SQF
GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management
MAS TRM
Singapore guideline for financial technology risk management.
Quick Verdict
SQF ensures food safety certification for global supply chains via HACCP and GMP audits, while MAS TRM mandates technology risk governance for Singapore FIs through cyber resilience and board oversight. Food firms seek market access; banks avoid fines.
SQF
SQF Food Safety Code Edition 9
Key Features
- Modular architecture: Module 2 plus sector-specific GMPs
- GFSI-benchmarked for global retailer recognition
- HACCP-based food safety plan mandatory
- Requires full-time onsite SQF Practitioner
- Mandates senior management commitment and reviews
MAS TRM
MAS Technology Risk Management Guidelines 2021
Key Features
- Board and senior management accountability
- Proportional risk-based controls
- Third-party risk integration
- Defence-in-depth cyber resilience
- Annual penetration testing requirement
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
SQF Details
What It Is
SQF Food Safety Code Edition 9 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program administered by SQFI. It provides a HACCP-based management system for ensuring food safety across the supply chain, from farm to fork, via modular codes tailored to sectors like manufacturing and storage.
Key Components
- **Module 2Universal system elements including management commitment, HACCP plans, verification, traceability, food defense, allergens, training.
- Sector modules (e.g., Module 11 GMPs for processing).
- Built on Codex HACCP principles; over 20 mandatory elements.
- Annual third-party audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades).
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer/brand requirements as "license to trade".
- Reduces recalls, audit duplication; aligns with FSMA/EU regs.
- Builds food safety culture via leadership accountability.
- Enhances resilience, supplier controls, market access.
Implementation Overview
Phased PDCA approach: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification. Applies to all sizes/industries; 6-12 months typical. Requires SQF Practitioner, robust PRPs, continuous improvement.
MAS TRM Details
What It Is
MAS Technology Risk Management (TRM) Guidelines (January 2021) are supervisory guidelines issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore for financial institutions. This risk-based framework focuses on governance, cybersecurity, resilience, and third-party risks to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems and data.
Key Components
- Covers 15 domains: governance, asset management, SDLC, IT service management, resilience, access controls, cryptography, cyber operations, testing.
- Emphasizes 12 synthesized principles like board accountability, proportionality, defence-in-depth.
- No fixed controls; proportional implementation with independent audit.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for Singapore-regulated FIs to avoid fines, license actions.
- Enhances operational resilience, reduces cyber threats, builds stakeholder trust.
- Strategic enabler for digital transformation, ERM integration.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: governance, inventory, risk assessment, controls, testing, monitoring.
- Applies to banks, insurers, fintechs; scalable by size/risk.
- No certification; supervisory review via evidence, metrics, audits. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | SQF | MAS TRM |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety management, GMPs, HACCP across supply chain | Technology/cyber risk governance, resilience in financial services |
| Industry | Global food manufacturing, storage, distribution | Singapore financial institutions (banks, insurers) |
| Nature | GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification | Supervisory guidelines with enforcement consideration |
| Testing | Annual third-party audits, internal audits, mock recalls | Annual PT for internet systems, VA, DR tests, red teaming |
| Penalties | Certification loss, market access denial | Fines, license conditions, supervisory actions |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SQF and MAS TRM
SQF FAQ
MAS TRM FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
SOC 2 Audit Survival Guide: 10 Red Flags Auditors Flag and Model Answers for Walkthroughs
Master SOC 2 Type 2 audits with our guide: 10 red flags like incomplete logs/vendor gaps, model walkthrough answers, psychology tips. Pass first-time with <5% e
The Human-AI Synergy: How Modern Compliance Tools Amplify Your Team's Strategic Impact
Unlock human-AI synergy with modern compliance tools. Automate monitoring, cut non-compliance risks 3x, and boost strategic decision-making. Elevate your team's
Top 10 Reasons ISO 27701 is the Ultimate Privacy Boost for Your ISO 27001 ISMS in 2025
Extend ISO 27001 with ISO 27701 for ultimate privacy governance amid GDPR & AI regs. Discover top 10 advantages like integrated audits to future-proof your ISMS
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
WCAG vs MAS TRM
Compare WCAG 2.2 accessibility vs MAS TRM tech risk guidelines. Key differences, compliance strategies & implementation for finance pros. Achieve resilient digital ops now!
ISO 45001 vs ISO 17025
Compare ISO 45001 vs ISO 17025: OH&S safety systems meet lab competence standards. Uncover clause differences, integration benefits & expert tips for seamless compliance. Boost efficiency now!
FERPA vs POPIA
Discover FERPA vs POPIA: Compare US student privacy law with South Africa's data protection act. Unpack rights, compliance, and strategies for educators worldwide. Safeguard data now!