Seizing Opportunities in Singapore’s Revitalised Equity Market
Singapore’s equity market has entered a renewed phase of momentum. On 12 February 2026, the Straits Times Index (STI) surpassed the 5,000 mark for the first time, a symbolic milestone that reflects improving sentiment and follow-through from recent market-development initiatives.1
This performance has coincided with a comprehensive, multi-year effort by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Singapore Exchange (SGX) to strengthen market depth, liquidity and attractiveness. A centrepiece is the S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP), which seeds strategies managed by selected asset managers to invest in Singapore-listed equities—particularly beyond the blue-chip STI constituents. S$3.95 billion had been placed with nine managers, with further appointments expected, and the Government has since announced an additional S$1.5 billion top-up to broaden investor participation. 2
Complementary initiatives are broadening coverage and participation across the market. The iEdge Singapore Next 50 Index was launched to increase visibility for the largest companies outside the STI, helping investors access Singapore’s mid-cap opportunity set. In addition, MAS and SGX introduced a S$30 million “Value Unlock” Package to help listed issuers strengthen investor engagement and sharpen value-creation plans—part of a wider push to deepen research, liquidity and corporate outreach.3
Policy measures are also sharpening Singapore’s competitive edge as a listing venue. New corporate income tax rebates grant 20% for primary listings and 10% for secondary listings with new share issuance, for up to five years (time-limited through 31 December 2027, with caps). Meanwhile, newly listed fund managers can qualify for a 5% concessionary tax rate on qualifying income, and enhanced tax treatment is available for managers whose funds invest substantially in Singapore-listed equities—all designed to catalyse listings
and direct capital to the local market.4
Market connectivity is set to improve further with the proposed SGX–Nasdaq dual-listing bridge. The plan—targeted to go live around mid-2026—introduces a streamlined, harmonised pathway for eligible companies to access capital and liquidity across Singapore and the United States with a single set of offering documents, enhancing cross-border access and broadening the investor base for Singapore-listed companies.5
Collectively, these measures reinforce Singapore’s position as a leading international financial centre, signalling a sustained commitment by MAS and SGX to deepen the ecosystem, broaden participation beyond the STI, and support the next leg in value creation for Singapore equities.6
How CLA Global TS Can Support Your Business with Our Strategic Fractional
Advisory Services
CLA Global TS Fractional Strategic Advisory Services is established to provide strategic and corporate planning support to clients who recognise the value of structured strategic planning but do not wish to set up a full-time in-house unit. Our services enhance the long-term value of your company through:
- Diagnostics to identify tangible areas for improvement and unlock value.
- A partnership-driven approach to jointly chart and implement agreed initiatives.
- Tailored services and resources, customised to each client’s unique needs and reviewed periodically to optimise value delivery.
The unique selling proposition for CLA Global TS Fractional Strategic Advisory Services:
Backdrop
How Does It Work?
Strategic plans are unique to each company. The process starts with:
Annex A – Online Self-Assessment Tool
- The objective of this tool is to assess whether there is sufficient basis to proceed with one or more discovery sessions to further explore the matter.
- Annex A should be completed individually and based on your immediate gut feel.
- Scan the QR code or click here to access Annex A, the online self-assessment tool.
View the full article in PDF here.
Sources
1 The Business Times (2026). STI crosses 5,000 mark for first time to record high.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/capital-markets-currencies/sti-crosses-5000-mark-first-time-record-high
2 The Straits Times (2026). Budget 2026: Singapore equities market to get additional $1.5b boost.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/budget-2026-spore-equities-market-to-get-additional-1-5b-boost.
3 The Straits Times (2026). Straits Times Index crosses 5,000 mark for the first time.
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/straits-times-index-crosses-5000-mark-for-the-first-time.
4 The Straits Times (2025). Budget 2025: Tax incentives to get more companies, fund managers to list on SGX.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/budget-2025-tax-incentives-to-get-more-companies-fund-managers-to-list-on-sgx.
5 ir.nasdaq.com (2025). SGX Group to introduce Global Listing Board in Landmark Partnership with Nasdaq.
https://ir.nasdaq.com/news-releases/news-release-details/sgx-group-introduce-global-listing-board-landmark-partnership.
6 The Straits Times (2025). New $5 billion scheme by MAS to boost SGX-listed stocks as part of measures to revive S’pore market.
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/new-5-billion-scheme-by-mas-to-boost-spore-stocks-as-part-of-measures-to-revive-sgx
7 The Business Times (2025). Pace of SGX delistings may not slow down in 2025: analysts.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/pace-sgx-delistings-may-not-slow-down-2025-analysts.
8 The Business Times (2026). Singapore could see more IPOs in 2026 after public listing rebound last year.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/singapore-could-see-more-ipos-2026-after-public-listing-rebound-last-year
CONTACT US
CLA Global TS Business Advisors
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Lee How Sheng Advisor, Advisory Business Services leehowsheng@sg.cla-ts.com |
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Grace Lui Co- Advisory Leader Director, Valuation, Transaction Services & Outsourcing gracelui@sg.cla-ts.com |
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Pamela Chen Director, Head of Risk Advisory, Sustainability & Climate Change pamelachen@sg.cla-ts.com |
