Singapore has reduced the waiting period for wealthy individuals to access tax benefits associated with setting up family offices, reinforcing its status as a preferred location for global wealth management amid increased scrutiny of financial flows.
As of July 2025, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has shortened the waiting time for family offices to receive tax incentive approvals to 3 months, down from the previous 12-month requirement. This major policy change comes alongside MAS's collaboration with private banks to help clients expedite account setup processes. These measures aim to balance compliance with efficiency, after Singapore faced concerns over its financial safeguards in the wake of a $2.3 billion laundering case in 2023.
MAS is adopting a risk-proportionate approach that ensures due diligence without deterring new investments. Cutting red tape while upholding standards allows Singapore to remain agile amid growing global scrutiny. The nation continues to capitalise on its favourable tax regime, political stability, and cutting-edge infrastructure, drawing both regional and global high-net-worth individuals.
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Singapore is now home to nearly 60% of Asia-based family offices, with the Ambani family and numerous Indian entrepreneurs among those establishing offices there. Wealthy Indian families are setting up structured wealth management and succession plans to ensure smoother intergenerational asset transfers. DBS Bank estimates that over $4 trillion will be transferred across Indian generations in the coming decade, with Singapore playing a pivotal role in this transformation.
These family offices are gradually moving away from legacy asset classes like gold and real estate, pursuing diversified investment portfolios that include public equities, private capital, and tech start-ups. Over 200 start-up funding rounds have seen participation from Indian-origin family offices in the past 20 years, reflecting their growing appetite for innovation and scalable ventures.
Singapore’s decision to fast-track tax incentives for family offices is a calculated move to attract and retain global wealth amidst rising investor caution. With robust policies and strategic collaboration across sectors, the city-state strengthens its foothold as a premier wealth management destination, especially among the Indian diaspora.
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Published on: Jul 10, 2025, 12:30 PM IST
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