Global Regulatory & STB Compliance

1. Overview

HostSG is committed to full compliance with all applicable Singapore regulatory frameworks. As a digital marketplace connecting travelers with verified local guides, we operate at the intersection of tourism, financial services, and technology — each governed by distinct regulatory standards.

This document outlines our compliance posture across all relevant regulatory bodies and demonstrates our commitment to operating with transparency, security, and accountability.

2. STB Licensing & Accreditation

HostSG operates in accordance with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) regulations:

• Travel Agent License: HostSG holds a valid Travel Agent License issued by the Singapore Tourism Board under the Travel Agents Act (Cap. 334).
• STB Quality Standards: Our platform and host experiences adhere to STB's tourism quality standards and service excellence frameworks.
• Tourist Guide Licensing: All hosts offering guided tours are required to hold a valid Tourist Guide License issued by STB, or operate under a licensed travel agency's authorization.
• Regular Reporting: We provide periodic reports to STB on tour volumes, traveler demographics, and service quality metrics as required.

3. Guide Certification Standards

Every host on HostSG undergoes a rigorous verification process:

• Identity Verification: Singpass MyInfo integration for real-time government database validation.
• STB License Check: Verification of active Tourist Guide License status through STB registry.
• Background Screening: Criminal background checks conducted through authorized channels.
• Biometric Liveness: Pre-tour facial recognition verification to prevent impersonation.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous review of host performance, ratings, and compliance status.

4. MAS Payment Services Compliance

HostSG's milestone escrow service operates under the regulatory framework of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS):

• Payment Services Act 2019: Our escrow service is licensed under the Payment Services Act for providing account issuance services and domestic money transfer services.
• Segregated Fund Accounts: All escrowed funds are held in segregated trust accounts, separate from HostSG's operational funds, in compliance with MAS requirements.
• Capital Requirements: HostSG maintains the minimum capital requirements as prescribed by MAS for licensed payment service providers.
• Transaction Monitoring: Automated real-time monitoring of all escrow transactions for suspicious activity.

5. Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

HostSG maintains a comprehensive AML compliance program:

• Customer Due Diligence (CDD): Identity verification for all users, with enhanced due diligence for high-value transactions.
• Transaction Screening: All transactions are screened against international sanctions lists and PEP databases.
• Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR): Procedures in place for reporting suspicious transactions to the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO).
• Employee Training: Regular AML/CFT training for all staff involved in financial operations.
• Record Keeping: Complete transaction records maintained for the regulatory minimum of 5 years.

6. Data Protection (PDPA)

HostSG is fully compliant with the Singapore Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA):

• Appointed Data Protection Officer (DPO) overseeing all data handling practices.
• Consent-based data collection with clear purpose limitation.
• Enterprise-grade encryption (AES-256 at rest, TLS 1.3 in transit).
• Data breach notification procedures in compliance with PDPC mandatory breach notification requirements.
• Regular Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).

For full details, see our Privacy Policy.

7. Consumer Protection

HostSG implements multiple layers of consumer protection:

• Milestone Escrow: Funds are never released until services are verified as delivered.
• 100% No-Show Refund Guarantee: Full refund if a host fails to appear.
• Transparent Pricing: All costs are clearly displayed upfront with no hidden fees.
• Dispute Resolution: Fair, transparent mediation process for all booking disputes.
• 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock customer support with emergency SOS capabilities.

8. Insurance & Liability Coverage

HostSG maintains comprehensive insurance coverage:

• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Coverage for claims arising from professional negligence in our platform services.
• Public Liability Insurance: Protection for third-party bodily injury and property damage claims.
• Cyber Insurance: Coverage for data breaches, cyber incidents, and digital asset protection.
• Host Insurance: Hosts operating through HostSG benefit from our group liability coverage during active tours.

9. Audit & Reporting

HostSG undergoes regular audits to ensure ongoing compliance:

• Annual Financial Audit: Independent audit of financial statements and escrow fund management by a Big Four accounting firm.
• SOC 2 Type II Certification: Annual assessment of our security, availability, and confidentiality controls.
• Penetration Testing: Quarterly third-party penetration testing of our digital infrastructure.
• Regulatory Reporting: Timely submission of all reports required by STB, MAS, and PDPC.