MAS seeks feedback on proposals giving retail investors access to private market assets

[SINGAPORE] Retail investors in Singapore may soon be able to channel funds into private market assets, which have largely been the domain of richer individuals and the likes of pension and endowment funds.

Rising interest in the asset class is leading the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to ask for feedback on a regulatory framework that would give retail investors access to private markets. This will be through authorised long-term investment funds (LIFs).

The central bank said in a statement on Thursday (Mar 27): “Recently, MAS has observed growing interest from retail investors in such investments, and interest from experienced industry players to offer private market investment fund products to retail investors.”

MAS has issued a consultation paper proposing an LIF framework for private market investment funds; this is adapted from existing requirements to suit the asset’s characteristics and the needs of retail investors when investing in these funds.

It has identified two potential structures: The first is a direct fund, which makes direct private market investments. This gives greater visibility of the underlying assets.