Industry News

MariBank has unveiled a groundbreaking investment opportunity, allowing customers to invest in Singapore equities through the Amova Singapore Dividend Equity Fund – SGD Class, starting at just S$1 with no transaction fees. Initially available by invitation, the fund will be open to the public via the MariBank app from early April 2026.

The fund, managed by Amova Asset Management, focuses on equities listed on the Singapore Exchange, including non-Straits Times Index stocks and select overseas equities. It aims to provide a monthly distribution of 5% to 7% per annum, targeting income-seeking investors with a strategy centred on high dividend yields and potential growth.

Natalia Goh, CEO of MariBank, emphasised the bank’s mission to make investing accessible: “With just S$1 and no transaction fees, customers can now participate in Singapore’s equities market through a long-established dividend-focused fund.” Eleanor Seet, President of Amova Asset Management Asia Limited, highlighted the partnership’s role in fostering a more inclusive equities market.

This initiative is part of MariBank’s expanding suite of investment products, which includes Mari Invest Gold, Mari Invest Income, and Mari Invest SavePlus. The launch aligns with the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Equity Market Development Programme, which aims to enhance the local equities market’s competitiveness.

FOMO Pay, a Singapore-based payment institution, has launched the FOMO AI Soundbox, a pioneering payment device designed to consolidate various payment methods, including cards, PayNow, e-wallets, and stablecoins, into a single point of acceptance. This innovative device provides real-time audio confirmations for transactions, enhancing business intelligence for merchants.

The FOMO AI Soundbox is part of FOMO Pay’s strategy to redefine payment infrastructure, catering to the evolving needs of digital commerce. As traditional off-chain payment methods like cards and bank transfers coexist with emerging on-chain payment flows such as stablecoins, merchants require a unified acceptance point. The Soundbox addresses this need, allowing seamless integration of multiple payment methods through one terminal.

Beyond its payment capabilities, the FOMO AI Soundbox is equipped with an integrated microphone, setting the stage for future AI-driven merchant intelligence features. FOMO Pay is developing an AI layer that will enable merchants to interact with their transaction data in real time, transforming the device into a business intelligence terminal. This development aims to provide small and medium-sized enterprises with actionable insights, facilitating smarter business decisions without additional manual effort.

Louis Liu, CEO of FOMO Pay, emphasised the transformative potential of AI in commerce, stating, “We are building the infrastructure that makes this possible—payment rails that are not just fast and connected but intelligent enough to support a world where AI agents, businesses, and consumers move as one.”

Founded in 2015, FOMO Pay is a licensed payment institution in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Middle East, offering comprehensive digital payment solutions. The launch of the FOMO AI Soundbox marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to bridge traditional and next-generation financial services.

Grab Singapore has unveiled #MoreWomenCan, a pioneering initiative designed to enhance the livelihoods of women partners in the digital economy. This programme, co-created with Grab’s community of women partners, introduces the industry’s first suite of motherhood and health benefits, aiming to foster equity and inclusivity in the workforce.

The launch event, attended by Yeo Wan Ling, Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC, also saw the release of a study conducted with UN Global Compact Network Singapore (UNGCNS) and Kantar. The study, “Women in the Driver’s Seat: Driving Economic Inclusion for Southeast Asia’s Women through Ride-Hailing and Delivery”, highlights the significance of platform work for women’s autonomy. It reveals that 71% of women partners in Singapore feel more financially independent, and 77% report increased confidence in their earning potential.

Cheryl Goh, Group Head of Marketing at Grab, emphasised the programme’s impact, stating, “When women have the flexibility to choose when and how they work, we see ripple effects across the region, from greater financial freedom to invest in their children’s education, for example, or to have the confidence to start their own small businesses.”

The study further indicates that platform work generates substantial economic output, with Grab women driver-partners contributing $0.8 billion (US$0.8 billion) across Southeast Asia in 2025. It underscores the potential for economic growth by addressing barriers such as lack of flexibility and safety concerns.

By advancing gender equality and providing flexible work opportunities, Grab’s #MoreWomenCan initiative is set to redefine the future of work in Southeast Asia, promoting economic resilience and inclusivity.

Singapore insurers are set to significantly increase their investment risk profiles over the next two years, with 88% of firms planning to do so, according to new research by Clearwater Analytics. The study highlights a strategic shift towards embracing risk, supported by substantial investments in technology to manage these changes effectively.

The research, which surveyed insurance asset management executives in Singapore, revealed that 84% of insurers have already seen an increase in their investment risk profiles over the past two years. This trend is notably higher compared to Hong Kong, where only 52% reported similar increases. Shane Akeroyd, Chief Strategy Officer and President of Asia Pacific at Clearwater Analytics, noted that this shift is driven by the pursuit of better returns in private markets and the need for advanced technology to manage these risks.

Automation has emerged as the primary tool for managing risk, outpacing other measures such as increased regulation. Regulatory demands, including stress testing and solvency reporting, are key drivers of technology investment. Akeroyd emphasised the importance of modern asset liability management (ALM), stating, “Insurers recognise that modern ALM requires speed, precision, and integration that legacy systems simply can’t deliver anymore.”

Private equity and venture capital are the main asset classes driving risk escalation, with 68% of insurers expecting significant increases in risk/reward levels in the next 12 months. The study also found that 86% of insurers reported improved risk visibility, largely due to enhanced technology and regulatory demands.

Looking ahead, 58% of insurers plan to focus on data analytics and artificial intelligence integration, whilst improving customer experience and portfolio management systems also remain priorities. The findings underscore the growing complexity of private market portfolios and the intensifying regulatory landscape in the region.

Singapore’s Briefcase Index has unveiled a new ranking of the top 10 industries offering the highest returns for foreign investors, based on foreign direct investment (FDI) returns in 2024. The ranking highlights Computers & Peripheral Equipment as the leading sector, boasting a remarkable 299.2% return. This announcement comes as Singapore continues to attract high-value investments in sectors like semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.

The ranking, derived from the latest data by the Singapore Department of Statistics, places Banks in second with a 50.0% return, followed by Non-Freight Water Transport Services at 36.1%. A spokesperson from Briefcase Index noted, “Singapore’s strongest foreign-investor returns are showing up in sectors where scale, specialisation, and pricing power matter most.”

The list further includes Semiconductor Devices at 29.2%, Freight Water Transport at 27.3%, and Refined Petroleum Products at 24.8%. Wholesale Trade and Miscellaneous Electronic Products also feature prominently, with returns of 23.7% and 23.3% respectively. Electrical Machinery & Apparatus and Insurance Services round out the top 10, with returns of 14.7% and 14.4%.

This ranking underscores Singapore’s strategic focus on sectors where it holds significant operational advantages, offering a concentrated return profile for foreign investors. As the city-state continues to position itself as a hub for high-value investments, these insights provide valuable guidance for potential investors.

Horizon Quantum, a Singapore-based pioneer in quantum software, has made history by becoming the first pure-play public quantum software company to trade on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker “HQ”. This milestone follows the completion of its business combination with dMY Squared Technology Group, which was finalised on 19 March after receiving shareholder approval.

The transaction has brought Horizon Quantum approximately $120m in additional revenue, which the company plans to invest in research and development, enhancing its hardware testbed, and advancing its integrated development environment, Triple Alpha. The company’s PIPE investment was significantly oversubscribed at $110 million, highlighting the growing interest in quantum computing as it approaches practical application.

This listing is a significant step for Singapore’s ambitions in the global quantum race. The Singaporean Government has committed S$300m to quantum computing over five years, with the Monetary Authority of Singapore investing an additional S$100m in quantum and AI for finance. Horizon Quantum further solidified its position by launching its own hardware testbed in December 2025, becoming the first quantum software company to own and operate a quantum computer.

Dr Joe Fitzsimons, Founder and CEO of Horizon Quantum, expressed optimism about the future of quantum computing, stating, “With today’s closing and our Nasdaq listing, Horizon Quantum is positioned to deliver the software infrastructure that will power this next phase of computing.”

The quantum sector is anticipated to be the next major disruptive technology, with McKinsey estimating the market could reach $100b within the decade. As Horizon Quantum begins its journey on Nasdaq, it sets a precedent for future developments in the quantum computing industry.

Matrixport has announced a significant rebranding to BIT, signalling its strategic repositioning within the digital asset financial infrastructure sector. This change reflects the company’s ongoing development as digital asset markets continue to grow, with increasing participation from both institutions and individual investors worldwide.

The rebranding coincides with the release of BIT’s 2026 Trust Whitepaper, which outlines the governance, risk management, and operational frameworks that underpin its services. This document aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the firm’s commitment to governance, compliance, and operational excellence.

John Ge, CEO of BIT, commented on the rebranding, stating, “Digital asset markets are entering a phase in which governance, transparency, and operational discipline are increasingly important. BIT reflects the continued evolution of our business and our commitment to building trusted digital asset financial infrastructure.”

The transition to BIT will not affect existing client accounts, products, or services, and all legal entities and contractual arrangements will remain unchanged. Additionally, the Singapore-headquartered firm is exploring potential opportunities in the US capital markets, including a possible public listing.

Founded in 2019, BIT has grown into a unicorn with a valuation exceeding $1b. The company manages over $6b in assets and facilitates more than $7b in monthly trading volume. BIT offers a range of digital financial services, including custody, trading, asset and wealth management, and tokenised real-world assets.

With a licensed and regulated presence in multiple countries, BIT continues to bridge traditional finance and digital assets through disciplined governance and advanced technology.

Genting Singapore has released its 2025 Annual Report and Sustainability Report, detailing a transformative year for the company and Resorts World Sentosa (RWS). The reports highlight Genting Singapore’s strides in sustainable tourism and its ongoing transformation strategy, RWS 2.0, aimed at enhancing guest experiences and establishing RWS as a premier destination.

Key developments in 2025 include the opening of major attractions such as Illumination’s Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore, the WEAVE lifestyle precinct, the Singapore Oceanarium, and The Laurus, a Luxury Collection Resort. These additions have bolstered the resort’s appeal, drawing significant interest from both local and international visitors.

The company also received several accolades. In sustainability, Genting Singapore achieved an ‘A-’ score in the CDP’s 2025 Climate Change assessment and maintained an AA rating in the MSCI ESG Ratings report.

Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Executive Chairman and Acting CEO, remarked, “2025 marked the beginning of our multi-year transformation strategy, reflecting our vision to become Asia’s premier lifestyle destination whilst remaining responsive to the shifting dynamics of global travel.”

These developments underscore Genting Singapore’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation, setting the stage for continued success in the coming years.

Etiqa Insurance Singapore and AIA Singapore have announced a strategic partnership to enhance the accessibility of Shariah-compliant Takaful solutions throughout Singapore. This collaboration seeks to advance the Islamic insurance landscape by offering ethical, transparent, and socially responsible financial solutions to a wider audience, including both Muslim and non-Muslim customers.

Under this agreement, Etiqa’s suite of Family Takaful products will be distributed via AIA Singapore and AIA Financial Advisers. This distribution channel, the largest in the nation, comprises over 6,300 professional AIA insurance representatives, significantly increasing the reach and choice for customers seeking values-aligned protection and savings options.

The global Takaful market is experiencing significant growth, projected to expand from $36.5b in 2025 to $63.6b by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.7%. Etiqa Insurance Singapore has noted strong momentum in its Takaful offerings, driven by rising consumer awareness and confidence in Shariah-compliant financial protection.

Claudia Soh, Acting CEO of Etiqa Insurance Singapore, stated, “This partnership marks an important step in advancing access to Shariah-compliant protection and savings solutions in Singapore.” Alvin Fu, Chief Distribution Officer at AIA Singapore, added, “By integrating Etiqa’s Shariah-compliant expertise with our professional representatives, we can serve a wider customer base.”

The partnership also aims to raise awareness and understanding of Takaful solutions through educational programmes and community engagement, empowering consumers to make informed decisions on financial protection and savings.

Gen Z and millennial high-net-worth investors are transforming the landscape of private wealth management, according to a recent survey by the CFA Institute. The research, titled “NextGen Investors: A Guide for Wealth Managers and Financial Advisers,” highlights the evolving expectations of these younger investors, who are set to inherit trillions in the Great Wealth Transfer. The survey, which included over 2,400 affluent investors from countries such as Singapore, the UK, and the US, reveals a strong preference for personalised and digital financial advice.

In Singapore, 70% of young investors anticipate receiving an inheritance, with 50% holding exchange-traded funds (ETFs), a significant increase compared to older generations. Cindy Tan, President of CFA Society Singapore, noted the confidence among young investors in achieving their financial goals, with a focus on stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrency. The survey also found that these investors heavily utilise digital communication channels, indicating a shift towards advisory models that integrate technology and human expertise.

Rhodri Preece, Senior Head of Research at CFA Institute, emphasised that Gen Z and millennial investors are redefining wealth management by seeking holistic advice and frequent digital engagement. They expect real-time information and investment options that align with their life goals. Genevieve Hayman, Senior Researcher at CFA Institute, added that these investors are not abandoning professional advice but are seeking collaborative models that combine human expertise with technology.

The survey underscores the need for wealth managers to adapt to these changing demands, with technology, including AI, playing a crucial role in delivering personalised and trustworthy advice.