Elite UK REIT added to CPFIS, expanding retail access

Retail investors can now deploy CPF savings into REIT under new eligibility rules.

Elite UK REIT has been included under the Central Provident Fund Investment Scheme (CPFIS) – Ordinary Account, allowing investors to use CPF savings to invest in the REIT, according to its manager with the inclusion taking effect from 9 June.

With CPFIS eligibility, investors can deploy CPF Ordinary Account funds to purchase units of the REIT via the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST).

Sale proceeds from CPF-funded units will be credited back into investors’ CPF Ordinary Accounts, in line with CPFIS rules, the manager said.

Units remain subject to CPF Investment Scheme regulations and market risks, including potential loss of principal. The REIT is not guaranteed by the manager or its affiliates.

The REIT also started trading under a dual-currency structure on SGX-ST on 16 March, with both Singapore dollar and pound sterling counters available.

The manager said units are currently quoted and traded in GBP, whilst SGD trades are settled in Singapore dollars and GBP trades in sterling. It added that units across both counters are identical.

The structure allows trading in either currency, aimed at improving flexibility and potentially reducing transaction costs for SGD-based investors.

The manager added that the change does not affect the total number of units issued. Unitholders continue to have the option of receiving distributions in SGD or GBP, with those opting for GBP required to submit a Distribution Election Notice to the Central Depository (CDP).