MAS sets up review group to revitalise S'pore stock market

Aims include helping SGX-listed firms build capabilities and expand internationally

- Timothy Goh

A new review group with representatives from both the private and public sectors will propose measures to revitalise Singapore's struggling stock market.

Announced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) on Aug 2, the panel will be chaired by Second Minister for Finance and MAS board member Chee Hong Tat.

Other members are MAS managing director Chia Der Jiun, Temasek chief executive Dilhan Pillay, Singapore Institute of Management chairman Euleen Goh, Singapore Exchange (SGX) chairman Koh Boon Hwee, Singapore Business Federation chairman Lim Ming Yan, and Mr Neil Parekh, who is a partner at investment firm Tikehau Capital.

Senior representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Enterprise Singapore and the Economic Development Board will also be on board.

The group will assess the current state of the local equities market, and examine measures to address identified challenges.

It will propose strategies to support and encourage SGX-listed companies to build capabilities and expand internationally.

It will also review the key elements of Singapore's regulatory approach to foster an enabling ecosystem, including the listing regime.

Recommendations will be made to attract primary and secondary listings to the Republic. The group will suggest targeted measures to facilitate product offerings and improve liquidity in Singapore's equity market, broadening the pool of potential initial public offerings.

It will also propose outreach and communication strategies to enhance the attractiveness of the local equities market, promoting it to issuers and investors.