Clifford Chance

Monetary Authority of Singapore appoints Kai-Niklas Schneider to co-lead new funds development group

Clifford Chance Singapore Managing Partner Kai-Niklas Schneider has been appointed to co-lead the newly formed Singapore Funds Industry Group (SFIG), a partnership between Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the funds industry to position Singapore as a global funds hub.

Together with co-chair Gillian Tan, MAS Assistant Managing Director (Development & International), Kai will bring together senior leaders from across various sub-sectors of the funds industry to contribute their experience and perspectives to identify emerging industry trends, recommend industry standards and lead developmental initiatives.

Commenting on his appointment to the SFIG, Kai said, "As Singapore continues to solidify its position as the premier funds centre in Asia, the SFIG will play a critical role in coordinating efforts of the MAS and private sector stakeholders to continue to drive sustainable development and growth of the Singapore funds industry. I am honoured to be appointed as a co-chair of the SFIG Exco and look forward to working with Gillian and the team on this important initiative."

Kai adds, "Singapore has emerged as the leading asset management hub for global and regional managers making investments into Asia and beyond, with 76 percent of assets under management sourced from investors outside of Singapore and two-thirds invested into Asia. With a business-friendly environment, robust regulatory framework, extensive double taxation treaty network and an ecosystem of experienced service providers, Singapore is uniquely positioned to benefit from the current trend for funds to be domiciled alongside their managers in onshore jurisdictions with substance."

Global Managing Partner Matthew Layton commented, "Kai's expertise in this space will no doubt benefit the SFIG as it looks to strengthen Singapore's proposition as an international funds hub. This wonderful news reflects Kai's capabilities and our long track record of advising the global financial investor community on their most critical and complex matters. This recognition from MAS follows Kai's appointment to our firm's Executive Leadership Group where he will lead our global focus on financial investors, such as private equity firms and asset managers, to ensure we remain a trusted advisor to the world's preeminent investors now, and in the future."

Clifford Chance's financial investors clients include the world's leading private equity firms, asset managers, alternative capital providers, insurers, real estate and infrastructure funds, pension and sovereign wealth funds, and family offices. The firm supports organisations on the full range of their business needs from fund structuring and formation, to financing and deal execution, restructuring and disputes, as well as regulatory, ESG, antitrust, tax, tech and employment matters.

Further information on the SFIG is available on the MAS website.