Crypto has matured into a multi-trillion-dollar market—but for every opportunity, there is an equal measure of risk. From token collapses and ransomware to regulatory overhauls and asset recovery challenges, the digital asset space requires more nuanced strategies.
This roundtable goes beyond the hype. It’s a practical deep dive into:
With the SFA, Payment Services Act, and FSM Act, Singapore has built a clear—if complex—regulatory regime.
Kumar Sharma: “Two threshold questions dominate—does your token qualify as a digital payment token, and do you fall within licensing obligations? Businesses are structuring around those questions.”
Amelia Tan : “BVI and Cayman were among the first to put together frameworks like the Virtual Asset Service Provider Act. The aim isn’t to stifle activity, but to encourage players while ensuring there’s supervision when fraud or misappropriation happens.”
Michael Lew: “Most cases start with phishing or social engineering. Scams start with people, not code—and awareness is the first firewall.”
Amelia Tan: “Even a single log-in attempt may be decisive in tracing assets. Preserve everything before it’s deleted.”
Michael Lew: “Don’t treat it as a tech issue—treat it as a governance issue. Escalate to management and legal immediately.”
The legal characterisation of crypto assets defines whether you’re a creditor or a valid owner in a dispute.
Kumar Sharma: “Your contracts decide whether you’re a creditor—or a true owner—when things go wrong.”
Amelia Tan: “Segregation, custody terms, and trust arrangements must be clear in contracts—otherwise you risk being lumped with general creditors in an insolvency.”
The experts agreed: Prevention is cheaper than litigation.
And if the worst happens? Explore not just chasing hackers, but also holding intermediaries accountable—exchanges, apps, or even issuers via “burn and reissue” remedies.
“It’s not as lonely a space as you might think. Frameworks, remedies, and experts exist—you just need to engage them early.” — Ivan McAdam O’Connell.
The roundtable made one thing clear: digital assets are no longer a lawless frontier. With Singapore’s evolving regulations, offshore frameworks like VASP, and growing recovery tools, businesses have real avenues for protection.
Still, prevention is the best defence—clear contracts, institutional custodianship, and proactive governance reduce the cost and chaos of crisis. Fraud may begin with people, but awareness and structure end it.
In short: crypto’s future can be secure, but only if businesses act early—before risk becomes reality.
Let VIVOS help you make the leap from dreamer to doer—with clarity and confidence.
Entrepreneurs often struggle with high rental and labor costs, regulatory complexity, operational inefficiencies, and tough competition—with 50% failing within four years.
Look at foot traffic, target audience demographics, rent levels, and competition. Negotiating flexible tenancy terms is key, especially when licensing approvals are pending.
Start planning early—ideally, well before a crisis. Buyers value brand equity, consistent performance metrics, and defined roles. Selling can take 6–12 months, so preparation protects value.
Maintain clear records of:
High foot traffic helps, but so do customer demographics, competition density, rent levels, and tenancy terms. Analyze nearby businesses and match them to your concept.
When Founders and Entrepreneurs talk to us about expanding into Singapore, the excitement usually comes first. The ease of doing business, straightforward rules, and a…
January marks the beginning of the new financial year and is also an important time for companies operating in or planning to enter the Indonesian…
Starting a business in another country is about more than completing paperwork. It is about choosing a place where the rules are clear, the system…
