US neobroker Robinhood Markets has announced that in what it calls a milestone for its international expansion, the company has received in-principle approval (IPA) from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to offer brokerage services.

We had reported back in late 2024 that Robinhood was developing plans to open an APAC office headquartered in Singapore, and acquire brokerage licenses in the region.

“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.”

The IPA paves the way for Robinhood to offer a comprehensive suite of brokerage services in Singapore, including trading of securities, exchange-traded derivatives, custody, product financing, and collective investment funds.

Singapore serves as Robinhood’s Asia-Pacific headquarters, supporting its broader goal of building the world’s leading financial ecosystem. Robinhood’s presence in the region is further strengthened by its subsidiary, Bitstamp Asia Pte. Ltd., which holds a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from the MAS.

By establishing a local footprint, Robinhood said it aims to provide investors in Singapore with the tools and access they need to participate in the global economy, furthering its mission to democratize finance for all.