The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has named Abigail Ng as its new Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), effective 6 October 2025, underscoring the city-state’s next phase in embedding climate and sustainability goals into financial regulation. Ng succeeds Gillian Tan, who had carried the dual portfolio of Assistant Managing Director (Development & International) and CSO since 2022.
Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has named Abigail Ng as its new Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO).
This appointment marks a structural shift for MAS, which has chosen to carve out the CSO role as a dedicated leadership position, distinct from its broader developmental and international mandates. Officials said the move comes as Singapore transitions from designing sustainability frameworks to scaling and executing them across financial markets.
Building Asia’s sustainable finance architecture
Over the last three years, MAS’ Sustainability Group has spearheaded multiple high-impact initiatives. Under Tan’s leadership, MAS launched the Finance for Net Zero Action Plan to mobilise capital for Asia’s decarbonisation. Other landmark programs included:
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The Singapore-Asia Taxonomy, setting consistent standards for green finance.
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The Transition Credits Coalition (TRACTION), to support credible transition credits.
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The Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership (FAST-P), a blended finance platform to crowd in private capital.
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A Sustainable Finance Jobs Transformation Map, aligning workforce skills with the sector’s growing demand.
Tan will continue with MAS as Group Head of the Development & International Group, focusing on global engagement and policy development.
Ng’s regulatory focus
Ng, currently Head of the Markets Policy & Consumer Department, has played a key role in shaping sustainability disclosure requirements and coordinating with global regulators on financial standards. Her promotion signals MAS’ intention to reinforce policy clarity, regulatory credibility, and international alignment in sustainable finance.
In her new role, Ng is expected to prioritise:
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Strengthening disclosure frameworks and taxonomy-based standards.
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Guiding financial institutions in transition financing.
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Enhancing Singapore’s credibility as a hub for green and sustainable capital flows.
Broader implications for global finance
For international banks, investors, and corporates operating through Singapore, the change reflects three clear messages:
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Sustainability is now institutionalised at the highest level of MAS’ governance.
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The regulator is shifting from framework design to practical enforcement and execution.
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Singapore aims to maintain leadership in the global dialogue on transition finance, particularly in Asia’s distinct energy and industrial pathways.
Market participants should expect closer scrutiny of ESG claims, stricter alignment with disclosure rules, and deeper integration of taxonomy-based financing into market practices.
A structural pivot for Singapore
MAS’ decision to establish a dedicated CSO role highlights Singapore’s long-term calculation: sustainable finance is no longer a temporary agenda but a core pillar of financial regulation and competitiveness.
Ng’s leadership will be closely watched as Singapore continues to position itself as a bridge between Asia and global capital markets. Her role is expected to shape not only domestic frameworks but also influence regional and international standards, particularly in areas like blended finance, transition pathways, and credible ESG reporting.
For investors and corporates, the message is clear: sustainability is now fully embedded in the DNA of Singapore’s financial system, setting a precedent for regulators across Asia.
