Karen Tang, CFP®: Certified Financial Planner in Singapore

What Are The Benefits Of Unit Trusts For Investors In Singapore?

Unit trusts, also known as mutual funds, are a popular investment option for investors in Singapore due to several benefits they offer. Some of the key benefits of unit trusts for investors in Singapore include:

  1. Diversification: Unit trusts allow investors to diversify their investments across a wide range of assets, such as stocks, bonds, and other securities. This diversification helps to spread the investment risk, as it reduces the impact of poor performance of a single investment on the overall portfolio.

  2. Professional Fund Management: Unit trusts are managed by professional fund managers who are responsible for making investment decisions on behalf of the investors. These fund managers have expertise in analysing financial markets and selecting investments, that can potentially lead to better investment performance compared to individual investors managing their own investments.

  3. Accessibility: Unit trusts are accessible to investors with various levels of investment capital, making them suitable for both small and large investors. Investors can start with relatively small amounts and gradually increase their investment as they accumulate more capital.

  4. Liquidity: Unit trusts are generally considered liquid investments, as investors can buy or sell units of the fund on any business day. This provides investors with flexibility to enter or exit their investment position, subject to any applicable terms and conditions of the fund.

  5. Cost-effective: Unit trusts can be a cost-effective investment option compared to directly investing in individual securities. This is because the fund manager pools the investments of many investors, which allows for economies of scale in trading and other costs, potentially resulting in lower overall fees and expenses for investors.

  6. Regulatory Oversight: Unit trusts in Singapore are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which provides investors with a certain level of protection. The MAS sets rules and regulations for fund managers and unit trusts to ensure that they operate in a transparent and fair manner, providing investors with greater confidence in the investment product.

  7. Choice and Flexibility: There are a wide variety of unit trusts available in Singapore, catering to different investment objectives, risk profiles, and time horizons. This provides investors with the flexibility to choose from a range of options that suit their individual investment needs and preferences.

  8. Tax Benefits: Singapore is one of the few countries with no capital gains tax for investments. To quote IRAS: “Gains from the sale of a property, shares and financial instruments in Singapore are generally not taxable.” 


It is important to note that like any investment, unit trusts also carry risks. And it is also vital for investors to carefully consider their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and seek professional advice before making any investment decisions. Additionally, it is recommended that investors also review the fund’s prospectus and understand its fees, expenses, and historical performance before investing.

Overall, unit trusts can be a valuable investment option for investors in Singapore. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalised investment advice. This is to ensure that your investment portfolio is aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. 

Investments are subject to risks, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. Past performance of a fund is not indicative of future results. The value of investments and the income from them may fluctuate and an investor may not get back the amount invested. 

One last thing to take note of:
The specific tax treatment of a unit trust may depend on the investor’s individual circumstances and tax laws of the relevant jurisdiction. Please consult with a qualified tax professional for personalised tax advice.

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