DBS is the first Singapore bank to offer SMEs such a service. It is enabled via DBS SecureFX – a foreign exchange service that empowers customers to lock in rates directly within the bank’s corporate banking application, DBS IDEAL.

This comes at a time when more SME customers are planning to tap global markets. According to DBS’ latest Business Pulse Check Survey conducted early this year, about 70% of SMEs intend to allocate capital towards regionalisation. In addition, more SMEs are making transactions in foreign currencies as they engage foreign suppliers or service providers as part of their overseas expansion. In 2024, more than 80% of SME customers executed a foreign exchange transaction when making cross-border payments.

In January 2025, the average implied volatility for the Euro, Japanese Yen and British Pound soared to its highest in nearly two years, according to analysis by DBS Group Research. With DBS SecureFX, SMEs can expand their global reach with confidence amidst market volatility. By locking in preferred rates for future-dated foreign currency payments, SMEs – including smaller ones with no credit lines – can better manage their cash flow and foreign exchange risk.

Eileen Chia, Regional Head of Corporate Advisory, Global Financial Markets, DBS, said: “SMEs form the bedrock of Singapore’s economy and contribute around half of our country’s GDP. As a purpose-driven bank with our roots as the Development Bank of Singapore, we are committed to supporting our SMEs as they expand into regional markets to capture new opportunities across Asia. By blending DBS’ digital capabilities, financial markets expertise and client-centric ethos, we will continue to support our local businesses as they embark on a journey towards becoming regional champions.”

DBS has been recognised for leveraging technology to provide corporate customers with personalised foreign exchange services tailored to each business’ risk profile, transaction history and needs. The bank was named Most Innovative Bank for Foreign Exchange² and Singapore’s best foreign exchange bank³ in 2025 by Global Finance, a New York-based trade publication, for two consecutive years. In addition, DBS was named Singapore’s best foreign exchange bank by Euromoney⁴ in 2024, a London-based business and finance publication.

How to access DBS SecureFX

DBS SecureFX is currently available to SME and selected corporate customers in Singapore via DBS IDEAL. The service will eventually be made available to other DBS corporate customers in Singapore.