks

The scheme will be implemented through six distinct tracks. Each targets a specific area of development.

Talent and Infrastructure Focus

A manpower track will support fintechs in building a pipeline of young talent. It will co-fund internship stipends. A new portal, fintechinternships.sg, is managed by the Singapore FinTech Association. It will connect firms with students. MAS aims to support at least 1,000 internship opportunities over three years.

An institution project track will support Singapore-based financial institutions and fintechs. It focuses on developing and deploying innovative solutions. This track has a particular focus on frontier technologies. These include artificial intelligence (AI), distributed ledger technology (DLT), and quantum technology.

An AI pathfinder track is dedicated to scaling market-ready AI fintech solutions. It aims to foster greater collaboration between financial institutions and AI providers.

An infrastructure and platform track will support industry-wide infrastructure and platforms. These are designed to improve sector efficiency, productivity, and innovation.

A centre of excellence track aims to anchor the innovative functions of leading global financial institutions and fintechs in Singapore. This initiative seeks to bring together specialised talent and expertise. It also supports the growth of emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and digital assets.

Finally, the MAS FinTech Awards track will look to raise Singapore's global profile as a fintech hub. This will be achieved through events like the Singapore FinTech Festival, as well as awards and a hackcelerator program.