Money and Me

A fierce debate has erupted over investment-linked insurance plans. Are ILPs misunderstood tools for long-term wealth, or overly complex, high-cost products investors should avoid? Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend, returns to address his criticisms of his arguments following his Business Times column, which challenged the value of ILPs. He breaks down industry rebuttals on compounding bonuses, adviser fees, and fund access, and explains why his firm continues to steer clear of them. Hear both sides of the ILP story, from consumer confusion to claims of strategic tax and estate planning benefits - and decide where you stand. Hosted by Michelle Martin.

A race against time - and one that could save you real money. As the year ends, many Singaporeans hurry to make their S$15,300 SRS contribution to cut their tax bill - but how does the scheme work  We unpack withdrawal rules, explain whether you’ll eventually pay tax, and why 1 in 5 SRS dollars sits idle earning just 0.05% interest Should you invest your SRS instead, and how do rising statutory retirement ages affect when you can access your money? We break down the crucial 1 July 2026 deadline to lock in the penalty-free withdrawal age of 63. Hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Elijah Lee, Senior Financial Services Manager, Phillip Securities.

Has Singapore quietly become one of the world’s hottest IPO destinations? The city-state has rocketed into the global top 10, overtaking London as real-estate listings power its rise. Globally, IPOs are rebounding as 2025 sees stronger deal flow and an 89% surge in proceeds amid calmer markets. EY’s Chan Yew Kiang walks us through what’s driving the US, Greater China, and Southeast Asia - and why Hong Kong’s comeback matters. We explore sector trends, cross-border listings, and whether more issuers are choosing New York over home turf. Investors get a forward look at catalysts heading into 2026 - hosted by Michelle Martin.

What does one of the busiest malls in China have no shoppers, yet billions in sales? China’s growth may be slowing, but its transformation is accelerating. Join Michelle Martin as she chats with Willie Keng, Founder of Dividend Titan, who toured Shanghai and Hangzhou with institutional investors. Discover how live-streaming has become China’s most powerful consumption engine, why local brands like Proya are winning hearts, and how asset-light models are reshaping industries. This podcast includes a specially recorded "Easter Egg" where Willie shares his views on the rise of robotics in China from  AI-driven hotels to its place in building technology.  Investors, you don't want to miss this view of China’s new playbook.

The private-credit boom promises high returns and flexibility - but is the shine justified? Private credit is booming - but beneath its reputation for stability and diversification lies a more complicated story. In this episode, hosted by Michelle Martin, Morningstar’s Senior Analyst Arvind Subramanian breaks down what private credit really is, why borrowers and investors are piling in, and the key marketing claims investors should interrogate. He explains how low volatility may reflect opacity rather than safety, why diversification benefits are overstated, and how floating rates can both protect and punish portfolios. We also unpack the hidden risks around leverage, liquidity, and covenant protection. Ultimately, private credit can play a role, but investors need to scrutinize fees, transparency, and risk.

Singapore’s inheritance expectations are rising - and so are the stakes.  Over half of Singaporeans say they expect to receive or have already received an inheritance, with one in five anticipating a million-dollar windfall. Michelle Martin unpacks Etiqa Insurance’s new Wealth Transfer Insights Report with Jess Tan, Chief Distribution Officer, Etiqa Insurance Singapore. They explore how Singaporeans are rethinking legacy, why financial literacy is key to managing sudden wealth, and what families can do to avoid conflict and ensure smooth intergenerational planning. Hosted by Michelle Martin.  

As interest rates tumble to three-year lows, Singapore’s homeowners are racing to refinance their HDB loans. Could now be the smartest time to switch from HDB’s 2.6% rate to a bank loan? Or are there hidden risks that could derail your savings goals? From lock-in penalties to cash rebates and the one-way nature of HDB refinancing, learn what every borrower needs to check before signing. Then, turn your attention to retirement - how much insurance coverage do you really need to protect your future without overpaying? Hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Daniel Sim, Founder of Golden Goose Properties.  

Earnings are soaring, rates are falling, and investors can’t decide whether to celebrate or brace for impact. Join Michelle Martin and trading expert Simon Ree, Founder of Tao of Trading, as they unpack a blockbuster week for markets - from Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta’s AI-driven profits to the Fed’s latest rate cut and the U.S. - China trade truce. Can trillion-dollar tech giants hold their lead as AI spending skyrockets? And how long can markets keep levitating on optimism alone? Plus, a sneak peek into Simon’s upcoming Tao of Trading Mastermind Live in Singapore. Hosted by Michelle Martin.

Gold surges past US$4,000. Tech valuations swing. Emerging markets rise as supply chains shift east. Are KGI’s “ACE” pillars - Alternatives, Credit, and Elite Stocks - still winning in 2025? Bryan Low, Head of International Wealth for Singapore at KGI, joins Michelle Martin to unpack  opportunities driven by the AI boom, shifting geopolitical risks, emerging markets and the resilience of REITs in income portfolios. 

Can Asia’s economic resilience and the AI revolution shield its markets from U.S. political turbulence? Morningstar’s Kai Wang joins Michelle Martin to break down where the real long-term value lies in Asia’s equity landscape. From semiconductors powering the AI wave to Macao’s gaming revival and China’s restaurant rebound, discover how investors can look past the noise. Hear insights on sectors set to thrive amid trade fragmentation, consumer shifts, and policy change. A data-driven roadmap to the next phase of Asia’s growth, hosted by Michelle Martin.