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Pre-setup Advisory for Finance Companies

Pre-setup Advisory

Pre-setup Advisory for Finance Companies in Singapore

Setting up a finance company in Singapore demands more than a business plan — it requires regulatory insight and strategic clarity. Our Pre-Setup Advisory Services guide you from structuring to MAS licensing, ensuring a compliant launch.

Why Pre-setup Advisory is Important
What We can Offer
Who can Benefit from Our Services
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Early Advisory Is Crucial in a Regulated Environment

Avoid Regulatory Setbacks

Entering the financial sector without early guidance is like sailing without a compass. Regulatory missteps, license application delays, and compliance gaps can cost time, money, and credibility. Our advisory services help you anticipate MAS requirements, identify potential risks, and align your setup with current regulatory standards.

 

Build a Solid Compliance Foundation

We work with you to ensure that your business model, internal processes, and financial frameworks are aligned with MAS expectations from day one. Whether you’re launching a fund management firm, a fintech startup, or a payment services provider, our team ensures your business structure is ready for scrutiny and success.

What We Offer in Pre-Setup Advisory

Regulatory Mapping and Entity Structuring

  • Determine the optimal legal structure (e.g., Variable Capital Company, Limited Partnership, or Private Limited Company) based on your business goals and investor profiles

  • Assess suitability under different MAS licensing regimes (CMSL, PS Act, etc.)

  • Breakdown of estimated incorporation and operational costs

MAS Licensing Strategy

  • Identify which licenses your activities will require

  • Prepare a roadmap to fulfill MAS licensing criteria

  • Advice on key appointments (Directors, Representatives, Compliance Officers) and their eligibility

  • Create a checklist of application documentation and timelines

Budgeting & Operational Forecasting

  • Outline expected licensing and compliance maintenance costs

  • Guidance on technology, human resource, and legal service needs

  • Forecast capital requirements to sustain MAS obligations

  • Help build a one-year cost and compliance roadmap

Compliance Infrastructure Blueprint

  • Define internal control systems and compliance workflows

  • Draft foundational policy documents (AML/CFT, Risk Management, Data Privacy)

  • Recommend RegTech tools for efficient reporting and monitoring

Advisory on Tax, Legal, and Cross-Border Implications

  • Coordinate with legal and tax experts to assess domestic and international regulatory overlap

  • Provide clarity on fund domicile implications

  • Advise on cross-border offering restrictions and exemptions

Who Can Benefit from Our Advisory Services?

  • First-time fund managers looking to set up in Singapore

  • Foreign financial institutions entering the Singapore market

  • Fintech entrepreneurs unsure about regulatory boundaries

  • Corporate groups exploring regulated investment vehicles

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of licenses might I need?

That depends on your planned activities. Common licenses include the Capital Markets Services License (CMSL), Financial Adviser License (FAL), or licensing under the Payment Services Act. We help you determine exactly what’s applicable.

How much capital do I need to start?

MAS imposes minimum financial thresholds based on license type. We’ll walk you through the capital adequacy requirements specific to your business model.

Can you help with post-license compliance too?

Yes. While our pre-setup advisory gets you started right, we also offer ongoing compliance services to keep you in good standing with MAS.

Why choose us

Comprehensive Compliance and Licensing Support for Financial Startups

Comprehensive Guidance and Expert Assistance to Ensure Your Company Setup Is Successful and Timely

Regulatory Expertise Mastery

In-depth understanding of MAS frameworks ensures your business meets all regulatory obligations from the start.

Strategic Structure Planning

We advise on optimal entity structures aligned with your operations, investor profile, and long-term scalability goals.

License Path Navigation

We clarify license types, application timelines, and prerequisites to streamline your MAS approval process efficiently.

Compliance Framework Design

Develop customized compliance policies, controls, and systems that align with Singapore’s financial regulations and best practices.

Cost Forecast Accuracy

Receive accurate projections for licensing, operational, and compliance costs to support early-stage budgeting and decision-making.

Cross-Border Advisory Support

Provide required security deposits or bank guarantees and ensure adequate technology risk management protocols.

Operational Readiness Review

We evaluate your internal controls, systems, and team readiness to meet MAS expectations before application submission.

Risk Mitigation Strategy

Identify legal, financial, and compliance risks early to ensure a smoother setup and long-term regulatory stability.

Get It Right from the Start

 

Launching a regulated financial business in Singapore requires clarity, planning, and regulatory insight. Don’t risk getting it wrong. Let our experts help you build from a strong foundation.

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