Starting a Company
Global Investor Programme Singapore 2026: Requirements, Application Process and Common Mistakes
Singapore's Global Investor Programme (GIP) is the country's premier permanent residence pathway for genuinely wealthy business owners and investors. Unlike the Employment Pass route (which requires you to hold a job in Singapore) or the standard PR route (which...
Complete Guide to Setting Up a Family Office in Singapore 2026: Section 13O vs 13U, MAS Requirements and Costs
Singapore has cemented its position as Asia's leading wealth management hub, with the number of single family offices growing from around 400 in 2020 to more than 2,000 by 2025. If you are a high net worth family considering Singapore as the base for your wealth...
Re-domiciliation of foreign companies into Singapore — Timeline and processing benchmarks
Re-domiciliation of foreign companies into Singapore — Timeline and processing benchmarks. For foreign parent companies entering Singapore. Practical 20…
Singapore representative office — 3-year sunset — Timeline and processing benchmarks
Singapore representative office — 3-year sunset — Timeline and processing benchmarks. For foreign parent companies entering Singapore. Practical 2026 wa…
Singapore branch office of foreign parent — Timeline and processing benchmarks
Singapore branch office of foreign parent — Timeline and processing benchmarks. For foreign parent companies entering Singapore. Practical 2026 walkthro…
Convertible Notes and SAFE Agreements for Singapore Startups (2026): Structures, Companies Act Rules and Tax Treatment
Complete 2026 guide to convertible notes and SAFEs in Singapore — how each works, key Companies Act rules, IRAS tax treatment and common founder pitfalls.
COMPASS Points Calculator Singapore 2026: Will Your EP Application Score Enough?
The complete 2026 guide to Singapore’s COMPASS Employment Pass points system — every attribute explained, worked examples, and how to lift a marginal score.
Singapore Company Constitution 2026: Model Constitution vs Bespoke – Ten Situations Where You Need Custom Drafting
Singapore company constitution 2026 – ten situations where the Model Constitution is not enough, drag-along and ROFR drafting, class rights and how to amend under section 26.
MAS AML / CFT for licensed entities — Timeline and processing benchmarks
MAS AML / CFT for licensed entities — Timeline and processing benchmarks. For wealth managers and fintechs navigating MAS regulation. Practical 2026 wal…
MAS technology risk management (TRM) and outsourcing — Timeline and processing benchmarks
MAS technology risk management (TRM) and outsourcing — Timeline and processing benchmarks. For wealth managers and fintechs navigating MAS regulation. P…
Running a Company
Liquidator’s Power to Disclaim Onerous Contracts in Singapore (2026)
How a Singapore liquidator disclaims onerous property under sections 230-233 IRDA: unprofitable leases and contracts, the 28-day rule, and creditor claims.
Priority of Payments in Singapore Liquidation (2026): Secured vs Preferential Creditors
Who gets paid first when a Singapore company is wound up? Secured vs preferential creditors, the section 203 IRDA order, and where employees and IRAS rank.
The Workplace Fairness Act: What Singapore Employers Must Know (2026)
Singapore’s Workplace Fairness Act explained: the protected characteristics, which employers are covered, new obligations, redress, and how to prepare.
Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) Singapore 2026: Eligibility, Support & How to Apply
The Energy Efficiency Grant funds up to 70% of energy-efficient equipment for Singapore SMEs. Eligibility, support tiers, funding caps, and how to apply.
Property Tax for Companies in Singapore (2026): Commercial Property Guide
How property tax works for companies owning commercial property in Singapore: the flat 10% rate, Annual Value, payment deadlines, and how to object.
Bonus Issue of Shares in a Singapore Company (2026): Capitalising Profits
How a Singapore company makes a bonus issue: capitalising profits, board and members’ resolutions, ACRA filing, and how it differs from a rights issue.
Amalgamation of Companies in Singapore (2026): Sections 215A–215K Guide
How to amalgamate Singapore companies under sections 215A-215K: standard vs short-form routes, solvency statements, and the ACRA registration process.
Practical Checklist for a New Director Joining a Singapore Company
A practical checklist for new directors joining a Singapore company: appointments, ACRA filing, director duties, CPF, Employment Pass, tax and secretarial compliance.
Fraudulent Conveyances in Singapore Liquidation: Recovering Company Assets (2026)
How liquidators unwind transactions that defraud creditors. Our 2026 guide covers IRDA section 438, CLPA s73B, the court process, and asset recovery.
Extortionate Credit Transactions in a Singapore Winding Up (2026)
When can a liquidator reopen extortionate credit? Our 2026 guide covers IRDA section 227, the 3-year look-back, the process, and what the court can order.
Growing a Company
MAS Licensed Fund Management Company (LFMC) — Eligibility and requirements checklist
MAS Licensed Fund Management Company (LFMC): eligibility, S$250k base capital, A/I vs Retail LFMC, requirements, costs and MAS timeline explained.
MAS Capital Markets Services (CMS) licence — Eligibility and requirements checklist
MAS Capital Markets Services (CMS) licence: eligibility, base capital, SFA 2001 s82 requirement, costs, timeline and the application process explained.
How to Appeal an Employment Pass Rejection in Singapore (2026)
Rejected Employment Pass? Learn how to appeal to MOM in 2026: the 3-month deadline, new evidence, COMPASS fixes, and when it is smarter to reapply.
EDG vs PSG vs MRA 2026: Which Singapore Government Grant Is Right for Your Business?
Singapore SMEs have their pick of government grants. The three most heavily used are the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) from Enterprise Singapore, the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) from Enterprise Singapore, and the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) grant...
Singapore as regional commodity trading hub — Timeline and processing benchmarks
Singapore as regional commodity trading hub: setup timeline, GTP tax rates, licences and processing benchmarks for trading companies in 2026.
Convertible Notes and SAFE Agreements for Singapore Startups (2026): Structures, Companies Act Rules and Tax Treatment
Complete 2026 guide to convertible notes and SAFEs in Singapore — how each works, key Companies Act rules, IRAS tax treatment and common founder pitfalls.
MAS Licensed Fund Management Company (LFMC) — Timeline and processing benchmarks
MAS Licensed Fund Management Company (LFMC) — Timeline and processing benchmarks. For wealth managers and fintechs navigating MAS regulation. Practical…
MAS Capital Markets Services (CMS) licence — Timeline and processing benchmarks
MAS Capital Markets Services (CMS) licence — Timeline and processing benchmarks. For wealth managers and fintechs navigating MAS regulation. Practical 2…
Single vs Multi-Family Office in Singapore 2026: Costs, Pros and Cons Compared
When ultra-high-net-worth families decide to base their wealth-management operations in Singapore, the first structural decision is whether to build a single-family office (SFO) or partner with a multi-family office (MFO). Both structures are common in Singapore's...
How to Stack Singapore Government Grants 2026: A Multi-Grant Strategy Guide
Singapore SMEs leave money on the table every year — not because grants are inaccessible, but because founders apply for one grant when they could layer three. Enterprise Singapore, IMDA, MAS, and sector ministries all run overlapping schemes, and the smart operator...
Taxes and GST
MAS Payment Services Act licensing — MPI and SPI — Eligibility and requirements checklist
MAS Payment Services Act licensing — MPI and SPI — Eligibility and requirements checklist. For wealth managers and fintechs navigating MAS regulation. P…
MAS streamlined fund manager framework 2026 — Eligibility and requirements checklist
MAS streamlined fund manager framework 2026 — Eligibility and requirements checklist. For wealth managers and fintechs navigating MAS regulation. Practi…
MAS Registered Fund Management Company (RFMC) sunset and migration — Eligibility and requirements checklist
MAS Registered Fund Management Company (RFMC) sunset and migration — Eligibility and requirements checklist. For wealth managers and fintechs navigating…
Property Tax for Companies in Singapore (2026): Commercial Property Guide
How property tax works for companies owning commercial property in Singapore: the flat 10% rate, Annual Value, payment deadlines, and how to object.
Multi-jurisdiction family office structures — Eligibility and requirements checklist
Multi-jurisdiction family office structures: eligibility, S$20m/S$50m AUM thresholds, MAS 13O/13U conditions, costs and timeline for HNW families.
Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation (DTDi): A Singapore Guide (2026)
Claim 200% on overseas expansion costs. Our 2026 DTDi guide covers qualifying activities, the automatic cap rising to S$400,000, and how to claim it.
How to Cancel Your GST Registration in Singapore (2026)
A practical 2026 guide to cancelling GST registration in Singapore: compulsory vs voluntary, the 30-day rule, the GST F8 final return, and common traps.
Family office MAS approval, annual review and audit — Eligibility and requirements checklist
Family office MAS approval, annual review and audit — Eligibility and requirements checklist. For HNW families establishing a Singapore family office. P…
13O → 13U transition mechanics — Eligibility and requirements checklist
13O → 13U transition mechanics — Eligibility and requirements checklist. For HNW families establishing a Singapore family office. Practical 2026 walkthr…
Section 13D offshore fund scheme — Eligibility and requirements checklist
Section 13D offshore fund scheme — Eligibility and requirements checklist. For HNW families establishing a Singapore family office. Practical 2026 walkt…
Bookkeeping
Singapore SME Chart of Accounts (2026): A Practical Template for Bookkeepers
A ready-to-use Chart of Accounts for a Singapore SME – with numbering, tax mapping, GST breakdown and IFRS 16 lease accounts.
Common Bookkeeping Errors in Singapore & How to Avoid Them | Raffles Corporate Services
Avoiding the Pitfalls: A Guide to Common Bookkeeping Errors in Singapore Accurate bookkeeping is the bedrock of any successful business. It provides a clear picture of your financial health, informs strategic decisions, and ensures compliance with Singapore's...
Outsourcing vs In-house Accounting: Pros, Cons & Compliance Issues
In the dynamic business landscape of Singapore, financial management remains a cornerstone of sustainable growth. Every business — from start-ups to multinational corporations — must ensure accurate accounting, timely reporting, and compliance with the Singapore...
Mastering Your Financials: A Business Owner’s Guide to FRS Compliance in Singapore
As a business owner, you juggle countless responsibilities, from product development and marketing to customer service and team management. Amidst this whirlwind of activity, the crucial task of financial management can sometimes feel overwhelming. However,...
Outsourcing Bookkeeping in Singapore: A Smart Move for Your Business?
Accurate and timely bookkeeping is the bedrock of any successful business. It's not just about recording transactions; it provides crucial financial insights for decision-making, ensures compliance with Singapore's regulations (like those set by ACRA and IRAS), and...
Top 5 Accounting Software for SMEs in 2025: Streamline Your Finances
In 2025, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly relying on advanced accounting software to streamline their financial processes and support business growth. With numerous options available, choosing the right accounting software can be a daunting...
When Should Shipping Costs Be Separated from the Related Product Sale?
In the world of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), efficient book-keeping and accurate accounting are crucial to maintaining financial health and making informed business decisions. One area that often causes confusion is the treatment of shipping costs in relation...
How Should Incentive Payments Be Accounted For?
Incentive payments play a crucial role in motivating employees, driving performance, and achieving business goals. For small business owners in Singapore, understanding how to properly account for these payments is essential to ensure compliance with local regulations...
Can non-refundable upfront fees be recognised in revenue when received?
Under Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS), specifically SFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," non-refundable upfront fees are generally not recognised as revenue when received. Instead, these fees are considered part of the total transaction...
Under what conditions can customisation or installation services be considered separately from the related product sale?
Under Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS), specifically SFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," customisation or installation services can be considered separately from the related product sale under the following conditions: Distinct in the...
News
Singapore Budget 2026 corporate impact briefings — Costs and fees breakdown
Singapore Budget 2026 corporate impact briefings — Costs and fees breakdown. For directors and counsel tracking Singapore regulatory shifts. Practical 2…
PR Application Rejected? Here’s What to Do Next in Singapore (2026)
A structured 2026 response plan for foreign professionals whose Singapore PR applications have been rejected — diagnosis, reapplication and alternative pathways.
XBRL Filing with ACRA: Requirements, Exemptions & Step-by-Step Guide
XBRL Filing with ACRA: Requirements, Exemptions & Step-by-Step Guide Most directors of Singapore companies have heard of XBRL. Far fewer can confidently say what it stands for, when it must be filed, what data must be tagged, and which companies are exempt. This...
Employment Pass vs ONE Pass vs PEP: Which Singapore Work Visa Do You Need?
Employment Pass vs ONE Pass vs PEP: Which Singapore Work Visa Do You Need? Singapore offers a tiered range of professional work passes, and choosing the right one is more consequential than most applicants realise. Pick the wrong pass and you may overpay on minimum...
Singapore Company Compliance Calendar: Every Filing Deadline You Need
Singapore Company Compliance Calendar: Every Filing Deadline You Need Running a Singapore company means keeping a small but unforgiving calendar of statutory deadlines. ACRA, IRAS, MOM, the CPF Board and (where relevant) MAS each set their own filing dates â and...
Complete Guide to Setting Up a Family Office in Singapore (2026)
Complete Guide to Setting Up a Family Office in Singapore (2026) Singapore has, in the space of a decade, become Asia’s pre-eminent hub for single family offices. The combination of political stability, a deep banking and asset management ecosystem, an...
VCC vs Cayman SPC: Why Singapore Is the New Fund Domicile
VCC vs Cayman SPC: Why Singapore Is the New Fund Domicile For decades, the Cayman Islands segregated portfolio company (SPC) was the default offshore vehicle for hedge funds, private equity sleeves and bespoke managed accounts targeting Asian capital. That dominance...
Complete Guide to Setting Up a Family Office in Singapore (2026)
Singapore has emerged as Asia's leading family office hub, with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) reporting close to 2,000 single family offices established in the city-state by end-2024 — and that number continues to climb in 2026. The combination of a stable...
Singapore PR Application 2026: Requirements, Documents & Timeline
Becoming a Singapore Permanent Resident is one of the most consequential decisions a foreign professional or family in Singapore can make. PR status confers the right to live and work in Singapore indefinitely without an employer-tied work pass, full access to CPF and...
Singapore Budget 2026: Corporate Tax Rebate, AI Incentives, and What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
Singapore's Budget 2026, delivered on 18 February 2026, introduced a raft of measures designed to support businesses amid global uncertainties and rising energy costs. For company owners, directors, and finance teams, the headline measures — a generous corporate...