ACCESS and TEA Singapore launch the SPICE program with support from Singapore regulator and banks

Media Release

ACCESS and TEA launch the SPICE program  with support from Singapore regulator and banks

– Singapore digital asset industry leaders join to develop best practices –

 

28 November 2018, Singapore – ACCESS, the leading Singapore cryptocurrency and blockchain industry association, in partnership with the Token Economy Association of Singapore (TEA Singapore), today announces the launch of Standardisation of Practice In Crypto Entities program (SPICE).

SPICE is an industry driven initiative to promote best practices to strengthen and complement regulatory compliance for the sector.

Overall the program seeks to:

• find solutions for issues faced by the digital asset community,
• respond to regulatory initiatives on behalf of the community,
• actively engage with regulators, banks, legal and accounting firms,
• assist and distribute information to members.

The first phase of the program is to create an industry-wide Code of Practice. The code will set out Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) best practices. SPICE will work closely with the regulator, banks and relevant stakeholders to ensure the code adequately addresses each of these risks.

TEA Singapore, with their specialized skills and experience in ICO (Initial Coin Offering) controls and governance, will provide support in delivering the ICO elements to the code.

According to Development Asia, Asian countries are leading in the development of digital assets. They noted in 2017 the region had seen a 50 percent rise in digital asset jobs. While, LiveCoinWatch cited that Asian digital asset traders account for 75 percent of all altcoin transactions taking place across the globe, reinforcing the rapid growth and lead the region is taking.

Anson Zeall, Chairman of ACCESS, said: “We are excited to launch the SPICE program with our fellow industry partners. As digital assets move in to the mainstream financial sector, more than ever, there is a need for partnership among all stakeholders to ensure the digital asset industry gain vital financial access.

“Strengthening regulatory compliance within the industry is an important step in the right direction towards this goal.

“We intend to work very closely with the banks, regulators and our members to create a mutually beneficial competitive environment for these companies to succeed.”

Hock Lai Chia, Chairman of TEA Singapore, said: “The community is united in working on this industry driven initiative. While it will be a multi-stage program, we aim to standardize business practice for digital asset businesses, upskilling the capabilities of the industry. We look forward to further developments to come in the coming months.”

ACCESS and TEA Singapore will be announcing further developments throughout the course of the SPICE program. Please visit www.access-sg.org or www.teasingapore.org

Ends

 

Notes to Editor

 

About the Association of Crypto-Currency Enterprises and Start-ups, Singapore (ACCESS):

ACCESS, founded in 2014, is a non-profit organisation for the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry in Singapore. Members represent a spectrum of businesses within the Singapore blockchain and cryptocurrency space, including exchanges, merchant transaction services, vending machines suppliers and miners, abide by a Code of Conduct that is in line with our mission statement.

 

It is a fully registered society with the Registry of Societies under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

For more information, please visit: www.access-sg.org

 

About Token Economy Association of Singapore (TEA Singapore):

TEA Singapore is an industry-sponsored, self-regulatory organization (SRO) for the Singapore digital assets industry, specifically cryptocurrencies and tokens.

 

The promise of the token economy and its impact on the future will be profound ,  but individuals and institutions need to feel safe and secure when transacting on tokens. A thoughtful SRO framework that provides a regulatory program for the digital assets industry is the next logical step in the maturation of this market.

 

We believe adding a layer of oversight on digital assets in the form of self-regulation, is important for consumer protection and to ensure the integrity of these markets. We look forward for participation from industry leaders, participants, regulators, and legislators.

For more information, please visit: www.teasingapore.org

 

For further press enquiries, please contact:

Leena Patel

Red Flag Consulting

Senior Account Manager
leena.patel@thisisredflag.com
+65 9774 4817