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Month: June 2025
Seamless Sustainability Reporting with BoardRoom’s Advisory and Bursa Malaysia’s CSI Solution
Discover the OneBoardRoom Advantage – One Partner, Total Control
Discover the OneBoardRoom Advantage – One Partner, Total Control
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Corporate Income Tax Filing Deadline Approaching – Submit by 31 July 2025
Corporate Income Tax Filing Deadline Approaching – Submit by 31 July 2025
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A Guide to the IPO Landscape and Incentives in Singapore
A Guide to the IPO Landscape and Incentives in Singapore
Singapore’s capital markets offer a strategic gateway to growth for companies seeking to broaden their investor base and raise additional capital. Regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Singapore Exchange (SGX), the IPO (Initial Public Offering) framework provides a balanced approach that promotes accessibility while safeguarding market integrity in the country. In this guide, we will walk you through the current IPO landscape in Singapore, explore key incentives and introduce the concept of chain listings.
The IPO Landscape in Singapore
Singapore offers a well-structured, transparent environment for companies seeking to go public, anchored by its dual-board system on the SGX:
- Mainboard: Designed for well-established companies, the Mainboard has higher entry thresholds, including minimum profitability, market capitalisation, and operating track record requirements.
- Catalist: Tailored for high-growth enterprises, Catalist does not impose fixed quantitative criteria. Instead, companies must engage a sponsor – an authorised corporate finance advisor – who assesses the company’s suitability for listing.
The MAS provides regulatory oversight and enforces a disclosure-based regime. Rather than pre-approving every business decision, MAS focuses on ensuring that companies disclose sufficient, accurate, and timely information to empower investor decision-making. This approach fosters both transparency and strong investor protection, making Singapore one of Asia’s most reputable markets for IPOs.

Current Trends in the IPO Market
Following a subdued period of IPO activity in recent years, Singapore’s IPO market is showing signs of recovery. Analysts forecast 4 to 10 new listings in 2025, with sectors like real estate investment trusts (REITs), healthcare, and new economy companies expected to lead the rebound.
While challenges such as lower market liquidity and compressed valuations persist, sentiment in the IPO market is improving. Recent reforms introduced by MAS aim to enhance market competitiveness by lowering listing costs and improving post-listing valuations. These regulatory improvements, alongside the expected stabilisation of global interest rates, are likely to boost investor appetite — especially for income-generating sectors like REITs.
2025 could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Singapore’s capital markets.
Key Incentives for IPOs in Singapore
Several incentives have been introduced to encourage more companies to list for an IPO and support the growth of Singapore’s equities market.
Tax Rebates for IPO Listings
Companies going public can now benefit from significant cost savings:
- 20% corporate tax rebate for new primary listings.
- 10% corporate tax rebate for secondary listings.
Additionally, newly listed companies can qualify for a Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rebate of up to SGD 6 million per year for the first five years after listing, depending on their market capitalisation.
These incentives substantially reduce the financial burden associated with listing, making Singapore an even more attractive venue for IPOs.
Concessionary Tax Rates for Fund Managers
Fund managers who conduct IPOs in Singapore can benefit from an enhanced concessionary tax rate of 5% under the Financial Sector Incentive-Fund Managers (FSI-FM) scheme. This incentive not only encourages greater participation from the asset management industry, but also reinforces Singapore’s standing as a regional hub for financial services.
Tax Exemptions for Fund Investments
Under specific conditions, income derived from qualifying funds that invest significantly in Singapore-listed equities is exempt from corporate tax. This promotes greater fund investment activity in locally listed companies and helps deepen market liquidity.
Support for REITs
Recognising the importance of REITs to the IPO market, the government has extended key incentives until 2030:
- Tax transparency treatment for REITs.
- GST remission benefits.
- Enhancements to qualifying foreign-sourced income and operational expense deductions.
These measures ensure that Singapore remains a favoured destination for REIT listings globally.
The Equity Market Development Programme (EMDP)
The SGD 5 billion Equity Market Development Programme (EMDP) aims to drive investments in Singapore-listed stocks beyond the traditional index constituents. By boosting liquidity and broadening investor participation, this initiative further enhances the appeal of listing on the SGX.

Exploring Chain Listings in Singapore
Another trend gaining traction is chain listings, where a parent company already listed on the SGX seeks to list one of its subsidiaries separately. Although not specifically defined under SGX rules, chain listings are recognised as a viable strategic move for companies seeking to unlock subsidiary value or raise targeted growth capital.
Benefits of Chain Listings
Some benefits of chain listings are:
A subsidiary listing on the SGX alongside its parent company enhances visibility and credibility, both for the parent and the subsidiary. This strengthens the group’s profile in global markets.
For subsidiaries, listing on the SGX allows for easier access to capital and greater flexibility in financing. It also enables them to raise funds more efficiently from local and international investors.
Chain listings streamline the corporate structure, providing a clear link between the parent and subsidiary, which can enhance strategic alignment and operational efficiency.
In Singapore, chain listings would typically follow the standard IPO process for either the Mainboard or Catalist, depending on the size and nature of the subsidiary. Here are some key considerations:
Several important factors come into play when considering a chain listing in Singapore:
- Regulatory Framework: The subsidiary must comply fully with SGX listing rules, including financial criteria and public float requirements.
- Financial Performance: Meeting profitability or revenue thresholds is crucial, depending on whether the subsidiary aims for the Mainboard or Catalist.
- Market Capitalisation and Public Float: To satisfy SGX listing requirements, sufficient market capitalisation and public shareholding must be achieved.
- Disclosure Requirements: A full prospectus must be prepared in line with the Securities and Futures Act (SFA), offering transparency into financials, operations, and risks.
- Sponsorship: Catalist listings require an appointed sponsor to guide and oversee the process.
How Boardroom Supports Your IPO Journey
The IPO process can be complex, especially when you are balancing growth ambitions with regulatory obligations. BoardRoom is here to support you every step of the way.
As your expert share registry service provider in Singapore, BoardRoom offers comprehensive IPO advisory and support services, including scrutineering services, application support, liaison with regulators, legal advisors and sponsors, and ongoing corporate governance and corporate secretarial support post listing. Our end-to-end support and expertise helps you leverage available incentives and navigate the complexities of the IPO process with confidence.
Talk to BoardRoom today to learn how we can support your successful IPO journey – from the first steps of preparation to achieving your listing goals.
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Ultimate Guide to E-invoicing in Singapore
Ultimate Guide to E-invoicing in Singapore
As Singapore move towards a digital economy, one of the most impactful shifts for businesses is the move toward e-invoicing While it is not yet required for all businesses, the government actively encourages adoption through InvoiceNow, a national e-invoicing system. Integrating e-invoicing helps companies streamline their financial operations, stay ahead of evolving regulations, and reduce operational costs. This guide explains what e-invoicing is, how InvoiceNow is transforming the digital invoicing process in Singapore, and why adopting e-invoicing can provide your business with a competitive edge.
What Is E-Invoicing?
E-invoicing (electronic invoicing) is the process of generating, sending and receiving invoices in a structured digital format. Unlike traditional methods of printing or emailing a PDF invoice, e-invoicing enables businesses to transmit invoice data directly from one accounting system to another through a secure network. This ensures greater accuracy, shorter processing time and helps reduce manual administrative work.
In Singapore, the national e-invoicing system is known as InvoiceNow. It operates on the PEPPOL (Pan-European Public Procurement Online) network, a globally adopted infrastructure that enables businesses to exchange e-invoices and other documents securely and efficiently.

Why E-invoicing Matters in Singapore
The Singapore government is actively driving digital transformation amongst businesses and e-invoicing in Singapore is a key part of the digital initiative.
With e-invoicing, companies can:
- Ensure compliance with local accounting and tax regulations
- Reduce manual data entry work and minimise human errors
- Improve cash flow with quicker payment cycles
- Lower operational costs such as printing, postage, and storage
- Support sustainability through a paperless process
Although e-invoicing is not yet mandatory for all businesses, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) have set a roadmap for future GST InvoiceNow requirements. Adopting InvoiceNow early can help you stay ahead of the compliance curve and avoid last-minute implementation challenges.
InvoiceNow and How It Works
InvoiceNow enables invoices to be transmitted directly from seller to buyer, from one business system to another without manual intervention. Businesses can send and receive e-invoices using their current accounting or ERP systems. It runs on the PEPPOL network, using Access Points, which act like secure digital post-boxes that routes the e-invoices. These Access Points ensure your e-invoice gets to the correct recipient in the right format.
Here is a simple overview of how e-invoicing with InvoiceNow works:
- The seller generates an invoice using their InvoiceNow-ready accounting or ERP software.
- The invoice is automatically converted into a standard format used by the PEPPOL network.
- The invoice is sent via the PEPPOL Access Point to the buyer’s system.
- The buyer receives the invoice directly within their software.
This seamless process is fast, accurate, and secure, making it a superior alternative to traditional paper invoicing methods.
Requirements for Using InvoiceNow
To start using InvoiceNow in Singapore, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Have a valid Unique Entity Number (UEN)
- Register for a PEPPOL ID via Corppass
- Engage an IMDA-accredited Access Point provider
- Ensure their accounting system can generate structured e-invoices in the PEPPOL BIS format
Most popular cloud accounting platforms today offer InvoiceNow-ready solutions. Businesses can also refer to IMDA’s list of Peppol-ready solution providers.
Key Dates You Should Know
Singapore is rolling out e-invoicing requirements in phases.
Here are the key milestones:
- 1 May 2025: All GST-registered businesses can start transmitting e-invoices through InvoiceNow
- 1 November 2025: Newly incorporated companies that apply for voluntary GST registration are required to start submitting invoice data to IRAS using InvoiceNow
- 1 April 2026: All new voluntary GST registrants are required to start submitting invoice data to IRAS using InvoiceNow
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has announced plans to progressively extend mandatory participation in e-invoicing to more businesses in future phases. Hence getting started early ensures your systems are compliant and your business operations do not get disrupted.

Benefits of E-invoicing for Businesses
E-invoicing offers significant advantages for businesses in Singapore.
E-invoicing automates the entire invoicing process; no more printing, scanning, or manually typing in invoice details. E-invoicing does it all digitally and faster, freeing up staff for more value-added tasks.
With e-invoicing, data are sent in a standardised format from system to system. This reduces manual input and errors, such as missing line items or incorrect amounts.
E-invoices are delivered instantly to your clients’ systems, speeding up processing ad approval times. This leads to quicker payments and improved cash flow.
Using InvoiceNow helps ensure GST compliance through structured, traceable records. This simplifies audit readiness and facilitates accurate GST reporting.
As PEPPOL is a global standard, e-invoicing in Singapore allows your business to seamlessly exchange e-invoices with international clients who are also on the same network, making cross-border transactions more efficient.
Going digital means less paper and physical storage, aligning your company’s ESG goals and demonstrating responsibility, reducing storage costs at the same time.
To help businesses adopt e-invoicing, the Singapore government offers support like the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG). This helps to reduce the cost of setting up InvoiceNow.
How to Get Started with E-invoicing in Singapore
E-invoicing offers significant advantages for businesses in Singapore, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. Moving to e-invoicing is more straightforward than many assume.
Here are the steps:
Select a PEPPOL Access Point Provider
Engage a certified PEPPOL Access Point provider who will connect your business to the InvoiceNow network.
Check Your Software
Make sure your current accounting or ERP software supports InvoiceNow.
Train Your Team
Switching to e-invoicing may require some changes in how your finance team works. It is important toprovide training so your staff know how to create, send, and receive e-invoices effectively within the new system.
Review Your Invoice Format
Ensure your e-invoices include all the details required by IRAS, such as:
- GST registration details (if applicable)
- Your company’s UEN (Unique Entity Number)
- Postal addresses
- Itemised invoice details
Your Access Point Provider can help guide you to ensure everything is set up correctly.
Test the System
Testing the system with trial invoices will help identify any adjustments before you go fully live.
With upcoming mandates and the growing emphasis on digital transformation, now is the ideal time for businesses in Singapore to embrace e-invoicing. While the process is relatively straightforward, partnering with the right experts can make implementation smoother and ensure long-term compliance.
Need Support with your Tax and E-invoicing?
At BoardRoom Singapore, we help businesses stay compliant with tax regulations and prepare for a smooth transition to e-invoicing. Whether you are looking to adopt InvoiceNow or need expert advice on meeting the upcoming requirements, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Moving to e-invoicing in Singapore doesn’t have to be complicated. Contact us to get started with InvoiceNow and future-proof your accounting and tax processes.
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Chequeless Singapore by 2025: What Businesses Need to Know
Chequeless Singapore by 2025: What Businesses Need to Know
The way businesses handle corporate payments is set for a major shift. With Singapore phasing out cheque usage by the end of 2025, organisations that still rely on this method, particularly for shareholder dividends, will need to adopt digital alternatives to stay compliant and efficient.
For businesses still issuing physical cheques to shareholders holding physical scrips, this signals a timely opportunity to modernise internal processes and move away from outdated manual systems. Now is the time to explore what transitioning toward a chequeless Singapore will require from your organisation.
Transitioning to a Chequeless Payment System in Singapore
Singapore’s plan to eliminate corporate cheques by 2025 marks a significant step towards greater digitalisation across sectors. Spearheaded by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and supported by initiatives such as PayNow and FAST, this shift aims to reduce inefficiencies, reduce costs and enhance security in financial transactions.
The move will impact a wide range of payment processes, including dividend distributions for companies with physical scrip holders, an area often overlooked in modern digital transformation initiatives. These companies typically continue issuing cheques to shareholders, many of whom may reside outside of Singapore or have limited access to local banking services.

Who does this impact the most?
While scripless shareholders already receive electronic dividend payments via the Central Depository (CDP), physical scrip holders are often excluded in the digital transitions. These shareholders typically receive their dividends by cheque, making them a key stakeholder group in Singapore’s move towards a chequeless future. This countdown to the 2025 deadline creates an urgency for companies still managing manual, cheque-based processes.
Challenges of Cheque-Based Dividend Payments
Despite being a long-standing method, cheque issuance introduces complexities and risks that hinder progress. As Singapore accelerates its efforts to eliminate cheque usage, businesses must assess how such legacy practices may be holding them back from more secure, digital-first operations.

How Businesses Can Prepare for a Chequeless Future
More than replacing one payment method with another, adapting to a chequeless Singapore is about rethinking processes to drive long-term efficiency. Businesses should take practical steps now to avoid disruptions and ensure continuity for both their internal teams and shareholders.
Identify shareholders still paid by cheque
Review your shareholder records in detail to identify individuals who still hold physical scrips and receive cheque payments. This clarity will help you estimate the lead times and resources needed for a smooth transition and outreach.
Educate and communicate with stakeholders
To avoid confusion, shareholders should be informed early and clearly about the upcoming changes. Consider using multiple touchpoints — emails, mailers, or even webinars — to guide them through the new e-payment process.
Review and upgrade internal systems
Assess whether your finance and registry tools can support secure, automated payments. If not, explore solutions with integrated compliance checks and multi-currency capabilities.
Partner with an experienced share registry provider
Engaging a trusted partner like BoardRoom gives your company access to industry expertise and operational support. Our end-to-end share registry services streamline dividend distribution, ensure data accuracy, and enhance stakeholder communications.
Choose a platform designed for scrip holders
Not all digital payment platforms are built for the complexities of physical scrip holdings. BoardRoom’s Smart Investor Portal (BSIP) is tailored to support scrip-based payouts, helping your company adapt to a chequeless Singapore with minimal disruption.
How BSIP Supports the Shift to Chequeless Payments
BSIP is designed to help companies simplify shareholder payments without overhauling existing systems. For businesses with physical scrip holders, our portal offers a secure, purpose-built platform to help you confidently navigate the transition to a chequeless Singapore while improving the dividend payment experience for both issuers and shareholders.
Getting Ready for a Chequeless Singapore
Singapore’s move to phase out cheques paves the way for smarter, more secure business operations. For companies that still handle physical scrip holders and rely on manual cheque distribution, now is the time to act, not only to comply with upcoming changes but also to strengthen internal efficiency and improve shareholder satisfaction.
By preparing early, businesses can avoid operational bottlenecks, reduce administrative risks, and ensure a smooth transition to fully digital dividend distribution. A proactive approach today will pay off in time saved and trust earned.
BoardRoom is here to support you through every step of this journey. With decades of experience and a trusted track record serving over 80% of large-cap companies listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), our BSIP platform is purpose-built to help your business thrive in a chequeless Singapore. If you’re ready to modernise your dividend payments, get in touch with us today.
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Future-Ready Dividend Payments: Simplified.
Future-Ready Dividend Payments: Simplified.
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Corporate Service Providers Act 2024 will come into effect on 9 June 2025: Key Changes and Compliance Guide
Corporate Service Providers Act 2024 will come into effect on 9 June 2025: Key Changes and Compliance Guide
The Singapore Corporate Service Providers Act 2024 (“CSP Act”), effective 9 June 2025, introduces critical compliance requirements for businesses using corporate services in Singapore. In this article, we explore the key changes and the impact of these changes on businesses that engage corporate service providers.
Key Changes Effective 9 June 2025
The CSP Act is a key regulatory development in Singapore aimed at strengthening the corporate service providers industry. Introduced to enhance corporate governance and regulatory oversight, the CSP Act promotes transparency, ensures consistent compliance standards, and aligns with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism and proliferation financing obligations.
The CSP Act will officially take effect on 9 June 2025. To support its implementation, the Corporate Service Providers Regulations 2025 (“CSP Regulations”), which contain more detailed rules pertaining to the requirements under the CSP Act, was published on 8 May 2025 and will also come into effect on 9 June 2025.
Below are the key changes of the legislative amendments:
All entities offering corporate services, such as company formation, company secretary, nominee director or shareholder services, or registered office address services in or from Singapore, must register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) as registered Corporate Service Providers (CSPs). The changes will enhance the regulatory regime and level the playing field for all CSPs, and importantly, enable ACRA to take enforcement action against registered CSPs that breach AML/CFT/PF obligations (as defined below).
All registered Corporate Service Providers (CSPs) are required to comply not only with existing anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) obligations, but also with measures to prevent the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (“AML/CFT/PF obligations”). To mitigate financial crime risks, CSPs must conduct customer due diligence before delivering any corporate services, and where there is a reason to suspect money laundering, terrorism financing, or proliferation financing.
Breaches of AML/CFT/CPF obligations by CSPs or their senior management may incur fines of up to S$100,000 per breach, emphasising the importance of robust compliance.
Only ACRA-registered CSPs can arrange nominee director appointments, and they must assess these directors as fit and proper. Individuals cannot act as nominee directors by way of business unless appointed by a registered CSP.
Nominee directors’ and shareholders’ status, along with their nominators’ identities, must be disclosed and filed to ACRA, enhancing transparency in corporate ownership. The nominee status will be made publicly available. However, only public authorities may access the full information of the nominators maintained by ACRA for the purposes of administration or enforcement of any written law.
Companies will face higher penalties for non-compliance with maintaining accurate registers of registrable controllers, nominee directors, and nominee shareholders. This ensures proper record-keeping.

What this Means for your Business
The CSP Act 2024 impacts businesses using corporate services in Singapore. These businesses may need to provide additional documentation, such as beneficial ownership or nominator details, to meet ACRA’s disclosure requirements. It is important to ensure that you are using a CSP that is ACRA-registered. The need for enhanced due diligence may also lead to additional processes with your CSP.
These measures enhance Singapore’s business environment, boosting trust for your operations.
Next Steps for Businesses using CSPs
To prepare for the CSP Act 2024, we encourage businesses to:
- Verify your CSP’s ACRA registration from 9 June 2025.
- Be prepared to provide any additional compliance-related information as required.
- Stay informed through ACRA’s resources / our newsletters and webinars on compliance matters in Singapore.
- Reach out to your specialist consultant at Boardroom for step-by-step guidance on how the CSP Act works.

How can BoardRoom Support your Business?
The CSP Act 2024 strengthens Singapore’s position as a premier international business hub, and BoardRoom is committed to helping your business navigate these changes. As an ACRA-registered CSP, we are fully prepared for the CSP Act 2024 effective June 9, 2025.
We are constantly updating our AML/CFT/PF processes and training our team to meet all regulatory requirements. We also offer personalised reviews of your corporate setup to ensure compliance with Singapore’s nominee director regulations and other obligations.
For guidance on CSP Act compliance, contact us today.
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