Through the USSFTA, service suppliers have been assured of fair and non-discriminatory treatment and market access unless specifically exempted in writing - known as 'negative list' approach. Note that service sectors which are not listed in the negative list can be assured of full market access and national treatment by the government.  The type of quantitative restrictions affecting market access and concept of national treatment have been explained and discussed in the Services Chapter 8.

The reservations placed on service sectors listed here can come from either Annex 8A or Annex B.  The difference between reservations placed on service sectors in Annex 8A and Annex 8B is that the reservations placed on sectors in Annex 8A are  "standstill reservations" - meaning the level of restrictions will not worsen and can only get less trade restrictive over time.  However, sectors placed in Annex 8B tend to be sensitive, in which the concerned government seeks full regulatory control.  Hence, reservations placed in Annex 8B can become more severe over time. 

The US extends trade in services benefits of the FTA to all Singapore companies that are not shell companies, regardless of ownership. The chapter also highlights importance of openness and transparency, including consultations with interested parties, advance notice, reasonable comment period, and publication of regulations.

Singapore's quota on Qualifying Full Bank (QFB) and Wholesale Bank licenses for US Banks will be lifted within 1.5 and 3 years respectively, thus allowing more US Banks to serve here.