Trailer fees are paid by Fund managers to distributors (i.e. your broker/financial advisor). This commission is paid continuously as long as an investor holds the Funds and usually ranges between 0.5% - 1% per annum, or greater than 50% of the fund-level fees. This potentially leads to misalignment of incentives between an investor and distributor, and higher fund-level fees.
Thus, Endowus clients get 100% of these trailer fees back as Cashback, as we want to stay independent and completely focused on building the best portfolios for you rather than selling you products that pay us the highest fees.
Where does this cashback go to?
Generally, we distribute the Cashback on a quarterly basis. For example, you can expect to receive the Q1 Cashback in Q2.
If there are trailer fees paid by the fund managers to Endowus, we will rebate 100% of the trailer fees to you as and when we receive it.
For cash investments, we will transfer the trailer fee directly to your UOB Kay Hian trust account.
For CPF or SRS investments, we will transfer the cashback directly to your CPF Investment Account or SRS account with your Agent Bank.