List of Banks in Singapore

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Singapore has a well-established banking system with a wide range of banks to choose from. There are over 70 banks operating in Singapore.

OCBC Bank is one of the oldest banks in Singapore, with a history dating back to 1932.

DBS Bank is the largest bank in Singapore by assets, with a significant presence in Southeast Asia.

UOB Bank has a strong focus on consumer and corporate banking, with a wide network of branches and ATMs across the country.

Defunct Banks

Singapore has a fascinating banking history, and it's interesting to look back at the banks that are no longer with us.

The Bank of Singapore, which was established in Singapore, is an example of a bank that was merged into Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation and renamed Singapore Island Bank.

Here are some of the defunct banks in Singapore:

The Kwong Yik Bank is a notable example of a bank that went through a bank run and eventually liquidated voluntarily.

Foreign Banks

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There are 119 foreign commercial banks in Singapore, with 28 being Full banks, 54 being Wholesale banks, and 37 being Offshore banks. This is a significant presence, with foreign banks offering a range of services to clients.

The majority of foreign banks in Singapore are licensed to operate as Full banks, which allows them to offer most commercial banking services to clients. However, they are restricted in terms of the number of branches and automated teller machines they can operate.

Here is a list of some of the foreign banks operating in Singapore:

Foreign Banks in Singapore

Foreign banks have a significant presence in Singapore, with 119 foreign commercial banks operating in the country. The majority of these banks are from Asia, with 63 banks from countries such as China, India, and Malaysia.

There are 28 foreign full banks in Singapore, which are allowed to offer most commercial banking services to clients. These banks include Standard Chartered Singapore, Bank of America, and Bank of China. Foreign full banks are restricted in terms of the number of branches and automated teller machines they can operate.

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Some of the notable foreign banks in Singapore include Citibank Singapore, which has 3 branches in the country, and HSBC Singapore, which has 5 branches. These banks offer a range of services including personal banking, corporate banking, and investment banking.

Here is a list of some of the foreign banks in Singapore:

Foreign banks in Singapore are subject to the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) regulations and guidelines. The MAS requires foreign banks to meet certain capital adequacy requirements and to maintain a minimum level of liquidity.

Bangkok

Bangkok is home to a significant presence of foreign banks, with Bangkok Bank's Singapore branch being one of them.

The Singapore branch of Bangkok Bank provides full commercial banking services in one of the leading financial centres of Asia Pacific region.

Bangkok Bank's international presence is a testament to the city's status as a major financial hub.

Read more about Bangkok Bank's services in Singapore.

Offshore Banks

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Offshore banks are a significant presence in Singapore, with many international banks having a presence here.

Some of these offshore banks have their headquarters in their home country, while others have incorporated in Singapore. For example, the Agricultural Bank of China is incorporated in the People's Republic of China, but has a local address in Singapore.

You can find many of these offshore banks in the financial districts of Singapore, such as Raffles Place and Shenton Way. For instance, the Bank of Communications has its local address at 128 Beach Road.

Here's a list of some of the offshore banks in Singapore:

These are just a few examples of the many offshore banks in Singapore.

DBS Bank is one of the most popular banks in Singapore, offering a wide range of financial services for both businesses and individuals.

These banks provide solutions tailored to various industries, from business banking to personal finance management. They maintain a strong digital presence and secure platforms, ensuring smooth transactions.

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United Overseas Bank (UOB) is another well-known bank in Singapore, providing a variety of financial services to its clients.

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) is also a prominent bank in Singapore, offering a range of financial solutions to businesses and individuals.

These banks have a strong presence in Singapore, with many locations and a user-friendly website for easy access.

Specific Banks

There are five locally incorporated full banks in Singapore, owned by three banking groups. These banks have the liberty to provide any financial service as permitted by the Banking Act.

One of the oldest banks in Singapore is HSBC Singapore, founded in December 1877. It's a subsidiary of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited.

Here's a list of the five full banks in Singapore, along with their incorporated date and address:

RHB Bank Berhad Singapore, founded in 1961, operates seven branches and 12 currency exchange counters, offering a range of financial services to individuals and corporations.

Full Banks

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There are five locally incorporated full banks in Singapore, owned by three banking groups. These banks have the liberty to provide any financial service as permitted by the Banking Act.

DBS Bank Limited, one of the full banks, is headquartered at 12 Marina Boulevard in Singapore. It has a long history in the country, having been established since 1968.

POSB, a part of DBS Bank, is another full bank that offers a range of financial services. It has a local address at 12 Marina Boulevard, just like DBS Bank.

OCBC Bank, a full bank in Singapore, is owned by three banking groups. It has a local address at 65 Chulia Street, and has been a major player in the country's banking sector for many years.

United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB), a full bank, has a long history in Singapore, dating back to 1935. It has a local address at 80 Raffles Place, and is known for its wide range of financial services.

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Here is a list of the five locally incorporated full banks in Singapore, along with their local addresses and other key information:

DBS Group

DBS Group is a banking giant in Asia, with a whopping total assets acquired of S$ 486.699 billion at the end of June 2017.

It's one of the biggest financial corporations in Asia, serving around 4.6 million customers. The bank's head-quarter is situated in Marina Bay Financial Centre.

DBS Group has around 22,000 people working for it, making it a significant employer in the region. At the end of March 2017, the bank's net profit was S$1.2 billion.

This impressive financial performance is a testament to the bank's strong presence in the market, with a wide range of services offered to its customers.

OCBC

OCBC is the second-largest banking group in Singapore by assets, deposits, and loans. It has a vast network of over 420 branches and representative offices in 19 countries.

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With a workforce of about 30,000 employees, OCBC provides a wide range of services, including consumer, corporate, investment, private banking, and insurance. It also offers treasury, stockbroking, and wealth management solutions.

OCBC was established in 1932 and has a presence in over 18 countries. At the end of June 2017, its total assets acquired were S$429.601 billion.

The bank's headquarters is situated in Chulia Street. OCBC has a total of 600 branches all across the world.

Lists and Rankings

Lists and Rankings are a great way to get a sense of the top banks in Singapore. DBS Group takes the top spot in the list of the top 11 banks in Singapore, followed closely by Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation.

DBS Group is also the largest bank in Singapore, with total assets of 553.980 billion US dollars as of December 31, 2022, according to the list of top 5 banks in Singapore. This is a significant amount of money, and it's no wonder they're considered one of the top banks in the country.

Here are the top 5 banks in Singapore, ranked by total assets:

Note: Total assets as of December 31, 2022, unless otherwise noted. *Data as of June 30, 2023.

Top 5 Banks

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Let's take a look at the top 5 banks in Singapore, ranked by total assets in billions of U.S. dollars.

DBS Group takes the top spot with an impressive 553.980 billion U.S. dollars in total assets.

The second-largest bank is Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp, with a total of 417.296 billion U.S. dollars.

United Overseas Bank (UOB) comes in third with 375.790 billion U.S. dollars.

Standard Chartered ranks fourth with 121.454 billion U.S. dollars, as of June 30, 2023.

Maybank Singapore rounds out the top 5 with 53.284 billion U.S. dollars.

Here's a quick rundown of the top 5 banks in Singapore:

The data for Standard Chartered is as of June 30, 2023, while the other banks' total assets are as of December 31, 2022.

Top 11 Banks

Lists and rankings can be a great way to get a quick snapshot of the best options in a particular field. In the case of banking, having a list of top banks can be super helpful in making informed decisions.

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DBS Group is one of the top banks in Singapore, known for its innovative digital banking services. Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation, on the other hand, is a well-established bank with a long history in the country.

Revolut is a popular digital bank that has gained a significant following in Singapore, offering a range of features such as fee-free transactions and real-time exchange rates. United Overseas Bank is another prominent bank in the country, with a strong presence in consumer and corporate banking.

Here's a list of the top 11 banks in Singapore, as per the list provided:

  1. Revolut
  2. DBS Group
  3. Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation
  4. United Overseas Bank
  5. Bank of Singapore
  6. Citibank Singapore
  7. CIC Singapore
  8. HSBC Singapore
  9. Maybank Singapore
  10. Standard Chartered Bank
  11. RHB Bank

Country-Specific Banks

Singapore has a number of country-specific banks that cater to the financial needs of expats and international businesses.

DBS is a prominent example, offering a range of banking services to clients from Asia and beyond.

OCBC is another notable country-specific bank in Singapore, providing services to clients in China, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

HSBC has a significant presence in Singapore, offering a range of banking services to clients from around the world.

These country-specific banks often have a deep understanding of the local market and regulations, making them a popular choice for businesses and individuals operating internationally.

Introduction

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Country-specific banks are a vital part of the global financial landscape, providing essential services to local communities and economies.

These banks often have a unique history and cultural significance, with some dating back centuries. Many country-specific banks have a strong presence in their respective countries, with a large network of branches and ATMs.

In some countries, like Japan, country-specific banks are deeply rooted in tradition and play a significant role in the country's financial system. The history of these banks often reflects the country's cultural and economic development.

Country-specific banks can offer a range of benefits to customers, including more personalized service and a better understanding of local market conditions. This can lead to more effective financial solutions and a stronger sense of community.

Context

Bank of Singapore is a subsidiary of OCBC, with total assets of $115.94 billion as of April 2017.

It was named the best private bank from 2011 to 2016 by Global Finance and Asian Private Banker.

Bank of Singapore has its headquarters located in Market Street.

The bank has branches in several international locations, including Hong Kong, Manila, London, and Dubai.

Local Banks

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Singapore's local banking industry has undergone significant changes in recent years. The government's decision to liberalise the banking sector in 2001 led to a consolidation of local banks, resulting in the number of local full banks shrinking by more than half to four today.

The local banking landscape is dominated by four major banks: DBS Bank, United Overseas Bank (UOB), Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC), and Bank of Singapore. Bank of Singapore, a subsidiary of OCBC, is a notable player with total assets of $115.94 billion as of April 2017.

These banks offer a wide range of financial services, from business banking to personal finance management, and maintain a strong digital presence to ensure smooth transactions. They cater to various industries, providing tailored solutions for businesses and individuals.

The local banks in Singapore have a strong presence, with many branches located throughout the country.

CIC

CIC is a wholly-owned entity of Credit Mutuel Group, established in 1984.

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Its headquarters is situated in Marina Bay Financial Centre, making it the headquarter of Asia Pacific.

CIC offers a wide range of financial products and services, including treasury, corporate finance, structured finance, and private banking.

They focus on SME banking services and provide comprehensive wealth management solutions to customers in Singapore.

China

In China, you can find a wide range of banking services, including RMB services and corporate and personal loans.

The Bank of China Ltd, Singapore Branch, is one of the largest foreign banks in the country and offers a variety of services such as deposits, credit and debit cards, and foreign exchange.

Established in 1936, the BOC Singapore Branch has a long history of providing banking services to its customers.

It received a Qualifying Full Bank licence in 2012, which allows it to operate as a full-fledged bank in Singapore.

India

Banking in India has a rich history, with the Bank of India being active in Singapore since 4th June 1951.

The Bank of India's Singaporean office is conveniently located in the heart of the Central Business District, making it easily accessible for customers.

May

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Maybank Singapore is a relatively older bank, founded in 1960. It has been around for 57 years.

Maybank Singapore has a significant presence in Singapore, employing over 1800 employees. They offer a wide range of services to customers.

The bank has 27 locations in Singapore, making it easily accessible to customers. Maybank Singapore has also been ranked as one of the top 5 banks in ASEAN.

Krystal Bogisich

Lead Writer

Krystal Bogisich is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she has established herself as a versatile writer capable of tackling a wide range of topics. Her expertise spans multiple industries, including finance, where she has developed a particular interest in actuarial careers.

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