Open a Hedge Fund in Singapore

The Code on Collective Investment Schemes in Singapore

The main legislation regulating the establishment of hedge funds in Singapore is the Collective Investments Scheme Code. Hedge funds are collective investment schemes that use different strategies of raising money for investors. The main advantage of hedge funds in Singapore is that they are allowed to use a broader pool of activities and assets in order to raise money. All hedge funds fall under the supervision of the Monetary Authority in Singapore.

Our specialists in company registration can help you set up a hedge fund and any other types of funds in Singapore.

The video below shows the main steps to set up a hedge fund in Singapore:

Types of hedge funds in Singapore

Foreign investors looking to open hedge funds in Singapore have two possibilities:

• -          to set up an onshore hedge fund,
• -          to open an offshore hedge fund.

Onshore hedge funds are required to abide by Singapore’s licensing regulations and can be divided into:

• -          open-ended trust funds,
• -          closed-ended funds,
• -          limited liability partnerships.

Both foreign and local investors can set up onshore hedge funds in Singapore. Offshore hedge funds are registered outside Singapore and thus under different legal requirements, but are allowed to operate in the city-state.

Requirements to start a hedge fund in Singapore

There are two types of licenses one can obtain in order to open a hedge fund in Singapore:

• -          a capital market services license,
• -          a financial adviser license.

Foreign investors setting up hedge funds with less than 30 qualified investors are not required to obtain any of the licenses above.

Capital market services licenses can be obtained under the Securities and Futures Act and are suitable for the following types of activities undertaken by Singapore hedge funds:

• -          securities dealings and financing,
• -          futures contracts,
• -          fund management services,
• -          foreign exchange trading,
• -          real estate investment trusts (REITs).

Foreign investors providing services and advice related to investment in securities, foreign exchange trading or life insurances are required to obtain a financial adviser license under the Financial Advisers Act in Singapore.

Those who wants to up offshore hedge funds, but want to provide their services in Singapore must respect certain compliance requirements. If you need help to apply for an investment license or want to open a company in Singapore you can contact our local agents.