Could Sias' SPACs research initiative lead to a repositioning of the investor advocacy group?

LAST week, just as the Singapore Exchange (SGX) unveiled its much-awaited framework for special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), the Securities Investors Association (Singapore) (Sias) signalled that it plans to carve a role for itself in this exciting new market segment.

Specifically, Sias announced it will independently appoint a research firm to evaluate every de-SPAC - that is, the merger of a SPAC with the target company. "The research will provide guidance to help investors make an informed decision on how to vote," Sias said.

Could this be the beginning of a broader shift in the role Sias hopes to play in the market?