MAS, SGX seek feedback on bond framework

THE Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Singapore Exchange (SGX) are seeking feedback on proposed changes that would give retail investors better access to bonds.

This comes amid rising retail interest in fixed income products such as plain vanilla corporate bonds. However, corporate issuers have typically turned to institutional and accredited investors, with only a small proportion of such bond issuances being allotted to retail investors.

Under the proposed bond "seasoning" framework as it is known, retail investors would be able to buy bonds that were initially offered to institutional and accredited investors once these bonds have been listed for six months.