The Expat Edge

Singapore's Wealth Fee Surge: What OCBC's 34% and DBS's 25% Jump Mean for European Expats Choosing Between KL and the City-State

Singapore's Wealth Fee Surge: What OCBC's 34% and DBS's 25% Jump Mean for European Expats Choosing Between KL and the City-State

Published on: 11/05/2026

OCBC wealth management fees jumped 34% to S$422M in Q1. DBS rose 25%. Here's what Singapore's wealth boom means for European expats choosing between KL and Singapore.

Trump-Xi Summit in Doubt: The Trade Risk Expats in Asia Must Watch

Trump-Xi Summit in Doubt: The Trade Risk Expats in Asia Must Watch

Published on: 09/05/2026

The US-China Geneva deal is cracking and the summit has no confirmed date. For expats in Singapore and KL, this is the biggest underpriced risk in May 2026.

China Responds to Balikatan 2026: What PLA Naval Drills Near Taiwan Mean for Expat Portfolios in Asia

China Responds to Balikatan 2026: What PLA Naval Drills Near Taiwan Mean for Expat Portfolios in Asia

Published on: 05/05/2026

China launched PLA naval exercises near Taiwan in direct response to Balikatan 2026, led by the Type 055 destroyer Zunyi. Here's what the Taiwan Strait tail risk means for expat portfolios in Singapore and Malaysia.

MAS Tightens SGD for First Time Since 2022: What Expats in Singapore and Malaysia Must Know

MAS Tightens SGD for First Time Since 2022: What Expats in Singapore and Malaysia Must Know

Published on: 25/04/2026

MAS raised the SGD NEER appreciation rate on 14 April 2026, its first tightening since October 2022. Here is what the SGD vs MYR divergence means for expat investors.

Singapore's Economy Just Contracted: What -0.3% GDP Means for Expats in the City-State

Singapore's Economy Just Contracted: What -0.3% GDP Means for Expats in the City-State

Published on: 18/04/2026

Singapore contracted 0.3% in Q1 2026 as Hormuz energy shortfalls hit petrochemicals and transport. What expats working in Singapore need to know about jobs, costs, and portfolios.