MAS Clarifies Stance: Past Drug Rehabilitation Need Not Bar Financial Sector Jobs

MAS' new guidelines give financial institutions flexibility in hiring those with a past record in drug rehabilitation. No such hires have been publicly reported yet.

, and Administrator

2025 November 5 . 1:10 PM

1 min read

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MAS Clarifies Stance: Past Drug Rehabilitation Need Not Bar Financial Sector Jobs

Singapore's financial regulator, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), has clarified its stance on hiring individuals with a past record in drug rehabilitation. The authority has stated that such a record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from roles in the finance sector.

MAS' Guidelines on Fit and Proper Criteria outline that financial institutions should assess various factors when considering candidates with a past record. These include the seriousness and circumstances of the conduct, the time that has passed since the incident, and the responsibilities of the role being considered. Institutions are expected to apply their own hiring standards, evaluating candidates' experience, qualifications, and skills relevant to the position.

As of now, there are no publicly known instances of a financial institution hiring a former drug addict as 'fit and proper' for a role in the Singapore finance sector, according to available information.

While MAS' guidelines provide flexibility for financial institutions to consider candidates with a past record in drug rehabilitation, there is currently no public record of such a hire in Singapore's finance industry. Institutions are encouraged to make hiring decisions based on a holistic assessment of each candidate's suitability for the role.