Singapore is a premier financial hub offering stability, transparency, and tax efficiency.
For British expats in China, it provides a safe, globally connected base for wealth management.
- No capital gains tax or inheritance tax.
- Stable economy with strong governance.
- Gateway to ASEAN and global markets.
👉 Singapore Economic Development Board
🏦 Banking & Account Setup for Non‑Residents
Opening a multi‑currency account is the first step.
| Bank | Account Type | Expat‑Friendliness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DBS | Multiplier Account | High | Requires branch visit |
| HSBC | Everyday Global Account | Very High | Smooth if already HSBC client |
| OCBC | Global Savings Account | Medium | Proof of overseas address needed |
| UOB | Global Currency Account | Medium | Branch visit required |
| Standard Chartered | Bonus$aver | High | Popular among expats |
Sources: Wise guide, GlobalBanks
📈 Stock Market & Index Funds
Straits Times Index (STI)
The STI tracks 30 major Singapore companies, including DBS Bank, Singtel, and Keppel Corp.
- Offers exposure to Singapore’s blue‑chip stocks.
- Dividend yields are attractive compared to global averages.
Index Funds & ETFs
Index funds are a simple way to gain diversified exposure.
| Fund | Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nikko AM STI ETF | Tracks STI | Low‑cost access to SGX blue chips |
| Lion‑Phillip S‑REIT ETF | REITs | Diversified REIT exposure |
| iShares MSCI ASEAN ETF | ASEAN equities | Regional diversification |
| Vanguard Total World ETF (via IB/Saxo) | Global equities | Access to US & EU markets |
Why Index Funds Matter for Expats:
- Low fees compared to active funds.
- Diversification across sectors and geographies.
- Easy to buy via brokers like DBS Vickers, Saxo, or Interactive Brokers.
Sources: Morningstar Singapore, SGX ETFs
🏢 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Singapore REITs are popular for dividend income.
- CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) – malls & offices.
- Mapletree Logistics Trust (MLT) – warehouses across Asia.
- Keppel REIT – office properties in Singapore, Sydney, Seoul.
Average yields: 4–6%.
💵 Bonds & Government Securities
Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs)
- Flexible redemption.
- Backed by government.
- Yields ~2.5–3%.
Treasury Bills (T‑Bills)
- Short‑term, low‑risk.
- Popular for cash management.
Singapore Government Securities (SGS)
- Longer‑term bonds.
- Suitable for conservative investors.
Corporate Bonds
- Issued by Singapore companies.
- Higher yields but higher risk.
Why Bonds Matter for Expats:
- Provide stability in a portfolio.
- Hedge against equity volatility.
- Tax‑efficient in Singapore.
🌐 Private Banking & Wealth Management
For high‑net‑worth expats:
- HSBC Expat Banking – tailored services.
- Standard Chartered Priority Banking – international reach.
- DBS Treasures – local expertise.
Minimums: USD 200k–1M.
🚀 Alternative Investments
- Venture Capital & Startups – thriving tech ecosystem.
- Gold & Commodities – accessible via brokers.
- Private Equity Funds – available through wealth managers.
⚖️ Tax & Regulatory Considerations
- No capital gains or inheritance tax.
- Foreign‑sourced income generally exempt.
- Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with UK and China.
👉 IRAS Double Taxation Agreements
✅ Practical Checklist for Expats
- [ ] Choose broker (local vs international).
- [ ] Gather documents (passport, proof of address, TIN).
- [ ] Decide if you want a Singapore bank account.
- [ ] Complete KYC forms.
- [ ] Fund account via transfer (Wise/Revolut recommended).
- [ ] Start with index funds, REITs, and bonds for diversification.
📝 Conclusion
For British expats in China, Singapore offers a unique blend of stability, tax efficiency, and global access.
Balanced Portfolio Suggestion:
- 40% Index funds & ETFs (global + STI).
- 30% REITs for dividend income.
- 20% Bonds for stability.
- 10% Alternatives (VC, commodities).
👉 Singapore Exchange Investor Education
Sources
- IRAS Tax Guide
- World Bank Singapore Overview
- SGX Straits Times Index
- MAS Savings Bonds
- Morningstar Singapore
- Enterprise Singapore Startup Support
- UK–Singapore DTA
- China–Singapore DTA
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