Association of Crypto Currency Enterprises and Start-ups Singapore
About Us
Reflecting on 10 Years of ACCESS: Advocacy, Engagement, and Education
2024 marks a decade of ACCESS’s journey as Singapore’s collective voice for blockchain, Web3, and digital assets. From its humble beginnings to its current role as a key stakeholder in shaping the regulatory and innovation landscape, ACCESS has grown and evolved in tandem with the industry it represents. As we celebrate this milestone, we look back on the pivotal moments and achievements that have defined our legacy—and consider how to shape the next chapter of our story.
ACCESS 1.0: The Founding Years (2014–2017)
In 2014, ACCESS was founded by Anson Zeall with a vision to unify and empower the nascent blockchain and crypto community in Singapore. Over the next three years, ACCESS grew to over 100 members, laying the foundation for Singapore’s role as a global blockchain hub.
A significant turning point came in 2017 with a Bloomberg article that brought attention to the growing need for regulatory clarity in the crypto space. This sparked a dialogue between ACCESS, the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This collaboration became the catalyst for what would later shape the Payment Services Act (PSA)—one of Singapore’s most defining frameworks for regulating digital assets.
ACCESS 2.0: Building on Advocacy and Compliance (2018–2023)
By 2020, ACCESS had cemented its role as a trusted consultative body for MAS and other regulatory authorities. The publication of the Code of Practice in collaboration with MAS and the Association of Banks Singapore (ABS) was a landmark achievement, reflecting ACCESS’s dedication to creating smart regulatory frameworks. This initiative not only guided businesses in navigating compliance but also underscored the importance of aligning innovation with regulatory safeguards.
Today, ACCESS remains deeply engaged in advocacy, offering thought leadership on issues such as staking, DAO governance, and decentralized finance (DeFi) regulations. By bringing together diverse stakeholders—including regulators, enterprises, and innovators—ACCESS has continued to champion policies that balance innovation with user protection.
Engagement and Education: Strengthening the Ecosystem
Beyond advocacy, engagement has always been at the heart of ACCESS’s mission. ACCESS fosters collaboration across the blockchain and crypto sectors by connecting regulators, enterprises, and innovators to build strong, transparent partnerships. We believe in finding a balance that encourages the responsible use of blockchain technologies, paving the way for meaningful dialogue, self-regulation, and a clear, actionable path forward. Our goal is to support businesses and regulators in navigating an evolving landscape while addressing emerging threats and opportunities. From consultative-driven regulatory consultations to industry events and community partnerships, ACCESS is deeply engaged with driving collaboration across the sector. Our activations at key events such as Southeast Asia Blockchain Week, TOKEN2049, the Singapore FinTech Festival, and the Point Zero Forum have connected global leaders while reinforcing Singapore’s position as a blockchain innovation hub.
At ACCESS, we believe education is the foundation for sustainable growth in blockchain and crypto. Through our workshops, seminars, and tailored educational programs, we aim to equip both current and future leaders with the tools to drive innovation, while also ensuring that we nurture the next wave of talent in Singapore’s rapidly growing blockchain ecosystem. In partnership with PSB Academy, ACCESS supports the Diploma in Blockchain, a program developed alongside Merkletrees, equipping both current and future leaders with the skills and knowledge to navigate this transformative space.
ACCESS 3.0: Reimagining the Future (2024 and Beyond)
As ACCESS looks ahead to the next decade, our Chairman Anson Zeall envisions a reset—what he calls “ACCESS 3.0.” This chapter begins with a return to ground zero, reconnecting with the community and listening to their needs to rebuild ACCESS from the ground up. ACCESS 3.0 aims to shift focus toward decentralized governance, fostering a stronger voice for community-led innovation while continuing its consultative role in policy-making. This renewed approach will prioritize open-source protocols, collaborative working groups, and actionable insights to address critical issues such as staking frameworks, DAO governance, and DeFi compliance. By embracing these emerging trends, ACCESS seeks to empower its members to co-create a future that is both innovative and inclusive.
A Decade of Transformation—and the Road Ahead
The past 10 years have been a journey of growth, collaboration, and impact for ACCESS. From helping to shape Singapore’s Payment Services Act to fostering partnerships and educating future leaders, we’ve remained steadfast in our mission to support the blockchain ecosystem. As we enter our next chapter, ACCESS reaffirms its commitment to advocacy, engagement, and education while embracing the opportunities of a rapidly evolving industry.
Together with our community, we are poised to write the next chapter of ACCESS’s story—one that continues to shape the future of blockchain, Web3, and digital assets for generations to come.