ESMA and MAS sign MoU on Singapore’s Financial Benchmarks

The signing of the MoU follows the European Commission’s equivalence decision recognising Singapore’s regulatory framework on financial benchmarks as equivalent to the requirements under the EU’s Benchmarks Regulation. The MoU and the equivalence decision will allow financial institutions in the EU to continue using, as reference rates in their contracts, both SIBOR and the Singapore Dollar Swap Offer Rate (SOR), which are financial benchmarks regulated in Singapore.

Steven Maijoor, ESMA Chair, said:

“The finalisation of the MoU with MAS is an important step towards the completion of the EU’s third country regime for benchmarks. Regulators around the world are committed to the accuracy and reliability of key global benchmarks and this MoU will facilitate the achievement of these objectives.”

Ong Chong Tee, Deputy Managing Director (Financial Supervision) of MAS, said

 “This MoU is testament to the close working partnership between MAS and our EU counterparts. The EU’s equivalence decision affirms the robustness of Singapore’s regulatory framework on financial benchmarks. This will promote greater cross-border connectivity between our respective financial markets to the benefit of both regions.”