For global fund managers, family offices, and legal advisers, the fastest compliant route into a Singapore fund is a platform VCC: you operate one or more ring-fenced sub-funds under an existing MAS-licensed Capital Markets Services (CMS) fund manager, rather than applying for your own licence first.
We partner with MAS-licensed CMS fund managers to make this route available to qualified clients.
How the platform model works
- The licensed manager provides the regulated umbrella. It acts as the VCC’s fund manager under its CMS licence.
- You run the strategy in a dedicated, statutorily ring-fenced sub-fund — your assets and liabilities are segregated from every other sub-fund.
- Shared infrastructure — board, corporate secretary, fund administration, and audit are provided at the umbrella level, lowering cost and time to launch.
- Tax incentives — the structure can be positioned for Section 13O or 13U exemption where economic-substance conditions are met.
Who it’s for
| Profile | Why the platform VCC fits |
|---|---|
| Global asset managers | Enter Singapore with onshore substance, fast, without a licence application |
| Family offices | Run family capital in a regulated, tax-efficient vehicle |
| Legal & wealth advisers | Offer clients a compliant Singapore fund structure under one umbrella |
Use cases
- A manager mirroring or redomiciling a Cayman fund into an onshore Singapore vehicle for substance and treaty access.
- An adviser structuring a multi-client platform, each client in a ring-fenced sub-fund.
- A family office consolidating strategies under a single umbrella VCC.
Operational risks and how they are mitigated
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| Reliance on the platform manager’s licence and standing | The umbrella structure legally ring-fences sub-fund assets; due diligence on the manager’s compliance culture is essential, with clear contractual “cause” protections |
| Client AML / KYC | Independent KYC before introduction; reliance on the manager’s checks alone is insufficient for reputational protection |
| Strategy or mandate drift | Defined investment mandate and reporting at the sub-fund level |
Next step
If you are a manager, family office, or adviser exploring a Singapore VCC, tell us about your fund. We assess fit and connect qualified clients with a MAS-licensed CMS partner.
Frequently asked questions
What is a platform or 'umbrella' VCC?
A platform VCC lets a manager or adviser run one or more ring-fenced sub-funds under an existing MAS-licensed fund manager, instead of obtaining their own Capital Markets Services licence. The licensed manager provides the regulated umbrella; you run the strategy.
Who is this for?
Global asset managers entering Singapore, family offices, and legal or wealth advisers who want a compliant Singapore fund vehicle without the time and cost of a full licence application.
What are the main risks and how are they managed?
Key considerations include reliance on the platform manager's licence and standing, and client AML/KYC. The umbrella structure legally ring-fences sub-fund assets, and reputable platforms run independent due diligence and clear contractual protections. Conduct your own due diligence on any manager.