A Week in Singapore: Diving into Fintech, Policy, and Global Trade
This past week has been fascinating as I have been working on financial research, policy analysis, and international business strategy. As I learn more about the financial sector and regulatory policy, I become more interested and more prepared for my internship at the Federal Reserve this summer. Here’s a glimpse into what I’ve been working on in Singapore.
Global Fintech Research Project
I kicked off the week by diving into a massive fintech market study. I analyzed over 300 companies across various continents, focusing on valuation strategies and expansion potential. This project gave me a front-row seat to the rapidly evolving fintech landscape, helping map out trends and innovations shaping the industry.
Singapore Budget 2025 Analysis
Next, I took a close look at the Singaporean national budget for 2025. My focus was on business-oriented initiatives, particularly corporate tax rebates and over 100 government incentives designed to attract investment and encourage innovation. It was fascinating to see how fiscal policy is being used to shape Singapore’s economic future. It is also very interesting how straightforward yearly budgets are in Singapore, compared to the United States.
Open Finance & Regulatory Insight
Midweek, I published an article summarizing my research on open finance regulations in both Singapore and the U.S. I zeroed in on the role of the CFPB in America and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Comparing these regulatory frameworks gave me a broader understanding of how fintech ecosystems are shaped by governance and cross-border collaboration.
Memos on Singapore Incentives for Startups
I also created memos outlining relevant grants, rebates, and incentives available for startups and foreign firms considering a move to Singapore. This work is directly tied to helping global businesses navigate local opportunities and government support structures.
Global Trade & Tariff Analysis
Finally, I worked on a policy memo examining the implications of Trump’s April 2025 tariff announcement. I analyzed its potential ripple effects on international trade and how it might impact Singapore’s economy. This project really pulled together my interests in international economics and public policy.
Conclusion
Overall, I learned a lot this week and can say with confidence that I have improved my understanding of Singaporean regulation and the entire fintech market. I hope to do more interesting research in my last 5 weeks in Singapore and bring new knowledge and skills to my internship this summer.