Monday Wrap: Investments, fintech fund, and top lawyers unveiled

Singapore's top 40 lawyers were named

Last week in Singapore Business Review, GFTN unveils its plan to deploy a $200m capital fund to back fintech firms, investment experts reveal where to invest in 2026, and we revealed 2025's top lawyers.

Analysts say 2026 will test investors as tariffs, AI developments, and currency shifts collide, with Chinese stocks and US small caps emerging as potential opportunities. A weakening dollar, ongoing US tariffs, and questions over AI profitability are prompting many in Singapore and Hong Kong to diversify into Asian markets, particularly China, healthcare, and AI adopters rather than builders. While US equities may offer gains, small caps provide diversification, and Europe and India show promise in emerging markets. Investors are advised to avoid corporate bonds, consider high-quality government and local-currency emerging-market debt, and approach gold cautiously.

Recently, a capital fund has been launched to help fintech firms that have outgrown early-stage funding but are not yet ready for public markets, targeting what it sees as a persistent gap in growth financing.

Singapore job postings declined 15.8% in 2025, ending December with a ninth monthly decline and extending a three-year downward trend.

New research revealed that artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to handle 41% of customer service cases in Singapore by 2027, up from an estimated 30% currently managed by AI.

Eight women and 12 men have earned a place on Singapore Business Review’s 2025 list of the country’s most influential lawyers under 40.

In 2025, the value of mergers & acquisitions declined by 9.1%, with the number of announced deals also slipping 22.1% to a decade low.

Singapore’s updated e-commerce rules give SMEs clearer guidance on fair pricing, transparent listings, and platform disputes, boosting confidence and reducing compliance risks. Analysts say the changes favour trust, quality, and long-term growth over heavy promotions, creating a more predictable online environment as technology evolves.

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