How to Start a Fund Management Company in Singapore
Set up a licensed fund management company for accredited and institutional investors. Alder supports your licence strategy, MAS application and compliance setup.
Starting a fund management company in Singapore under the Accredited/Institutional Licensed Fund Management Company (A/I LFMC) regime requires meticulous planning. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) expects rigorous corporate governance, proven track records from key executives, and uncompromising internal controls.
We guide founders and asset managers through the entire lifecycle—from structuring your Variable Capital Company (VCC) and mapping out base capital requirements, to filing your Form 1V and securing your In-Principle Approval (IPA).
Ready to launch your A/I LFMC?
Book a discovery call to assess your eligibility and structural requirements before applying to MAS.
MAS Requirements for an A/I LFMC
Before submitting an application under the Securities and Futures Act (SFA), your firm must establish substantive local presence and satisfy strict admission criteria.
| Requirement Area | MAS Standard | How Alder Prepares You |
|---|---|---|
| Base Capital | A minimum base capital of S$250,000 must be maintained at all times. | We verify your capital structure and source of wealth documentation prior to incorporation. |
| Directors & Fit and Proper | Minimum of 2 directors. At least one must be an Executive Director resident in Singapore. | We perform thorough fit and proper assessments on all key executives and board members. |
| Relevant Professionals | At least 2 professionals with a minimum of 5 years relevant financial services experience. | We map your team's track records to MAS expectations to prevent competency queries. |
| Independent Compliance | An independent compliance function must be established (in-house or outsourced). | We construct the required compliance manuals, or step in as your outsourced compliance officer. |
Comprehensive LFMC Licensing Solutions
From drafting your initial business plan to acting as your outsourced compliance partner, we deliver end-to-end support for fund managers.
Fund Structuring & VCC Setup
We advise on the most tax-efficient and commercially viable structures for your operations, including incorporating Singapore Variable Capital Companies (VCCs) alongside your fund management entity.
MAS Application Filing
We prepare your Form 1V, business plan, financial projections, and key personnel forms. We act as your primary liaison with MAS, answering all regulatory queries swiftly to secure your In-Principle Approval.
Compliance Framework Design
MAS requires more than generic templates. We build a customized Risk Management Framework, AML/CFT manual, and conflicts of interest policy that directly reflects your specific investment mandate.
Post-Licensing Setup
Once licensed, we implement your go-live compliance calendar, establish your statutory registers, and can step in on an ongoing retainer to handle your MAS periodic returns and transaction monitoring.
Your Roadmap to MAS Approval
We eliminate guesswork, ensuring your application is complete before MAS ever sees it.
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01
Strategy & Gap Analysis
We review your proposed team, capital source, and investment strategy against the A/I LFMC criteria, identifying any gaps in your 'fit and proper' profile.
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02
Documentation & Structuring
We incorporate your entity, draft a compelling business plan, and finalize your bespoke compliance and risk management manuals.
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03
Submission & IPA
We file the application and manage all subsequent interviews and clarifications with MAS until In-Principle Approval (IPA) is officially granted.
A/I LFMC vs. VCFM
Are you launching a venture fund? The Venture Capital Fund Manager (VCFM) regime offers a streamlined, faster route to market with no minimum base capital requirement. However, VCFMs are strictly limited to investing in unlisted startups. If your strategy involves public equities, complex derivatives, or you intend to scale beyond early-stage venture capital, the robust A/I LFMC licence is the correct regulatory path.
Why Engage Alder?
- Fund-Specific Expertise: We understand the nuances between hedge funds, private equity, and real estate mandates.
- No Generic Templates: We draft compliance manuals that reflect how your investment committee actually operates.
- VCC Integration: We handle your fund structuring alongside your corporate licensing.
- Long-Term Partnership: We transition seamlessly from licensing consultants to your outsourced compliance officers.
