BlackRock has unveiled its inaugural Singapore ETF Insights Report, revealing a significant gap between current ETF adoption and future investment intentions among Singaporeans. The report, based on a survey of over 2,000 adults, shows that whilst 18.7% currently invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), 37.6% intend to do so in the next 12 months.
The findings suggest that investor interest is outpacing actual adoption, presenting an opportunity for financial institutions to bridge this gap through education and improved access. Nicholas Peach, Head of APAC iShares for BlackRock, noted that the growing interest in ETFs reflects a broader trend across Asia Pacific, where investors seek accessible and cost-efficient tools for portfolio diversification.
Key insights from the report include that 62% of surveyed adults already invest in at least one financial product, indicating potential ETF growth from existing investors. Additionally, 56% of investors began investing to grow their money beyond savings, with 51% of current ETF investors contributing to an ETF savings plan.
The report also highlights the need for simpler investment journeys, as 53.6% of current and prospective ETF investors desire clearer product explanations, and 48.2% seek user-friendly platforms for executing trades. Koay Hui Sien, Head of iShares Fixed Income Product Strategy for APAC at BlackRock, emphasised the importance of making ETF investing more intuitive to help investors confidently transition from interest to action.
As global ETF assets reached a record $23.08 trillion (US$23.08 trillion) by May 2026, BlackRock’s iShares platform continues to offer a wide range of ETFs, supporting investors in achieving their financial goals.
