Understanding Green Link Digital Bank: A Local Perspective
Green Link Digital Bank Pte. Ltd., known as GLDB, stands as a significant entity within Singapore's evolving financial technology landscape. Incorporated on 5 May 2021 and domiciled in Singapore, the company operates from its registered office at Mapletree Business City. As Singapore's first digital wholesale bank, GLDB was established with a clear mandate: to serve the financial needs of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and corporate clients.
The ownership structure of GLDB is robust, with immediate holding by Greenland Linklogis Group Holdings Pte Ltd in Singapore. Ultimately, the bank is predominantly backed by Greenland Financial Holdings Group Co., Ltd. from the People’s Republic of China, which holds an eighty percent equity stake, while Linklogis Hong Kong Limited accounts for the remaining twenty percent. This formidable backing provides GLDB with substantial resources and strategic guidance.
Operating under a Digital Wholesale Bank licence granted by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), GLDB’s business model is entirely digital. It offers a suite of digital-only financial products, including deposit accounts, term loans, overdrafts, trade financing, and fixed deposits. A core focus lies in cash management and supply chain financing, particularly for high-growth sectors within Singapore. The leadership team, including Chief Executive Officer Melvin Tzai Win Teo and Chief Risk Officer Cheong Wai Chong, brings significant expertise to steer the bank's operations and strategic direction.
GLDB's commitment to digital innovation and its clear focus on the MSME segment positions it as a vital player in empowering Singapore's business community, providing accessible and efficient financial tools tailored for growth and operational efficiency in a competitive market.
Tailored Lending Solutions for Singaporean Businesses
Green Link Digital Bank specializes in providing a diverse range of credit products exclusively designed for businesses. Due to its wholesale bank licence, GLDB does not offer personal loan products. Its offerings are meticulously structured to address various business financing needs, from short-term liquidity to long-term capital for expansion.
- Unsecured Micro Term Loans: These loans are a cornerstone for smaller enterprises seeking capital without pledging specific assets. While the minimum amount is estimated at S$50,000, loans can extend up to S$300,000. They typically feature a tenor of up to two years and an attractive interest rate starting from 5.00% per annum. No collateral is required, though personal guarantees usually apply. Standard origination and processing fees, alongside late payment fees, are applied as per contract terms, though specific figures are unpublished.
- Secured Term Loans: For businesses requiring larger financing, secured term loans are available starting from an estimated S$300,000, with no explicit maximum cap; amounts are assessed on a case-by-case basis. These loans also offer a tenor of up to two years and boast competitive interest rates starting from 4.00% per annum. Collateral is asset-based and individually assessed, with standard origination and processing fees, and late payment terms mirroring the unsecured options.
- Overdraft Facilities: Providing flexible working capital, GLDB's overdraft facilities can reach up to an estimated S$1 million. Interest is charged only on the funds utilized, with rates varying based on the client's credit profile, estimated between 5-8% per annum. These facilities are revolving with annual renewal and may require collateral on a case-by-case basis. Annual review and facility fees are applicable, though unverified specific rates.
- Supply Chain Financing: A key differentiator for GLDB, supply chain financing programs target suppliers with an estimated program size of S$50 million to S$100 million in turnover. This financing is structured around the credit standing of a corporate buyer, with recourse to the supplier's balance sheet. Rates and fees for these specialized programs are customized per transaction, reflecting the bespoke nature of these arrangements.
It is important for potential borrowers to note that all loan amounts are in Singapore Dollars (S$). Approximate USD equivalents are provided for reference, such as a maximum Micro Term Loan of roughly US$222,000 and an Overdraft up to US$740,000 based on a S$1 = US$0.74 exchange rate. These diverse offerings demonstrate GLDB's commitment to providing comprehensive and flexible financing solutions tailored to the dynamic needs of Singapore's business ecosystem.
The Digital Journey: Application, Technology, and Reach
Green Link Digital Bank distinguishes itself through its fully digital operational model, making financial services highly accessible and efficient for Singaporean businesses. The application process is streamlined and can be completed entirely via GLDB's dedicated mobile application, available on both iOS and Android platforms, or through its corporate website.
The Know Your Customer (KYC) and onboarding procedures leverage advanced digital identity verification, including seamless integration with SingPass MyInfo. This allows for swift and secure verification of corporate documents such as Unique Entity Numbers (UENs), director IDs, and financial statements. Automated Anti-Money Laundering (AML) screening and risk assessments are integral to this process, ensuring compliance and security.
GLDB employs a proprietary algorithm for credit scoring and underwriting. This advanced system incorporates a range of data points, including financial statements, transaction history, and indirect shareholder support, benefiting from Linklogis' data analytics capabilities. The bank adheres to a standardized approach for Risk-Weighted Assets (RWA) as per MAS Notice 637, ensuring robust financial management.
Upon approval, loan disbursements are efficiently processed via Singapore-dollar bank transfers directly to corporate accounts. For businesses utilizing USD facilities, foreign-currency transfers are also available. GLDB does not facilitate cash or mobile-money disbursements. Loan collection and recovery are managed through automated repayment via GIRO, complemented by early warning alerts and reminder notices. For non-performing accounts, on-site recovery efforts may commence after ninety days of delinquency.
The GLDB mobile app is a central hub for users, reportedly holding a 4.3-star rating on both the App Store and Google Play (unverified). Key features include facilitating loan applications, providing digital statements, sending real-time notifications, and offering a comprehensive trade-finance dashboard. The bank's digital presence extends to its corporate website, which hosts product brochures, an online application portal, and a resource centre.
GLDB's geographic coverage is nationwide within Singapore, with services exclusively limited to Singapore-registered entities. The bank is estimated to serve approximately 3,000 corporate customers as of June 2025, with a strategic focus on high-growth sectors such as technology, sustainable construction, and participants within various supply chains.
Regulatory Compliance, Market Position, and Customer Insights
Green Link Digital Bank operates under the stringent regulatory framework of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), having been granted its Digital Wholesale Bank licence in April 2021. As a licensed entity, GLDB is subject to comprehensive oversight, including MAS Notice 637 on Risk-Weighted Assets and common disclosure requirements. To date, there have been no publicised penalties or enforcement actions against GLDB (as of September 2025), underscoring its commitment to regulatory compliance. The bank also adheres to consumer protection mandates under the Financial Advisers Act and the Banking Act, ensuring fair-dealing obligations and providing dispute resolution channels via the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre.
In Singapore's dynamic digital banking landscape, GLDB is one of five digital banks, carving out a significant niche as a leader in wholesale credit to MSMEs. Its market position is strong, with ambitious plans to list on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) by 2027 to fuel expansion into Southeast Asia. GLDB differentiates itself from key competitors such as ANEXT Bank, MariBank, GXS Bank, and Trust Bank through its deep specialization in supply-chain finance, flexible product segmentation, and an agile product rollout cycle, often achieving new product launches within a month.
Strategic partnerships are crucial to GLDB's operational efficiency and innovation. It leverages Temenos for its core banking platform and Huawei Cloud for its infrastructure. Furthermore, a notable collaboration with 129Knots has led to an embedded finance program tailored for the marine-fuel sector, demonstrating GLDB's innovative approach to specialized industry needs.
Customer feedback indicates a generally positive experience, with GLDB being praised for its fast digital onboarding process and competitive deposit rates. However, criticisms often highlight the minimal retail-banking features, given its wholesale focus. Common complaints include limited multi-currency support, primarily restricted to Singapore Dollars and US Dollars, and the absence of consumer-oriented products like card services or retail loans. GLDB offers omni-channel customer support, including a hotline, live chat, and appointment booking, with reported response times typically under twenty-four hours. A case study highlights an MSME in sustainable construction that improved its liquidity through a S$500,000 term loan at 4.5% per annum, enabling timely project completion.
Navigating Green Link Digital Bank: Practical Advice for Borrowers
For Singaporean MSMEs considering Green Link Digital Bank for their financial needs, understanding its unique proposition is crucial. GLDB stands out as a digital-first wholesale bank with a strong focus on business lending and supply chain finance. Its strengths lie in competitive rates, a streamlined digital application process, and specialized financing solutions tailored to the operational dynamics of businesses. The backing by strong financial entities and a commitment to advanced digital infrastructure positions GLDB as a reliable partner for business growth.
Potential borrowers should first ascertain if GLDB's target market aligns with their business profile. As a digital wholesale bank, GLDB caters exclusively to MSMEs and corporate clients, offering no personal loans. Businesses in high-growth sectors such as technology, sustainable construction, and those deeply involved in supply chains may find GLDB's offerings particularly advantageous. The bank's ability to provide unsecured micro term loans, larger secured term loans, flexible overdraft facilities, and bespoke supply chain financing programs means it can address a wide spectrum of corporate financial requirements.
When preparing an application, businesses should gather necessary corporate documentation, including Unique Entity Numbers, director identification, and comprehensive financial statements. Leveraging SingPass MyInfo for digital identity verification will expedite the onboarding process. Understanding that GLDB's credit assessment relies on a proprietary algorithm incorporating various financial and transactional data points, presenting a clear and healthy financial standing is paramount.
GLDB is an excellent fit for businesses that are comfortable with a fully digital banking experience and prioritize efficiency and competitive rates for business-specific credit. Its strong focus on supply chain finance can be a significant advantage for companies seeking to optimize their working capital and improve liquidity within their trading ecosystems. However, businesses requiring traditional retail banking features, extensive multi-currency support beyond SGD and USD, or face-to-face branch interactions might find other financial institutions more suitable. Always remember that some data, such as customer numbers or loan book size, are estimates and unverified; direct inquiry with GLDB for the most current and specific terms is always recommended before making any financial commitments.
