In this episode of Banking Uncovered, host Charles Green speaks to Natalia Goh, CEO of MariBank and member of Singapore’s Government Technology and Innovation Committee, to explore how the next wave of digital banking is taking shape in one of the world’s most advanced financial ecosystems.

Despite Singapore’s digital maturity, traditional banks still leave gaps around transparency, fees and customer experience. Natalia shares how MariBank, a digital-only bank, is redefining these pain points through a commitment to simplicity, trust and accessibility. From daily interest crediting and flat, competitive savings rates to no minimum balances and low-barrier digital investment products, MariBank is reimagining banking.

Technology and security sit at the heart of this transformation. The conversation delves into AI-driven transaction monitoring, SingPass facial verification and the importance of strong regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with integrity. Natalia also discusses how Singapore’s progressive Monetary Authority (MAS) is shaping responsible innovation across the banking sector.

Topics discussed include:

• The evolving digital banking landscape and how Singapore’s regulatory environment enables responsible innovation
• Common consumer frustrations with traditional banks, from fees and complexity to lack of transparency
• MariBank’s simplified approach to savings and investments, including daily interest crediting and no minimum balance requirements
• The success of self-service investment products and their role in financial inclusion
• How advanced technology, AI, and data security build consumer trust
• The importance of customer education and lowering barriers to entry for investing

Key insights include:

• 63% of Singaporean customers cited annual and late fees as pain points with credit cards - highlighting the demand for transparent, fee-free banking
• One in three businesses uses personal accounts for business banking to avoid high fees, underscoring how simplicity and affordability can drive broader adoption
• MariBank’s digital investment products start from just $1, compared with $1,000 at traditional banks - demonstrating how low entry barriers can democratise investing
• MariBank’s money market fund surpassed SGD 1 billion in assets within its first year, becoming one of Singapore’s top five funds and proving strong consumer appetite for accessible investment solutions
• Daily interest crediting and a flat, competitive rate for all customers strengthen perceptions of fairness and transparency - key drivers of trust in digital banking.
• SingPass facial verification and AI-based transaction monitoring reinforce security, ensuring innovation doesn’t come at the expense of consumer protection.
• Maribank use Generative AI for fraud detection, anti-money laundering and staff productivity, with careful rollout for customer-facing applications to sustain trust
• Singapore’s regulatory environment, led by MAS, remains a global benchmark, showing how progressive oversight enables innovation without compromising integrity