Saving and investing your money is one of the best ways to ensure that you are prepared for future emergencies. If you do not know where to start investing, Robo advisors come in handy for you. Robo advisors will help you plan your finances, invest your money, and set your future goals.
Using Robo advisors is one of the easiest ways for a newbie to start investing. They are designed to be easily approachable, stressful free and cost-effective.
Here is a guide about all you need to know about Robo advisors if you wonder if it is the best way to start investing. We hope to help you choose the best one for your needs.
What Is a Robo-Advisor?
Robo advisors are digital investment apps that are designed to provide automatic financial services and guidance. These apps have some variations, but you need to sign up on the online platform and input your risk appetite and investment goals.
The app will recommend a portfolio depending on your fed data and ease the investment process using their unique algorithms.
If you are happy with the app’s suggestions, you can invest directly using the apps. You also get to monitor your portfolio through the Robo advisor, and you can rebalance your cash management portfolio when you feel the need to.
It is important to note that the is no direct human involvement with Robo advisors. As the name suggests, the app uses different algorithms using the company’s knowledge of markets and financial models. Robo advisors are not humans; hence, they cannot capture every nuance to give excellent investment advice.
They are, however, great for international investments because they will help you automate low-risk investments easily. They will help you quickly invest in ETFs. ETFs are funds that invest in different assets, including bonds, stocks, gold, and more. Most stocks that the best Robo advisors in Singapore deal with are US-based or worldwide.
Robo advisors are the most straightforward investment instruments meant to help you invest passively and for the long term. They are not great for short-term buying and selling.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Robo Advisors?
Just like any other thing in the world, Robo advisors have the good and the bad. Here are some of the pros and cons.
The Pros
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They Have a Low Barrier to Entry
You need not worry if you do not have a lot of money to save. Many Robo investors require small amounts of money to start investing with them. This means that you do not need to worry about losing a lot of your money while investing.
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They are Easy and Convenient
One of the biggest reasons why people prefer using Robo advisors is how easy and convenient they are. You will not need to research where you can invest your money; the Robo advisors are for.
You just need to sign up on the app and wait for the algorithm to do the rest for you.
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Robo Advisors are Cost-Effective
They charge a percentage of the amount of money you have invested. This means that your costs are very forgiving the more you invest your money.
The costs are pretty low even when you frequently invest a lot of money. They also do not charge fees on depositing and withdrawing, and this means that you do not lose money unnecessarily through the apps.
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They are Customizable According to Your Needs
Other Robo advisors offer customized advice on where to invest based on the data you put in when you sign up. The algorithms consider your risk appetite, financial goals, income/cashouts, and others to offer advice geared towards your needs.
It is also important to remember the advice the financial advisor gives is only based on their algorithm.
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They Help You Maintain a Globally Diversified Portfolio
One of the best ways to minimize your risks while investing is by maintaining a diversified portfolio. This means you will not go broke in case one of your assets crashes.
Robo advisors operate much as funds, only that the advice you get is from an algorithm rather than human analysts.
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It Requires Low Commitment
With Robo advisors, you can choose to liquidate your assets at any time with no penalties. Unlike other saving products and investment funds, you have to wait for a specific time to liquidate your assets.
You can also easily switch from one Robo advisor to another with no penalties.
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Robo Advisors are Regulated By the Monetary Authority of Singapore
They are regulated under the Securities and Futures Act, which protects the users against fraud.
The Cons
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It’s Hard to Deviate from the Algorithm Parameters
Investment choices are only customizable only to a certain point. This is because it is impossible to turn from its algorithm.
If you are the type of person who wants to have control over your every investment decision, then Robo advisors might not be the best for you.
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They Might Be More Expensive than Investing Your Portfolio
Robo advisors charge fees based on the amount of investment you make. Meaning, the more you invest, the more fees you will pay.
On the other hand, DIY investors are charged per transaction, which might be cheaper if you are a buy-and-hold investor.
How Do Robo-Advisors Work?
Robo-advisors work using algorithms designed to predict and understand investor preferences, goals, and risk profiles. They achieve this by asking psychographic and demographic questions leading to a model portfolio.
The most basic questions on the questionnaires include income, gender, willingness to take risks, liabilities, and current asset location.
Simple Robo-advisors will use the information to create an investor profile, while comprehensive Robo-advisors will look for more in-depth information using AI and data. Some of the financial transactions used include bank and credit transactions to help understand the financial behavior of the investor in depth. They provide investors with investment solutions based on mathematical rules and algorithms.
Comprehensive Robo-advisors can reveal some of the financial behaviors you are likely unaware of, such as spending much higher than your estimate, patterns of cautious decision making, and some overlooked liabilities.
Which Robo-Advisors Should You Choose in Singapore?
Here are the top 10 Robo-advisors in Singapore you can choose from.
| Robo-advisor | Annual Fee | Minimum Deposit |
| Endowus | 0.05% -0.60% 0.4% on CPF Funds or SRS(supplementary Retirement Scheme) | S$1,000 |
| Connect | 0.75% | US$1,500 |
| DBS Portfolio | 0.75% | S$1,000 or US $1,000 |
| Auto Wealth | 0.5% + US $18 | S$3,000 |
| Kristal.AI | 0% | $100 |
| Money Owl | 0.5-0.6 % | S$100 |
| OCBC RoboInvest | 0.88% | US $100 |
| Phillip SMART Portfolio | 0.5% | S$5,000 |
Verdict
Which are the Best for Beginners:
- SquirrelSave
- StashAway
- Endowus
Which are the Best for Advanced:
- Endowus
- OCBC RoboInvest
1. Endowus – Best for Investing CPF and SRS funds
Endowus offers investors in Singapore the advantage of investing in CPF Ordinary Account (OA) funds at a very affordable annual fee of 0.4% p.a. It also has a similar rate for the SRS funds and cash savings.
Endowus charges 0.05% -0.60% on other investments. Its cash management account is a great place to hide your idle cash.
It also lets you invest in passive asset allocation through different funds that are actively managed and has access to active-passive funds from Dimensional Fund advisors.
It is important to note that Endowus receives payment only from investors and no trailer fees from professional fund managers.
Endowus features the Endowus Fund Smart that allows you to create your portfolio by selecting eight funds. You can choose between a mixture of asset classes, including fixed income, equity, and multi-asset funds.
It features low fees than other Robo advisers because it considers hidden FX charges and withholding dividend tax.
Pros
- Low Robo advisor fees
- You can curate your portfolio
- Full transparency in all the funds it invests in
- No currency conversion fees
- Has the highest-yield targets for cash management accounts in the market
Cons
- Has a high minimum investment amount
Annual Management Fee
- Endowus charges 0.05% -0.60% on cash investments and 0.40% when investing in CPF.
Minimum Initial Investment Amount
- S$1,000
Investment Portfolio
- Equity, Multi-asset strategy funds, Fixed Income, Forex
Promotions
- You can get a $20 waiver when you sign up with a promotional code.
2. Connect – Easiest to Sign Up
Connect Robo advisor is one of the easiest to sign up on with my Info. It features an annual fee between 0.20% and 1.25%. It has a high minimum investment of $1,500.
It has an easy-to-use mobile app and website interface, which makes it easy to use.
Pros
- Easy to sign up
- Available on both mobile and desktop
- Easy to use platform with expert financial tips
Cons
- High minimum investment
Annual Management Fees
- 0.20 to 1.25 %
Minimum Investment Amount
- US $1500
Asset Class Portfolio
- Equities, fixed income, gold, government bonds, commodities, property titles, ETF (Exchange Traded Funds, unit trusts
Promotions
- Click here to join Connect.
3. DBS Portfolio – Best for A Small Investment
DBS has a readymade, hassle-free investment cash management portfolio that offers the best experience for robot technology and human expertise.
It has carefully selected ETFs that help create quality portfolios with a team that monitors the market regularly and initiates rebalancing whenever necessary.
Pros
- Unique investment portfolios
- The algorithm is updated whenever necessary
- Easy to use interface
- Globally diversified
Cons
- Minimum investment amount of S$1,000 and US$ 1,000
- High investment fees
Annual Management Fee
- 0.75%
Minimum Investment Amount
- S$1,000 and US$1,000
Investment Portfolio
- Stocks, ETF (Exchange Traded Funds), unit trusts
Promotions
- Click here if you would want to invest in DBS Portfolio
4. Auto Wealth – Best for Low and Fixed Fees
Established in 2015, Auto Wealth has a platform fee of US$ 18 annually and an annual management fee of 0.50%. Unlike other Robo advisory companies on this list, it does not have a tiered pricing structure. You only pay a flat fee for all their services.
It is an excellent platform for investors looking to grow their portfolios because their annual fee remains unchanged even with the size of their portfolios.
Auto Wealth users have the advantage of having a dedicated wealth manager assigned to them via Telegram, where they get their investor-related questions answered.
Pros
- Access to wealth advisors
- Has a flat management fee for all your investments
- Ideal for advanced portfolio investors
Cons
- Not ideal for small investors
- Minimum investment amount of S$3,000
- It has a platform fee of US$18
Annual Management Fee
- 0.5% and US$18
Minimum Investment Amount
- S$3,000
Investment Portfolio
- ETFs, Stocks, and Bonds
Promotion
- There are not currently running for Auto Wealth
5. Kristal.AI – Allows Custom Portfolio Creation
Kristal.AI offers a different fee structure for the Freedom and Private Accounts. It provides the most significant control among all the Robo-advisors on the list. It has a no management fee policy of up to US$10,000 and only 0.3% p.a after which makes investors prefer it.
With Kristal.AI’s algorithm, users can customize their portfolios, choosing to create your portfolio with over 100 EFTs available. The platform is super transparent and lists all the asset classes you can invest in with the exact ETFs.
Pros
- You can create your customized investment portfolios
- Transparent platform
- Offers the best cost structure
- No minimum investment for both Kristal freedom and private wealth portfolios
Cons
- Not user friendly
- Has additional charges that you need to be aware of
- High FX conversion fees
Annual Management Fee
- 0 – 0.3 %
Minimum Investment Amount
- S$0
Investment Portfolio
- REITs. Commodities, Stocks, Fund, Bonds, ETFs
Promotions
- You can enjoy a US$20 cash reward if you apply for a Kristal.AI account before 30 September. T& C apply.
6. Money Owl – Most Holistic Robo-advisor
Money owl offers different portfolios, which include: Wisesaver, WiseIncome, and Dimensional. The annual management fees across these portfolios range from 0% to 0.60 %, depending on the sum of the invested money in the cash management account.
The different investment portfolios ensure that almost everybody’s investment needs are met using different investment strategies.
MoneyOwl is great for investors looking to make small regular investments; it requires a minimum investment of S$50 per month.
It also offers insurance plans for both critical illnesses and hospitalization plans.
Pros
- Ideal for new investors with less than S$10,000
- Monthly investment of S$50
- Features 3 portfolios for you to choose from
Cons
- Investment Portfolios are not diversified
Annual Management Fees
- 0 to 0.6%
Minimum Investment Amount
- S$50 per month
Investment Portfolio
- Funds, Stocks, ETF
Promotions
- NTUC members will enjoy a 0% annual management fee till 31 December 2021 for the Wise Income Portfolio with the NTUC60 promo code. Terms and conditions apply.
7. OCBC Roboinvest – Best Robo-Advisor with Thematic Portfolios
OCBC Investment features 33 thematic portfolios that are across six different markets to march your risk appetite. It has automated portfolio monitoring that proposes rebalancing in case of any changes in the stock market.
You can also easily manage your accounts from anywhere with very flexible withdrawals and top-ups through their easy-to-use apps.
With a 0.88 % annual fee OCBC, has a fixed fee structure that encourages small investors to invest because you get to pay the same amount even if you were to invest a significant amount.
Pros
- Many thematic profiles to choose from
- Has a fixed fee structure
- Ideal for users who need core portfolios
- Easy to understand the fee structure
Cons
- The 0.88% annual fee is relatively high
Annual Management Fees
- 0.88%
Minimum Investment Amount
- US$100
Investment Portfolio
- ETF, Stocks, Commodities and REIT portfolio
Promotions
- No promotions run by OCBC investment at the moment
8. Philip SMART Portfolio – Best Robo-advisor for beginners
The Philip SMART Portfolio has a low minimum investment requirement of S$300 and low management fees. With no upfront fee, brokerage fee, and platform fee, it becomes one of the most accessible platforms to join in Singapore.
It has professional portfolio managers who offer further guidance to investors through their investment journey. They will help you create your portfolio.
Philip SMART Portfolio has the most straightforward and fastest account opening processes in the market.
Pros
- Low minimum investment requirement
- No platform or brokerage fee
- Fast and straightforward account opening
Cons
- It does not have complete transparency on the ETFs it invests in
Annual Management Fees
- 0.50%
Minimum Investment Amount
- S$300
Investment Portfolio
- Funds
Promotion
- Philip SMART Portfolio is not running any promotions at the moment.
9. Squirrelsave – Best Robo-Advisor to Start Small
SquirrelSave uses AI machine learning to create unique portfolios for each of its investors. The platform also rebalances the portfolios as SquirrelSave AI decides.
With a minimum deposit of S$ 1, the platform has one of the lowest fees in the market. However, they advise that new users invest a minimum of S$15,000 to fully benefit from their investment algorithm.
Pros
- Unique investment portfolio for each investor
- Low minimum investment of S$1
- Has an AI that rebalances portfolios every time the market changes
Cons
- Does not have full transparency on ETFs you can invest in
- Requires a 10% performance fee that can eat through your returns during a bull market
Annual Management Fee
- 0.50%
Minimum Investments Amount
- $ 1
Investment Portfolio
- ETF
Promotions
- SquirrelSave is not running any promotions at the moment.
10. StashAway – User-Friendly and Most Well-Known Robo-Advisor
Founded in 2016, StashAway is one of the most notable Robo advisors with massive Asia and global portfolios. It is a user-friendly platform as clear as day with just one tap to the main menu, where you can easily select your desired portfolio and start investing efficiently.
The platform has an annual management fee of between 0.2 to 0.8%, which applies to general investing, income portfolios, and goal-based investing.
StashAway does not have any hidden fees; it lets you know about any upfront fee that is not as common with other Robo-advisors.
Pros
- Has a well-developed Asia portfolio
- No minimum investment required
- Has a life insurance cover
- Ideal for large investments
Cons
- Higher fees for small investments
- Minimum investment of S$10,000 for the income portfolio
Annual Management Fee
- 0.80%
Minimum Investment Amount
- S$0
Investment Portfolio
- ETF, Stocks, Bond, REIT, Commodities
Promotions
- You can enjoy a six-month fee waiver when you invest S$40,000 when you sign up. Term and conditions apply.
How to Choose the Best Robo Advisor Singapore?
Here are some of the factors that you have to consider when choosing the Robo-advisor of your choice.
1. Management Fee
The ideal Robo-advisors charge an annual management fee of that is a percentage of the investment assets. You will need to ensure that the fee charged will not significantly affect your returns.
2. Services Offered
Some Robo-advisors offer services such as portfolio allocation according to your investment goals, automatic rebalancing, and tax-loss harvesting, while others do not.
Before you settle for any Robo-advisor look, make sure that you maximize all the services to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
3. Human Vs. Robot Advice
If you are the type of person who would like to hear the input of a wealth advisors before you invest, look for a Robo-advisor that offers the service.
Few Robo advisors offer financial advice from a dedicated wealth manager, so be on the lookout for them.
4. Account Minimums
The advisors have an account minimum ranging from $0 to $100,000. This should be a significant thing you need to consider when making your investment decision.
If you are a new investor, you will want to have an advisor with no minimum.
How Much Should You Invest?
Most Robo-advisors in Singapore do not have a minimum deposit requirement. However, it is best if you invest every month after all your house expenses. This will ensure that you create an investing habit and allow your portfolio to get better returns over time.
If you happen to be self-employed, you should invest a percentage of what you are paid every time.
Related Questions
1. Which Robo Advisor has the best returns in Singapore?
Kristal.AI offers the best cost structure and the greatest control when compared to the Robo-advisors in Singapore. The platform has no management fee of up to $10,000 and 0.3% after that.
2. How Many Robo-Advisors are There in Singapore?
More than 12 platforms
3. Which Robo Investor Is the Best?
Endowus is the best.
The platform provides high-quality advice for personalized asset allocation and portfolio for its users. It has a diversified portfolio and tiered fee structure system, meaning the more you invest, the fewer fees you will pay.
Methodology (How We Chose the Top 10)
We chose the top 10 Robo-advisors in Singapore after analyzing 13 platforms available in the market. We looked at their pricing points as well as their relevance to retail investors in the market.
Robo Advisors reviewed:
- AutoWealth
- CONNECT
- DBS digiPortfolio
- Endowus
- Kristal.AI
- MoneyOwl
- OCBC RoboInvest
- Phillip SMART Portfolio
- SquirrelSave
- StashAway
- Smartly
- Utrade Robo
- CGIS CIMB eWealth
Conclusion
When picking the best Robo-advisor for your needs, you have to look into the initial investment amount required and the annual management fees to make sure they fit your investment goals and risk profile. Remember to look up their reviews online to verify the credibility of an advisor.
Key Takeaways
- Endowus is the best Robo-advisor in Singapore.
- Robo advisors are best for people who want to invest globally but have no knowledge of how to.
- Sometimes investing via Robo-advisors can be more expensive than DIY investing.
- Robo advisors let you invest with a low initial deposit.
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Introduction to Robo Advisors
Robo advisors are digital investment apps that provide automatic financial services and guidance. These apps use algorithms to recommend investment portfolios based on your risk appetite and investment goals. Robo advisors are designed to be easily approachable, stress-free, and cost-effective, making them an ideal option for beginners who want to start investing. They are not meant for short-term buying and selling but are great for long-term, passive investments. Robo advisors are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act, providing users with protection against fraud [[1]].
Pros of Robo Advisors
- Low Barrier to Entry: Many Robo advisors require small amounts of money to start investing, making them accessible even if you don't have a lot of money to save [[2]].
- Easy and Convenient: Robo advisors eliminate the need for extensive research and decision-making. You simply sign up on the app, input your information, and let the algorithm do the rest for you [[2]].
- Cost-Effective: Robo advisors charge a percentage of the amount of money you have invested, making the costs forgiving as you invest more. They also do not charge fees on depositing and withdrawing, saving you unnecessary expenses [[2]].
- Customizable According to Your Needs: Some Robo advisors offer customized advice based on your risk appetite, financial goals, and other factors. They consider your specific needs to provide tailored investment recommendations [[2]].
- Help Maintain a Globally Diversified Portfolio: Robo advisors offer investment portfolios that are globally diversified, reducing the risk of losing all your assets if one investment crashes [[2]].
- Requires Low Commitment: With Robo advisors, you can choose to liquidate your assets at any time with no penalties. You can also easily switch from one Robo advisor to another without incurring penalties [[2]].
Cons of Robo Advisors
- Hard to Deviate from the Algorithm Parameters: Robo advisors have limitations when it comes to customization. If you prefer having control over every investment decision, Robo advisors may not be the best option for you [[3]].
- May Be More Expensive than DIY Investing: Robo advisors charge fees based on the amount of investment you make. While they are cost-effective for larger investments, DIY investing may be cheaper for small, buy-and-hold investors who are charged per transaction [[3]].
How Robo Advisors Work
Robo advisors work by using algorithms to predict and understand investor preferences, goals, and risk profiles. They collect information through questionnaires and analyze financial transactions to create an investor profile. Based on this profile, they provide investment solutions and recommendations using mathematical rules and algorithms. Comprehensive Robo advisors can even reveal financial behaviors that investors may be unaware of, such as spending patterns and overlooked liabilities [[4]].
Top Robo Advisors in Singapore
Here are the top 10 Robo advisors in Singapore:
- Endowus: Best for investing CPF and SRS funds, with low fees and access to actively managed funds [[5]].
- Connect: Easiest to sign up, with an annual fee between 0.20% and 1.25% [[6]].
- DBS Portfolio: Best for small investments, with a hassle-free cash management portfolio and carefully selected ETFs [[7]].
- Auto Wealth: Best for low and fixed fees, with a flat management fee for all investments and access to wealth advisors [[8]].
- Kristal.AI: Allows custom portfolio creation, with a no management fee policy for up to $10,000 and low fees thereafter [[9]].
- Money Owl: Most holistic Robo advisor, offering different portfolios and insurance plans [[10]].
- OCBC RoboInvest: Best for thematic portfolios, with 33 thematic portfolios across six markets [[11]].
- Phillip SMART Portfolio: Best for beginners, with a low minimum investment requirement and fast account opening process [[12]].
- Squirrelsave: Best for starting small, using AI machine learning to create unique portfolios for each investor [[13]].
- StashAway: User-friendly and well-known Robo advisor, with a wide range of portfolios and transparent fees [[14]].
Choosing the Best Robo Advisor
When choosing a Robo advisor, consider factors such as the management fee, services offered, human vs. robot advice, and account minimums. The ideal Robo advisor should have a reasonable management fee, offer services that align with your investment goals, and have account minimums that suit your budget and investment preferences [[15]].
Conclusion
Robo advisors are a convenient and cost-effective way for beginners to start investing. They provide automated financial services and guidance, making it easier for individuals to plan their finances and achieve their investment goals. When choosing a Robo advisor, consider factors such as fees, services offered, and account minimums to find the best fit for your needs.
