2021-10-07

Added

Guidelines on Licence Application and Payment of Fees [TCA-G01]

The Monetary Authority of Singapore issues these guidelines to establish administrative procedures for trust companies applying for licences under the Trust Companies Act. The document mandates the submission of specific forms and outlines fee structures, including a non-refundable $1,000 application fee and a $4,000 annual licence fee payable via GIRO. It further specifies that late payments incur daily penalties of up to $100, capped at $3,000, to ensure consistent processing and compliance.

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1 The Monetary Authority of Singapore TRUST COMPANIES ACT GUIDELINES ON LICENCE APPLICATION AND PAYMENT OF FEES

2 Guideline No: TCA-G01 Issue Date: 22 December 2005 (Last revised on 7 October 2021) GUIDELINES ON LICENCE APPLICATION AND PAYMENT OF FEES


Purpose of these Guidelines

  1. These Guidelines are issued pursuant to section 74 of the Trust Companies Act (“the Act”) to provide guidance on licence application procedures and payment of licence fees under the Act.
  2. These Guidelines set out the administrative procedures for companies that wish to apply for a licence under the Act. The Guidelines also provide explanation as to the computation of licence fees and the procedures for making payment of the application and licence fees by licensed trust companies.
  3. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”) expects all licensed trust companies to adhere to these Guidelines where applicable, so as to ensure consistency and efficiency in the processing of licence applications.
  4. These Guidelines should be read in conjunction with the provisions of the Act, Trust Companies Regulations (“the Regulations”) as well as written directions, notices, codes and other guidelines that MAS may issue from time to time. Procedures for application of new licence under the Act
  5. Section 3 requires a person who carries on trust business to be a licensed trust company.
  6. Applicants who wish to apply for a trust business licence should submit Form 1 (application for licence) and Form 4 (approval of director/resident manager) under the Regulations.
  7. Upon receipt of the application by the Authority, the applicant will receive instructions on how the application fee should be paid to the Authority. The application fee of $1,000 is non-refundable. Issue of licence and payment of 1 st licence fee
  8. Upon approval of a licence application, MAS will issue the applicant a licence and advise on the amount of the first licence fee payable.

3 9. The first licence fee payable is computed based on the pro-rated amount of the annual fee for the period from the first issue date to 31 December of the same year. 10. The licensed trust company is required to pay the first licence fee before the payment due date, failing which MAS may impose a late payment fee not exceeding $100 for every day that the payment is late, subject to a maximum of $3,000. Validity of licence and annual licence fees 11. A licence issued will be valid until it has lapsed or is revoked or suspended in accordance with the Act. 12. Under regulation 4, licence fees are to be paid annually. The annual licence fee is $4,000. 13. The licensed trust company should have an existing GIRO arrangement with MAS for the payment of the annual licence fee. The licensed trust company should ensure sufficient funds in its bank account for the GIRO deductions. In the event of a failure to make payment before the payment due date, MAS may impose a late payment fee not exceeding $100 for every day that the payment is late, subject to a maximum of $3,000.