Key Takeaways
- Singapore’s Ministry of Law (MinLaw) administers the Registry of Moneylenders and oversees the licensed moneylending sector.
- The official list of licensed money lenders in Singapore allows borrowers to check whether a money lender is indeed authorised to operate.
- The Registry provides more than a list of lenders—it also publishes relevant laws, borrower advisories and other moneylending information.
- The Registry of Moneylenders and MAS serve different purposes; the Registry of Moneylenders is the authority that regulates licensed lenders.
- Checking the Registry is an important first step, but borrowers should always still stay alert to scams and people impersonating licensed lenders. Scam cases have, unfortunately, been rising.
Searching for a loan online can bring up plenty of options. But how do you know whether the business you’re dealing with is actually licensed?
That’s exactly why the Registry of Moneylenders Singapore should be on your radar!
For the uninitiated, scammers may impersonate licensed money lenders using fake websites, WhatsApp messages, SMSes or social media accounts. Before sharing your information or proceeding with a loan, always carve out time to check the official Registry to confirm whether the business is authorised to operate.
But what exactly does the Registry do, and how does the Registry of Moneylenders protect borrowers? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is the Registry of Moneylenders in Singapore?
The Registry of Moneylenders is the government body responsible for administering Singapore’s licensed moneylending framework. It operates under MinLaw and oversees all matters relating to licensed lenders, such as 111 Credit.
Who Oversees the Registry?
The Registry operates within the Ministry of Law’s framework and administers requirements under the Moneylenders Act Singapore, the Moneylenders Rules and all other applicable requirements.
These rules and requirements establish the standards licensed money lenders must follow when carrying out their business.
What Is the Registry of Moneylenders’ Main Purpose?
The Registry helps maintain a regulated moneylending sector by licensing eligible businesses and providing borrowers with crucial, official information about licensed money lenders.
The Registry also protects borrowers, as all licensed lenders must operate under established rules and regulations and are not permitted to harass or overcharge borrowers.
Instead of relying solely on advertisements, search results or claims made by a lender, borrowers have a government source they can turn to when checking a lender’s current status and legitimacy.
What Does the Registry of Moneylenders Do?
The Registry serves several functions that are genuinely useful to borrowers, including:
- Publishing and updating the list of licensed money lenders in Singapore.
- Providing information about applicable moneylending laws and regulations.
- Publishing borrower advisories and important notices.
- Providing information about the Moneylenders Credit Bureau (MLCB).
- Offering resources about licensed moneylending and borrower responsibilities.
- Providing borrowers with adequate safeguards and protection.
- Taking action against errant licensed lenders.
This makes the Registry far more than just a directory. It is also a useful reference point when researching the rules surrounding licensed borrowing.
How Does the Registry of Moneylenders Regulate Licensed Lenders?
In fact, licensed money lenders don’t and can’t operate without restrictions. The Moneylenders Act, relevant rules, licence conditions, and directions issued by the Registrar govern their activities.
These requirements cover how licensed money lenders can conduct business and interact with borrowers.
The framework sets clear standards for licensed moneylending, rather than leaving borrowers to deal with lenders on an entirely unregulated basis.
For example, if a licensed lender is found to have breached certain rules—such as coercing a borrower, harassing them, or charging an interest rate that’s above the regulated 4%-a-month ceiling—borrowers can lodge a complaint against the lender with the Registry. The Registry will then investigate and take appropriate action against the lender!
How to Check if a Money Lender Is Licensed in Singapore
Want to verify a lender before taking the next step? The process is pretty straightforward—and quick.
Step 1: Go to the Official Registry
Use the official Registry of Moneylenders website rather than relying on a link sent by the lender.
Step 2: Find the List of Licensed Money Lenders
Look for the list of licensed money lenders in Singapore published by the Registry.
Step 3: Search for the Company’s Name
Find the lender’s business name on the list and make sure it matches the company you intend to deal with.
Step 4: Compare the Details
Check the information provided by the Registry against the lender’s official details, including its:
- Business name
- Licence number
- Approved place of business
- Telephone number
⚠️ Don’t brush off a mismatch! It could indicate that you are dealing with someone impersonating a licensed business.
Step 5: Check the Lender’s Website
Finally, compare the website you are visiting with the business URL listed by the Registry.
This step is important because scammers have created websites and social media accounts that closely resemble those of legitimate licensed money lenders.
Related read: How To Check & Verify If A Money Lender Is Licensed In Singapore
What Information Can You Find on the List of Licensed Money Lenders?
The Registry’s list gives borrowers several details they can use for verification:
| Information | Why It Matters |
| Business name | Confirms the lender’s registered business identity |
| Licence number | Helps identify its moneylending licence |
| Business address | Lets you check and visit the approved place of business |
| Telephone number | Helps confirm the lender’s contact details |
| Business URL | Helps identify the lender’s official website |
These details give borrowers a super useful reference point when checking whether they are dealing with the correct licensed business.
Why Checking the Registry of Moneylenders Matters Before Borrowing
Checking the Registry gives borrowers an independent way to verify who they are dealing with before applying for a loan.
✅ It Provides an Independent Check
The Registry provides borrowers with information from an official government source, rather than relying on a lender’s claims or information found through online advertisements.
✅ It Helps You Make a More Informed Decision
Checking the Registry can give borrowers greater confidence that they are dealing with a business operating within Singapore’s licensed moneylending framework.
✅ It Can Help Flag Potential Problems
If the details provided by someone claiming to represent a licensed lender don’t match the Registry’s information, that’s a clear reason to stop and investigate further.
Is Every Lender on the Registry of Moneylenders Automatically Safe?
Not quite!
Being listed means the business is a licensed money lender, but borrowers should still make sure they are genuinely dealing with that licensed business.
This matters because scammers have openly impersonated legitimate money lenders. For example, someone may use a real lender’s name, logo or website details while contacting victims through an unauthorised channel, such as WhatsApp or Telegram.
As it stands, licensed money lenders are not allowed to solicit loans through text messages, phone calls or social media. Borrowers should also expect to complete the required face-to-face verification process at the licensed money lender’s approved place of business before any loan can be granted.
If an offer feels suspicious or pushes you to act immediately, take a step back. Our guide on money lender scam tips covers additional warning signs to watch for.
Registry of Moneylenders vs MAS: What’s the Difference?
People sometimes confuse the two, but they serve different purposes.
| Registry of Moneylenders | MAS | |
| Authority | Ministry of Law | Monetary Authority of Singapore |
| Main relevance | Licensed money lenders | Banks and financial institutions |
| Borrower use | Check licensed money lenders | Check regulated financial institutions |
| Key framework | Moneylending laws and regulations | Financial-sector laws and regulations |
This distinction is important because “MAS-licensed money lender” is not the official framework for licensed moneylending in Singapore. The Registry of Moneylenders regulates licensed money lenders under its moneylending framework.
What Happens if a Money Lender Isn’t on the Registry of Moneylenders?
If you cannot find the lender on the official list, don’t take the risk!
Instead:
- Do not proceed with the loan.
- Do not transfer upfront payments, including supposed GST, processing or administrative fees.
- Do not share sensitive information such as passwords, OTPs or banking login details.
- Keep records of messages, websites, phone numbers and payment requests.
- Report suspected unlicensed moneylending activity through the appropriate authorities.
📝 Note: If the lender cannot be verified through the official list, treat the offer as a serious warning sign and do not proceed.
What Other Borrower Protections Should You Know?
The Registry of Moneylenders’ borrower protection framework extends beyond checking whether a lender is licensed.
- Licensed money lenders must operate within rules governing areas such as interest rates, fees, loan documentation and lending practices.
- Borrowers also receive information and protections under Singapore’s moneylending laws, including limits on the amount they can borrow based on factors such as income and residency status.
- From 15 September 2026, a mandatory three-business-day cooling-off period will apply to unsecured loans from licensed money lenders, excluding business loans.
Thanks to the new licensed money lender rule, during the cooling-off period, eligible borrowers can cancel the loan under the applicable framework, with no interest charged and repayment capped at the principal amount.
📝 Note: Understanding borrowing costs is just as important as checking a lender’s licence. This includes understanding how licensed money lender interest rates work, as well as the fees and charges that may apply throughout the loan. Together, these factors can give borrowers a clearer picture of the total cost before committing to a loan.
How 111 Credit Fits Into Singapore’s Licensed Moneylending Landscape
111 Credit is a compliant licensed money lender operating under Singapore’s moneylending framework. Borrowers can verify its licence and business details through the official Registry before submitting an application.
Taking that extra proactive step helps you confirm you’re dealing with a legitimate business before sharing information or proceeding with a loan.
Conclusion: Check the Registry Before You Borrow
The Registry of Moneylenders Singapore offers borrowers an official way to identify licensed money lenders and understand the rules governing the industry.
Checking the Registry should always be one of the first steps before dealing with a money lender. From there, stay alert for impersonation scams, suspicious payment requests and other warning signs.
A few minutes of checking could save you from a very costly mistake!
FAQs About the Registry of Moneylenders Singapore
What is the Registry of Moneylenders in Singapore?
The Registry of Moneylenders is the regulatory body administered by the Ministry of Law; it provides information on Singapore’s licensed money lenders and keeps them in check.
How do I check if a money lender is licensed in Singapore?
Check the official list of licensed money lenders and compare the lender’s name, licence number, address and website with the listed details.
Is the Registry of Moneylenders the same as MAS?
No. The Registry operates under the Ministry of Law and oversees licensed lenders, while MAS regulates banks and other financial institutions. They are completely distinct.
What should I do if a money lender isn’t listed on the Registry?
Don’t proceed with the loan or share sensitive information. Verify the lender independently and report suspected unlicensed moneylending through the appropriate channels.
