High-risk merchant account for performance marketing agencies with a Singapore company

We first review your Singapore entity structure, client verticals, typical payment flows and recent processing history. From this, we build an underwriting file that presents your business clearly to prospective acquirers. This includes your ACRA BizFile, director KYC, sample client contracts, and a compliant website presentation.

Our next step is to identify and approach suitable providers. We select from international acquirers and MAS-licensed payment institutions that have an established appetite for advertising services (MCC 7311) and experience with Singaporean corporate structures. We manage the application and underwriting Q&A, ensuring a smooth introduction.

Acquirer compliance teams focus on the risk passed on from your clients. They will review your client list and contracts to understand the industries you serve. Underwriters will analyse at least three to six months of processing statements to verify turnover and, most importantly, to check for excessive chargebacks or refunds. Your website will be checked for clear terms of service and compliant card scheme logo displays.

They also conduct full KYB on the Singapore entity, verifying its good standing with ACRA and identifying the ultimate beneficial owners and directors in the register of controllers.

Using a Singapore Pte Ltd is a strong choice for an international agency. The jurisdiction is well-regarded, and the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) maintains clear, accessible corporate records, which reassures underwriters. While a locally resident director is required, this adds substance. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) supervises the payments sector under the Payment Services Act, creating a stable environment.

Acquirers can easily settle funds in SGD, USD or other major currencies to Singaporean accounts. Compared to a jurisdiction like Georgia, Singapore offers a more robust corporate and banking framework, which is favoured by top-tier payment providers.

Accounts are often declined because the agency's client base includes high-risk verticals that the acquirer cannot support. Termination is frequently caused by a sudden spike in chargebacks or processing volumes outside of agreed limits, triggering a compliance review. Another common reason is an incomplete or outdated KYB file, where changes in ownership or directorship have not been reported to the provider.

Our pre-submission file review checks your client verticals against the acquirer's restricted list. We also help you implement controls to monitor your chargeback ratio and ensure your corporate information remains current with the provider.

For a properly prepared Singaporean marketing agency, a merchant account can typically be approved in two to six weeks from the submission of a complete file. Onboarding involves the final KYC checks on directors and UBOs and the technical integration of the payment gateway. After going live, it is critical to keep your chargeback ratio low and to alert the acquirer to any significant changes in your business model or processing patterns.

We advise on setting up chargeback alerts and maintaining open communication with your provider to support a long-term processing relationship.