Singapore to Raise Standards for Issue Managers

The Association of Banks in Singapore has announced revised due diligence guidelines for companies planning to list on the Singapore Exchange, with immediate effect.

Last revised in 2016, the new set of guidelines set out expectations and recommendations on due diligence work that issue managers and full sponsors carry out during the initial public offer (IPO) / reverse takeover (RTO) and listing process.

They were developed in close collaboration with the Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo).

Key updates include: An increased focus on the assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the issuer’s internal controls to meet its business needs and challenges as a listed company; the assessment of the sustainability and viability of the issuer’s business; and targeted guidelines for due diligence on issuers operating in specialized, restricted or niche industries, and/or in higher-risk jurisdictions.

Ong-Ang Ai Boon, director at the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS), said the revised guidelines are necessary to ensure they are relevant to the constantly changing economic climate.

With the increase in issuers from more nascent sectors such as technology that are seeking equity capital, it becomes especially important for issue managers, full sponsors and their professionals to adapt due diligence practices that address the particular needs of