In Singapore’s finance sector, MAS TRM compliance is often a dominant priority.
The TRM framework, as the guidelines crafted by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), shapes how financial institutions manage technology risks and ensure operational resilience.
For many firms, alignment with MAS TRM isn’t optional—it’s a regulatory cornerstone.
However, not all finance firms stop at local compliance. Some aim to take their security posture further by adopting recognised standards like ISO 27001:2022.
The decision often depends on an organisation’s business model, clientele, or operational focus.
At Outsourced Information Technology (OIT), we don’t dwell on whether you should prioritise one framework over the other.
Instead, we adapt to your needs, whether it’s local compliance under MAS TRM or expanding, to meet the broader, international perspective of ISO 27001:2022.
Our agnostic, client-focused approach ensures that the recommendations we deliver centre on aligning with your specific framework while addressing overlapping priorities.
MAS TRM: The Local Imperative
MAS TRM acts as the backbone for managing technology risks in Singapore’s financial ecosystem. Its scope spans a broad range of obligations, from cyber resilience to vendor management and disaster recovery.
Compliance isn’t just a necessity—it’s key to maintaining trust with regulators, clients, and stakeholders.
For most finance firms, MAS TRM compliance is the default focus.
The framework addresses the nuances of Singapore’s financial sector.
This precision makes it precisely tailored to the region’s regulatory landscape, but it also means having fewer opportunities to “borrow” elements from global standards like ISO 27001:2022.
ISO 27001: The Global Perspective
While MAS TRM targets Singapore’s financial institutions, ISO 27001:2022 speaks to businesses operating on a broader scale, often serving a global client base.
ISO 27001 focuses on building and maintaining a robust Information Security Management System (ISMS), demonstrating a firm commitment to protecting sensitive data and managing risks.
ISO 27001 acts as a powerful benchmark for external asset managers and other firms seeking global distinction. Certification signals trust and professionalism—qualities clients operating in more than one jurisdiction highly value.
OIT: Supporting Your Framework, Your Way
At OIT, we don’t force a single approach. Whether your primary aim is meeting MAS TRM’s regulatory demands or earning ISO 27001:2022 certification to enhance your credibility, our role is to provide the technology solutions that support your chosen path.
We bridge the frameworks when necessary, identifying the critical overlaps that simplify your compliance journey. Importantly, regardless of which framework you adopt, the focus remains on embedding security and resilience into your operations.
Here’s how our approach helps firms align with their chosen framework while leveraging the shared priorities of ISO 27001:2022 and MAS TRM.
Core Technology Solutions That Support ISO 27001:2022 and MAS TRM
1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Protecting What Matters Most
Managing access to sensitive systems and data is foundational to both ISO 27001:2022 and MAS TRM.
Whether you’re navigating Annex A.9 of ISO 27001:2022 (to limit access to information and information processing facilities) or adhering to MAS TRM’s focus on identity verification, MFA provides the layered approach needed to safeguard your organisation.
With MFA, we:
- Prevent unauthorised access by requiring multiple authentication factors.
- Strengthen protection against phishing, credential theft, and insider misuse.
- Offer scalable solutions compatible with both MAS TRM and ISO 27001 frameworks.
2. Encryption: Securing Data Everywhere
Few areas are as critical to both frameworks as encryption.
Whether it’s the local regulatory requirements highlighted by MAS TRM or ISO 27001:2022’s Annex A.10 on cryptography, protecting data in all its states—at rest, in transit, and in use—is non-negotiable.
OIT recommends:
- Disk and database encryption to secure data stored on servers or backups.
- TLS/SSL protocols and VPN solutions that safeguard communications and data exchanges.
- Advanced runtime encryption tools that protect processed data from attacks.
By deploying encryption systems tailored to your scale and processes, we ensure compliance while strengthening resilience against breaches.
3. Software that constantly monitors computers for threats.
ISO 27001:2022 and MAS TRM standards require sound systems for finding and responding to security problems. EDR solutions improve on this by actively preventing problems.
OIT helps clients implement EDR systems that:
- Monitor endpoint activity to detect suspicious activity.
- Automate workflows for containing and neutralising threats.
- Generate audit-friendly logs of activity, helping streamline compliance.
This proactive technology supports MAS TRM requirements for rapid incident detection while ensuring you meet ISO 27001’s expectations for ongoing process improvement.
4. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Ensuring Business Continuity
Though MAS TRM outlines detailed business continuity requirements,
ISO 27001:2022 places complementary emphasis on data recovery and availability (Annex A.17). Backup and recovery aren’t just about compliance—they’re what enable you to bounce back quickly during or after disruptions.
OIT helps implement:
- Secure, regular backups to cloud or offsite locations.
- Automated disaster recovery systems that minimise downtime.
- Regular testing methodologies to ensure recovery plans remain effective over time.
5. Network Security: Strengthening the Perimeters
As financial operations grow increasingly digitised, network security becomes an absolute priority. Both MAS TRM and ISO 27001:2022 demand tight controls, from firewalls to intrusion detection systems.
OIT assists with selecting and deploying:
- Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) tailored to the needs of modern financial environments.
- Network segmentation strategies to limit exposure in case of breaches.
- Consolidated monitoring tools for a real-time overview of network activity.
