Quick answer: If you are looking to start or grow your ETF portfolio in Singapore, State Street Global Advisors gives you the classic SPDR STI ETF for broad local equity exposure, while Nikko Asset Management and Phillip Capital Management are strong for income-focused REIT and dividend plays. Lion Global Investors mixes local REITs with tech, UOB Asset Management leans green, CSOP opens a door to China bonds, and BlackRock’s iShares range covers Asia high-yield credit.
It’s 2 a.m., the city’s quiet, and you’re scrolling for an ETF that does more than track the same old index. These picks stretch into China bonds, AI-managed Japan funds, and green REITs — steady income streams that feel a bit like finding a solid late-night makan spot. Something different, finally.
If none of these quite fit, Best Investing & Insurance in Singapore has 26 lists covering the rest of the category.
Where to find the right ETF for you
A quiet Monday evening spent scrolling investment apps can feel sian if you do not know which fund to pick. These seven ETF providers all have products listed on the Singapore Exchange and a local office in the CBD — that means you can walk into a seminar or just buy through your usual brokerage without jumping through hoops. No need to feel kiasu; start with what you actually want your money to do.
State Street Global Advisors
State Street Global Advisors sits in Capital Tower on Robinson Road and is the name behind the SPDR range you have probably seen on the SGX. Their SPDR STI ETF simply tracks Singapore’s top 30 companies — it recorded a 1-year return of 28.23% — and the SPDR Gold Shares ETF gives you gold price exposure with 45.35% over the same period. Both are known for low expense ratios and enough daily volume that you are unlikely to get stuck when you want to sell.
What makes them worth a look is the no-drama stability. You are not betting on a manager’s gut feel; you are just owning a slice of the Straits Times Index or gold bullion. It feels steady, the kind of holding you forget about and come back to a few years later with a quiet smile.
Gold glints on-screen when most of Singapore is asleep. This is the provider you turn to when you want something straightforward that never tries too hard — just a reliable way to hold bullion and the STI’s top names. For the 3 a.m. realist, it’s a quiet, unhurried choice.
Address: 168 Robinson Road, #33-01, Capital Tower, Singapore 068912
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Cost signal: Expense ratios are on the lower side for Singapore-listed ETFs.
Website: ssga.com/sg
Suits you if: you want a straightforward core for your portfolio — something that just mirrors the market and does not try to be clever. Also handy if gold is your hedge against a jittery year.
Nikko Asset Management
Nikko Asset Management operates out of Asia Square Tower 2, bringing a mix of Japanese precision and Asian market knowledge to their ETF lineup. The Nikko AM Singapore STI ETF gives you another local index tracker (27.77% 1-year returns), while the ABF Singapore Bond Index Fund is a quiet workhorse for fixed income. Their NikkoAM-StraitsTrading Asia ex Japan REIT ETF zeroes in on high-growth real estate across the region.
If you have been thinking about adding some yield without chasing crazy volatility, the ABF bond fund is the sort of thing that anchors your portfolio. The REIT fund also pays attention to sustainability, which matters more now as big tenants demand greener buildings.
Your mind drifts to Asian skylines while the world outside is still. Nikko’s REIT ETF links you to high-growth property plays across the region — think malls in Tokyo, towers in Mumbai — without needing a passport. It’s the kind of idea that surfaces only after midnight.
Address: 12 Marina View #18-02, Asia Square Tower 2, Singapore 018961
Phone: +65 6500 5793
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website: nikkoam.com.sg
Suits you if: you want a balance of Singapore equities, Asian REITs and a bond sleeve — all SGD-denominated, so you skip currency conversion headaches. The sustainability tilt is a bonus if that aligns with your values.
This round-up is editorial. Suggestions are welcome — tell us what you offer and where.
Lion Global Investors
Lion Global Investors is right in the heart of the financial district at OCBC Centre, and they are known for ETFs that actively seek out dividends. The Lion Phillip S-REIT ETF is built for Singapore REIT exposure with a yield focus, while the Lion-OCBC Securities Hang Seng Tech ETF posted a 10.4% half-year return. There is also the Lion-Nomura Japan Active ETF, which uses AI to pick stocks — something a bit different from plain passive tracking.
Many Singapore investors chase dividends, and this is where Lion feels like a natural fit. You get the local REIT coverage that has historically rewarded patient shareholders, plus a tech leg for growth without having to pick individual Chinese tech names yourself.
Tucked in OCBC Centre, this is a provider that suits the 2 a.m. portfolio tweaker who wants more than the usual index play. The AI-driven Lion-Nomura Japan Active ETF feels like a genuine discovery — a machine sifting Tokyo markets while the city sleeps. For those who also like a steady yield, the S-REIT and Hang Seng Tech ETFs sit ready, quietly diversifying the late-night screen.
Address: 65 Chulia Street #18-01, OCBC Centre, Singapore 049513
Phone: +65 6417 6800
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website: lionglobalinvestors.com
Suits you if: you like the idea of collecting regular distributions and are okay with some tech exposure on the side. The AI-managed Japan fund is interesting for those who want to try something beyond the usual indices.
Much like picking the right Pinnacle of Running Shoes in Singapore can make your evening jog feel effortless, the right fund setup can take the friction out of building wealth.
CSOP Asset Management
CSOP Asset Management is the go-to if your portfolio needs a clear path into China. From Asia Square Tower 1, they offer the CSOP iEdge S-REIT Leaders ETF with a 5.98% yield, tracking the strongest Singapore REITs, and funds that give you access to Chinese government bonds. The bond ETF side is where they really differentiate — it is a steady income stream from a market that many global investors find hard to reach directly.
The S-REIT Leaders ETF is a solid local holding, but the China bond access is the real draw. For anyone worried about having too much Singapore exposure, this adds a counterbalance that does not swing wildly with equity markets.
China’s bond market can feel like a walled garden, especially at this hour. CSOP opens the gate. Their government bond ETF is a straight path to steady income from a space most global investors only glimpse. A real find for the late-night explorer who doesn’t want to settle.
Address: 8 Marina View #36-05, Asia Square Tower 1, Singapore 018960
Phone: +65 6279 2899
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website: csopasset.com/sg
Suits you if: you want to diversify beyond Singapore and Asia ex-Japan, and you are comfortable with bond instruments. The local REIT portion keeps a foot in familiar territory.
UOB Asset Management
UOB Asset Management runs its operations from UOB Plaza 2 and has leaned firmly into ESG-themed ETFs. Their standout is the UOB Asia Pacific Green REIT ETF, which returned 9.3% over a half-year period while screening for environmentally sustainable real estate across the region. The fund puts your money into buildings that meet green certification standards, so your dividends are tied to assets that large corporate tenants increasingly demand.
The bank backing means you often see these ETFs bundled into regular savings plans or accessible through UOB’s own wealth platforms. It is a natural choice if you already bank with them and want to keep everything under one roof.
Air-conditioning hums in your room while your money works inside buildings that met green standards. This green REIT ETF is for when you want your dividends tied to real assets that are doing something good — a quiet, responsible choice that doesn’t announce itself loudly.
Address: 80 Raffles Place, #03-00, UOB Plaza 2, Singapore 048624
Phone: +65 6532 7988
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website: uobam.com.sg
Suits you if: green credentials matter to you and you want APAC property exposure without having to pick individual REITs. Also convenient if you are already a UOB customer.
Speaking of well-engineered choices, our look at Premium Tyre Brands in Singapore applies a similar logic: the right foundation makes the whole journey smoother. ETFs are no different.
Phillip Capital Management
Phillip Capital Management, based at Raffles City Tower, is all about income. The Phillip SING Income ETF delivered an 11.9% half-year return by screening for stocks with healthy financials and consistent dividends. Their Phillip SGX APAC Dividend Leaders REIT ETF goes further, targeting high-yielding real estate trusts across the region. The methodology filters out companies that look shaky on the balance sheet, so you are not just buying the highest yield blindly.
This is the brand for people who treat dividends as a non-negotiable part of their returns. The quality screen adds a layer of comfort — you know someone has already checked that the dividend is not a mirage.
The hours between midnight and dawn are prime time for screening stocks that pay you consistently. This fund filters for healthy balance sheets and reliable dividends, like a coffeeshop that’s always open when hunger strikes. Income that doesn’t peng halfway.
Address: 250 North Bridge Road #06-00, Raffles City Tower, Singapore 179101
Phone: +65 6230 8133
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website: phillipfunds.com
Suits you if: you want an income stream you can almost plan your annual expenses around. The local and APAC REIT focus keeps it relevant to what you can see around you — the malls, offices, and logistics hubs.
This round-up is editorial. Suggestions are welcome — tell us what you offer and where.
BlackRock
BlackRock needs little introduction and runs its Singapore office out of Twenty Anson. The iShares franchise here includes the iShares USD Asia High Yield Bond Index ETF with a 7.4% yield and the iShares JPMorgan USD Asia Credit Bond ETF for broader credit exposure. These are Asia-focused bond funds with the deep liquidity that comes from being part of the world’s largest ETF provider.
What you are buying is access to a diversified basket of Asian bonds in USD, which means the credit quality varies but the yield compensates. The daily trading volume is high enough that you are never stuck waiting for a buyer — a real consideration when markets get choppy.
You’re up late watching a different time zone stir. BlackRock’s iShares let you tap into Asia’s credit markets with the kind of liquidity that means your exit is always clear. When you want a heavyweight that doesn’t sweat, this is the name that comes to mind.
Address: 20 Anson Road #18-01, Twenty Anson, Singapore 079912
Phone: +65 6411 3000
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website: blackrock.com/sg
Suits you if: you want to tap into Asian credit markets through a name that institutions have trusted for decades. The USD denomination adds a layer of currency diversification, though that cuts both ways — you will want to keep an eye on the exchange rate.
If you enjoy geeking out over quality gear, our guide to Beer Brands in Singapore for Discerning Connoisseur and Watch Brands in Singapore both celebrate the satisfaction of choosing something made to last — the same mindset that makes a well-constructed ETF portfolio quietly rewarding.
How to choose an ETF brand
Start with what you want the money to do. Are you building a retirement pot that needs to outpace inflation? A Singapore equity ETF from State Street or Nikko might be your base. Do you want cash hitting your account every quarter? Then Phillip, Lion or CSOP’s REIT-focused funds deserve a serious look. If you already have a lot of Singapore exposure and want to spread your risk, BlackRock’s Asia bond ETFs or CSOP’s China government bond fund can tilt the balance.
Expense ratios matter more than you think. A difference of 0.2% a year compounds over decades, so check each fund’s factsheet. Liquidity is another practical point — you want to be able to exit without widening the bid-ask spread too much. Most of the ETFs listed here trade comfortably on the SGX, but volumes can vary by fund.
All these providers have local offices, which can be useful if you prefer attending investor seminars or speaking to a human during a market scare. And you do not need a private banker to start — a regular CDP account and a brokerage app will get you in the door.
| Brand | Flagship ETF Example | Asset Focus | Dividend Angle | Expense Ratio Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Street Global Advisors | SPDR STI ETF | Singapore equities, gold | Moderate (STI dividends) | Low |
| Nikko Asset Management | Nikko AM Singapore STI ETF / ABF Bond | SG equities, bonds, Asia REITs | Bond income and REIT yields | Check with brand |
| Lion Global Investors | Lion Phillip S-REIT ETF | SG REITs, tech, Japan | High, actively managed for dividends | Check with brand |
| CSOP Asset Management | CSOP iEdge S-REIT Leaders ETF | Singapore REITs, Chinese government bonds | 5.98% yield on REIT fund | Check with brand |
| UOB Asset Management | UOB Asia Pacific Green REIT ETF | APAC green REITs | Yield from sustainable real estate | Check with brand |
| Phillip Capital Management | Phillip SING Income ETF | High-dividend SG stocks, APAC REITs | Income-oriented with quality screen | Check with brand |
| BlackRock | iShares USD Asia High Yield Bond ETF | Asia high-yield and credit bonds | 7.4% yield on high-yield fund | Check with brand |
Summary
ETF investing in Singapore has grown beyond just tracking the STI. Whether you want a simple local index fund, a steady stream of REIT dividends, green property exposure, or a slice of Asian bonds, one of these seven brands has a product that fits. All are accessible through your usual brokerage, and many come with SGD denominations so you can skip the currency maths. Pick the one that matches your goal, check the expense ratio, and then leave it quietly to compound — that is the whole game.
Disclaimer: All information here has been gathered from publicly available sources and is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Details like returns and yields are historical and not a promise of future performance. Always confirm the latest factsheet and your own suitability with the brand or a licensed adviser before investing.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is an ETF?
An ETF, or Exchange-Traded Fund, is a basket of assets — stocks, bonds, REITs or commodities — that you can buy and sell on the SGX just like a regular share. It gives you instant diversification without having to pick individual names.
How do I start buying ETFs in Singapore?
You can open a Central Depository (CDP) account and a brokerage account with any major broker. Once set up, you search for the ETF’s ticker on the SGX and place an order like you would for a stock. Many providers also work with regular savings plans through banks.
Which ETF is best for dividends?
Several brands focus on income. The Phillip SING Income ETF and Lion Phillip S-REIT ETF are built specifically for dividend seekers, screening for stocks with consistent payouts. CSOP’s S-REIT Leaders ETF also targets high yields within Singapore real estate.
Are ETFs safe for retirement planning?
ETFs are not guaranteed products, but broad-market index ETFs can form a sensible core for long-term retirement savings. Bond ETFs from Nikko or BlackRock may add stability, while equity ETFs offer growth. The mix depends on your age, risk tolerance and time horizon.
How much do ETF expense ratios cost?
The expense ratio is an annual fee deducted from the fund’s assets. In Singapore, they often range from about 0.3% to over 1.0%, depending on the strategy. Even a small difference can add up over 20 years, so compare factsheets before you commit.
Do I need a lot of money to start?
Not necessarily. Many SGX-listed ETFs have a board lot size of 100 units, and some trade at under S$2 per unit, making the entry point a few hundred dollars. Regular savings plans can lower that further by accepting monthly contributions.
