2024 09 13 – SINGAPORE WILL ‘MOP UP’ MUCH OF THE FINANCIAL BUSINESS LEAVING HONG KONG
Executive Summary:
Singapore is increasingly attracting financial business from Hong Kong as geopolitical uncertainties and regulatory changes impact the latter’s market. The erosion of Hong Kong’s status as a global financial hub, partly due to China’s crackdowns and economic troubles, has driven investments and expertise to Singapore, which boasts a stable, business-friendly environment and attractive tax policies. However, Singapore’s stock market has faced challenges, including low IPO activity and cautious investor sentiment, though reforms may help rejuvenate its market.
Despite these hurdles, Singapore’s financial sector remains poised for growth, supported by significant private wealth inflows. The government is considering various reforms to invigorate the stock market, such as incentivizing local investments and improving governance. Additionally, Singapore’s market is benefiting from the geopolitical shifts, alongside rising interest in markets like Japan and India. Yet, challenges such as high valuations in India and Japan’s geopolitical alignment with the U.S. remain concerns.