What is the difference between onboarding as an Accredited Investor and a Retail Investor?

During onboarding, if you qualify the conditions set out below, you may choose to be deemed as a Retail Investor or Accredited Investor. The advised portfolios are currently the same for Retail or Accredited Investors, but this may change going forward as there is a broader range of financial products available for Accredited Investors. The Endowus Fee is the same for Retail and Accredited Investors. However please note that Accredited investors are assumed to be better informed, and better able to access resources to protect their own interests, and therefore require less regulatory protection. Investors who agree to be treated as Accredited investors therefore forgo the benefit of certain regulatory safeguards.

How do I qualify as an Accredited Investor?
Accredited Investors are defined in Section 4A(1) of the Securities and Futures Act (Cap. 289) as individuals whose:

  • Financial assets*, net of any related liabilities, exceed $1 million (or its equivalent in a foreign currency); or

  • Income in the preceding 12 months is not less than $300,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency); or

  • Net personal assets exceed $2 million (or its equivalent in a foreign currency), of which the value of the individual’s primary residence (net of any secured loan) can only contribute up to $1 million.

*Financial assets (net of any related liabilities) means

  • a deposit as defined in section 4B of the Banking Act (Cap. 19);  
  • an investment product as defined in section 2(1) of the Financial Advisers Act (Cap. 110); or  
  • any other asset prescribed as a “financial asset” for purposes of establishing Accredited Investor status by MAS.

How do I apply to become an Accredited Investor?

You may complete the Accredited Investor opt-in form accompanied with the relevant supporting documents. Once processed and verified, your investor status would be changed to reflect your AI status. 

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