Dear Valued Customers,
Welcome to Our December Newsletter 2025
A warm welcome to our final newsletter of 2025! What an incredible year it has been! As we close out the year, regulatory changes across the region continue to shape new opportunities for investors and business owners. In this edition, we highlight key developments in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Indonesia that are set to make family office structures more accessible and efficient.
Let’s jump right in beginning with Singapore.
Family Office Tax Benefit Requirements Being Simplified in Singapore
Singapore is moving to streamline its rules around Family Office Tax Benefit Requirements, making it easier for single-family offices to qualify for tax incentives. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is reviewing and simplifying existing processes to reduce complexity and improve approval timelines, helping Singapore remain a leading hub for wealth management and long-term investment planning.
Singapore continues to strengthen its position as a global wealth hub by improving how investors access and manage their accounts. A private banking working group, jointly led by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, is refining account-opening procedures to make them faster and more efficient for investors.
Malaysia Experiencing Robust Financial Inclusion Progress in 2025
Malaysia continues to make strong strides in improving financial access and inclusion. In 2025, it stood out as one of only two countries worldwide to achieve year-on-year progress across all three pillars of the Global Financial Inclusion Index — government support, financial system support, and employer support.
This performance reflects Malaysia’s steady policy direction and growing commitment to building a more inclusive financial ecosystem that supports businesses, workers, and long-term economic resilience.
Hong Kong Retains Third Spot in Global Financial Ranking
Hong Kong has once again strengthened its standing on the global stage, ranking third worldwide in the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 38). It also remains the leading financial hub in the Asia-Pacific region, supported by its strong financial infrastructure, deep capital markets, and strategic international connectivity.
Hong Kong continues to show strong all-round performance as a global financial centre. The city now ranks first worldwide for fintech capabilities, business environment, infrastructure, and overall reputation. It also places second for human capital and third for financial sector development, highlighting its depth, resilience, and long-term competitiveness in the global financial landscape.
Indonesia Strengthens Domestic Steel Industry
Indonesia is accelrating efforts to strengthen its domestic steel industry by reducing reliance on imports and encouraging new investment. Despite producing 18 million tonnes of steel in 2024 and ranking 14th globally, more than half of local demand is still met through imports, mainly from China. As a result, many domestic producers are operating well below capacity, highlighting the need for stronger market absorption and industry support.
That’s A Wrap for December
Until next time, have a very Happy New Year! We’ll see you in 2026.
Abigail Yu
Director, 3E Accounting Group
Read More in our E-Newsletter December 2025.
