New MAS tax and visa reforms are reshaping Singapore fund manager hiring – here's what HR leaders in financial services need to know now
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has unveiled a package of tax and visa reforms to attract global asset management talent.
Announced on 19 August 2026, the measures include:
a proposed tax exemption on profit-related returns from fund management services
a new Hedge Fund Investment Programme
an updated work pass track for senior investment professionals
The announcement is a direct response to Hong Kong's May 2026 bill cutting taxes on performance bonuses and carried interest. Singapore's Alternative Investment Management Association had warned MAS that several hedge fund and private equity members were considering relocating senior staff to Hong Kong. The prospect of an exodus of high-paid managers prompted the regulatory response.
The Investment Management Track, developed jointly by MAS and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), has the most immediate impact on talent acquisition.
The Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass is a five-year work pass that allows holders to work for multiple companies without reapplying when they change jobs.
Under the new Investment Management Track, qualifying salary assessments will recognise performance-linked returns alongside fixed monthly pay.
The existing framework generally requires a fixed monthly salary of at...
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