Accredited Investor Status in Singapore: Benefits, Criteria, and Process

Navigating investment opportunities in Singapore often leads to one important term: accredited investor. For individuals looking to access premium investment deals, particularly in real estate or private equity, gaining accredited investor status opens the door to a wider and often more lucrative range of options.

In this article, we’ll break down what it means to be an accredited investor in Singapore, the benefits it brings, and how the qualification process works.

What Is an Accredited Investor?

An accredited investor is an individual or entity that meets specific financial criteria set by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). These criteria ensure that the investor has sufficient financial knowledge or resources to participate in higher-risk investments that are not typically offered to retail investors.

Who Qualifies as an Accredited Investor?

Under Singapore’s Securities and Futures Act (SFA), an individual qualifies as an accredited investor if they meet any of the following:

1. Net personal assets exceeding S$2 million, with no more than S$1 million of that value from their primary residence.

2. Income in the preceding 12 months of at least S$300,000.

3. Net financial assets (excluding property) exceeding S$1 million.

Investors can also qualify through a joint account with a spouse if combined income or asset thresholds are met.

Financial institutions and corporations may qualify under different criteria, including asset size and revenue benchmarks.

Benefits of Being an Accredited Investor

1. Access to Exclusive Investment Opportunities

Many alternative investments—such as private real estate deals, hedge funds, and venture capital funds—are only open to accredited investors. Platforms like RealVantage offer select deals that undergo institutional-grade due diligence, often unavailable to general investors.

2. More Flexible Investment Terms

With accredited status, investors may face fewer regulatory restrictions, giving them access to investments with different structures, timelines, or risk profiles.

3. Diversification and Potential for Higher Returns

Being able to participate in early-stage or private market opportunities allows for greater diversification beyond public equities and traditional assets, often with the potential for enhanced returns.

How to Apply for Accredited Investor Status

If you're using an investment platform like RealVantage, the process is simple and guided:

1. Declaration – You’ll be asked to confirm that you meet one or more qualifying criteria.

2. Supporting Documents – Upload documents such as tax returns, bank statements, or asset valuations for verification.

3. Consent and Opt-In – MAS requires you to opt in as an accredited investor. You can also choose to opt out at any time.

The entire process is confidential and handled securely. Once approved, your status may be valid across various financial platforms, unless a renewal or update is required.

Final Thoughts

Accredited investor status in Singapore offers significant advantages for those looking to expand their investment horizons. Whether you're aiming to diversify your portfolio with global real estate or gain early access to institutional-grade deals, becoming an accredited investor is a key step.

If you meet the criteria, platforms like RealVantage provide the tools, transparency, and expert analysis to help you invest with confidence.