The United Kingdom and Singapore have forged a groundbreaking alliance to shape the future of artificial intelligence in financial services, establishing what could become the blueprint for international AI cooperation across the global financial sector. The partnership, announced during the 10th UK-Singapore Financial Dialogue in July 2025, represents a significant step towards harmonising AI regulation and innovation between two of the world’s leading financial centres.
The UK and Singapore are laying the groundwork for what might become a blueprint for international AI cooperation in finance, with both nations recognising the transformative potential of AI whilst acknowledging the need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible implementation.
The collaboration was formally launched through the FCA-MAS AI Innovation Showcase in London on 3 July, which kicked off this collaborative programme with leading AI-in-finance solutions from the UK and Singapore. The event brought together regulators, financial institutions, and technology companies to demonstrate cutting-edge AI applications and explore regulatory approaches.
The FCA and MAS agreed to develop joint collaboration on AI, focusing on sharing innovative AI solutions and holding discussions on cross-border AI developments. This partnership extends beyond mere information sharing to encompass practical cooperation in developing regulatory frameworks that can accommodate rapid technological advancement whilst maintaining financial stability.
By leveraging artificial intelligence, this collaboration aims to foster innovation while ensuring that ethical standards are maintained across financial sectors. The alliance recognises that AI presents both tremendous opportunities and significant challenges for financial services, from enhancing customer experience to managing complex risks.
The partnership builds on existing strengths in both jurisdictions. The UK’s AI Lab adds a new Artificial Intelligence focus to innovation services, supporting innovators as they develop new AI models and solutions, with the goal of enabling the safe and responsible use of AI in UK financial markets. Meanwhile, Singapore’s Monetary Authority has established itself as a forward-thinking regulator in the fintech space.
Innovation is embedded in the UK FCA’s 2025–30 Strategy, supporting four pillars: attracting new customers, combating financial crime, enhancing regulatory efficiency, and driving economic growth. This strategic approach aligns perfectly with Singapore’s own innovation-focused regulatory philosophy, creating a natural foundation for collaboration.
The alliance addresses practical challenges facing the financial sector. Innovation will help fight financial crime, allowing regulators and firms to be one step ahead of the criminals who seek to disrupt markets, whilst helping regulators to be smarter, improving processes and allowing them to become more efficient and effective.
Beyond AI, Singapore and the United Kingdom have highlighted their strong and continued collaboration between the two countries, with a focus on several key themes, including digital finance and innovation, sustainable finance, capital markets and international regulatory developments.
The timing of this alliance is particularly significant as global financial markets grapple with the rapid adoption of AI technologies. From algorithmic trading to customer service chatbots, AI is already transforming how financial institutions operate, making regulatory cooperation essential to maintain market integrity and consumer protection.
The partnership is expected to produce tangible outcomes in the form of shared regulatory guidance, joint research initiatives, and coordinated approaches to emerging AI challenges. Both regulators have committed to regular exchanges of best practices and collaborative development of supervisory approaches.
This UK-Singapore alliance could serve as a model for other international regulatory partnerships, potentially influencing how AI governance evolves globally across the financial services sector.
REFH – newshub finance
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