Questions raised as tech giant Sea tells S’pore staff to credit salaries into MariBank accounts
An internal memo said that MariBank will be the "mandatory" salary crediting bank for all Singapore-based staff of Sea.
Singapore-based Sea Group employees will soon have their salaries deposited into accounts with MariBank, a digital bank owned by the tech giant. This announcement, made in an internal memo to staff, has raised questions about the legality of such a requirement. Employees who update their salary crediting details by September 17th will receive a $100 Shopee voucher.
MariBank offers various benefits, such as preferential rates and promotions on personal loans, and the bank plans to introduce more products and features for employees in the future. While some employees believe they are required to open a MariBank account, the memo clarifies that those who prefer to continue using another account are welcome to do so.
Legal experts assert that employers in Singapore cannot compel employees to use a specific bank for salary crediting unless it is stipulated in the employment contract. If an employer does propose an amendment to the employment terms, employees have the right to disagree with it. Ultimately, employees may decide whether to insist on their preferred method of salary crediting or to comply, depending on the perceived benefits and potential risks.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
