Latest news with #BTCorrespondents
Business Times
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Making property agents do better by consumers
Singapore has over 36,000 property agents. That's a lot of name cards. But are they all really adding value or just inflating costs? In this episode of PropertyBT, a podcast of BT Correspondents from The Business Times, senior correspondent Leslie Yee sits down with Professor Sing Tien Foo, provost chair at NUS Business School, to dig into the sharp edges of Singapore's real estate agency scene. From eyebrow-raising commissions to the rise of a few market giants, this episode pulls no punches. What exactly are you paying for when you engage an agent and should more be done to keep the industry honest? Why listen? Because buying a home shouldn't feel like playing poker blind Professor Sing breaks down what really happens behind the sales pitch and why the incentives in the current system don't always work in your favour. Because new launch commissions are quietly off the charts A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Tuesday, 12 pm Property Insights Get an exclusive analysis of real estate and property news in Singapore and beyond. Sign Up Sign Up In a hot market, some agents barely need to break a sweat to close a deal. So why are fees climbing to 5% and beyond? Because five firms dominate nearly 90 per cent of the market That's not competition. So is it consolidation? And it raises real questions about pricing power, choice, and whether the little guys stand a chance. Because too many agents don't actually transact If you're wondering why productivity's an issue, consider this: nearly half of all licensed agents don't close a single deal a year. So why are they still in the game? And because HDB resale is big business Should the government step in and play matchmaker to cut out the middleman? Professor Sing says maybe. At least for those who want a DIY option with fewer headaches and fewer fees. Listen now for a clear-eyed look at the people and policies shaping your biggest financial decision—buying your home. PropertyBT is a podcast of BT Correspondents. Look out for the next episode featuring senior correspondent Ben Paul. And if you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out to us at btpodcasts@ --- Written and hosted by: Leslie Yee (lyee@ With Prof Sing Tien Foo, provost's chair professor, Department of Real Estate, NUS Business School Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Leslie Yee, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks: BT Podcasts: BT Market Focus: BT Branded Podcasts: BT Lens On:
Business Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Structured notes: The best thing since sliced bread?
Are Structured Notes the Right Investment for You? Are you considering investing in structured notes but aren't sure where to start? The latest episode of the WealthBT should be on your must-listen list this week! Hosted by Genevieve Cua, wealth editor at The Business Times, sits down with Franck Fayard, head of Marex Financial Products for Asia Pacific for an unbiased episode that dives deep into the world of structured products and why they might be worth a spot in your investment portfolio. Real-world Applications In this episode, Cua and Fayard discuss structured notes making these potentially complex financial products relatable and understandable. This episode is a rare opportunity to gain insider insights from someone with over 15 years of experience in the industry. The conversation goes beyond theory to discuss real-world applications of structured notes giving you the opportunity to learn how these financial instruments can be linked to various assets like stocks, cryptocurrencies, and commodities. With examples from markets in Singapore and beyond, you'll get a global perspective that's both informative and engaging. Customised Investments BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Fayard explains the flexibility and customisation that structured notes offer whether you're seeking higher yields or a safer, capital-protected investment pointing out there's a structured note to match your risk tolerance and investment strategy. One of the episode's highlights is the practical advice offered on timing and market conditions. Fayard discusses factors like volatility and interest rates, offering tips on when to invest to get the best returns. He also shares valuable lessons on avoiding common pitfalls, making this episode a must-listen for both novice and seasoned investors. In a nutshell Structured notes are versatile financial instruments that can be customised to fit an investor's risk tolerance and return expectations. They can be linked to a variety of underlying assets such as stocks, indices, currencies, or commodities. But while they offer potential enhanced yields and protection in diverse market conditions, investors must carefully consider factors like volatility and interest rates to ensure they are priced appropriately. Don't miss the latest episode of WealthBT as Genevieve Cua and Franck Fayard provide a rich blend of expertise and practical tips that will help you understand if structured notes are for you. WealthBT is a podcast of BT Correspondents. Look out for the next episode featuring correspondent Derryn Wong. And if you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out to us at btpodcasts@ --- Written and hosted by: Genevieve Cua (gen@ With Franck Fayard, APAC head of Marex Financial Products, Marex Solutions Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Genevieve Cua & Howie Lim A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks: BT Podcasts: BT Market Focus: BT Branded Podcasts: BT Lens On:
Business Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
WealthBT: Unlocking the Potential of Structured Notes
Are Structured Notes the Right Investment for You? Are you considering investing in structured notes but aren't sure where to start? The latest episode of the WealthBT should be on your must-listen list this week! Hosted by Genevieve Cua, wealth editor at The Business Times, sits down with Franck Fayard, head of Marex Financial Products for Asia Pacific for an unbiased episode that dives deep into the world of structured products and why they might be worth a spot in your investment portfolio. Real-world Applications In this episode, Cua and Fayard discuss structured notes making these potentially complex financial products relatable and understandable. This episode is a rare opportunity to gain insider insights from someone with over 15 years of experience in the industry. The conversation goes beyond theory to discuss real-world applications of structured notes giving you the opportunity to learn how these financial instruments can be linked to various assets like stocks, cryptocurrencies, and commodities. With examples from markets in Singapore and beyond, you'll get a global perspective that's both informative and engaging. Customised Investments BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Fayard explains the flexibility and customisation that structured notes offer whether you're seeking higher yields or a safer, capital-protected investment pointing out there's a structured note to match your risk tolerance and investment strategy. One of the episode's highlights is the practical advice offered on timing and market conditions. Fayard discusses factors like volatility and interest rates, offering tips on when to invest to get the best returns. He also shares valuable lessons on avoiding common pitfalls, making this episode a must-listen for both novice and seasoned investors. In a nutshell Structured notes are versatile financial instruments that can be customised to fit an investor's risk tolerance and return expectations. They can be linked to a variety of underlying assets such as stocks, indices, currencies, or commodities. But while they offer potential enhanced yields and protection in diverse market conditions, investors must carefully consider factors like volatility and interest rates to ensure they are priced appropriately. Don't miss the latest episode of WealthBT as Genevieve Cua and Franck Fayard provide a rich blend of expertise and practical tips that will help you understand if structured notes are for you. WealthBT is a podcast of BT Correspondents. Look out for the next episode featuring correspondent Derryn Wong. And if you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out to us at btpodcasts@ --- Written and hosted by: Genevieve Cua (gen@ With Franck Fayard, APAC head of Marex Financial Products, Marex Solutions Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Genevieve Cua & Howie Lim A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks: BT Podcasts: BT Market Focus: BT Branded Podcasts: BT Lens On:
Business Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
TransportBT: Air travel growth and Singapore's bet on Terminal 5
Are you fascinated by the world of air travel and its future? The latest episode of TransportBT, a podcast of BT Correspondents by The Business Times, hosted by Derryn Wong, breaks down the complexities of the aviation industry and what its growth means for businesses and travelers alike. He sits down with Ali Hussain, regional managing director in Asia for ATPI, a prominent travel management company. Asia-Pacific air travel market The podcast dives deep into the burgeoning air travel market in the Asia-Pacific region, which is already the largest globally and set to experience even more growth in the coming years. Hussain offers unparalleled insights into ATPI's role in managing business travel, focusing on critical sectors like shipping, energy, and education. In their conversation, they discuss projections for the future of air travel, including the massive impact of terminal expansions, especially Singapore's upcoming Changi Terminal 5. Technology in travel A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up They then turn the discussion to how advanced technologies like biometric recognition and AI are revolutionising air travel. This offers listeners an opportunity to learn about the broader economic and cultural ramifications of increasing business travel and the role of major markets like China and India. Wong steers the conversation to how tariffs, technological advancements, and infrastructure projects like Singapore's Terminal 5 will shape the future of air travel. Speaking on the unique challenges and opportunities, Hussain talks about managing business travel in a diverse and rapidly changing region like Asia-Pacific. What makes Singapore a crucial hub Those emerging trends in biometric recognition, AI, and other innovations offer Singapore a unique opportunity for its status as a regional hub. Wong and Hussain highlight investments to deliver on a promise to make air travel more efficient and enjoyable. The pair also discuss the projections for future business travel growth in the Asia-Pacific region and its implications for the global economy. Listen now to the conversation between Derryn Wong and Ali Hussain for essential insights that will keep you ahead of the curve whether you are a frequent business traveller or work in a travel related industry. TransportBT is a podcast of BT Correspondents. Look out for the next episode featuring senior correspondent Leslie Yee who will dive into Singaporeans' love for new condos . And if you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out to us at btpodcasts@ --- Written and hosted by: Derryn Wong (derrynwong@ With Ali Hussain, regional managing director, ATPI Asia Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Derryn Wong, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks: BT Podcasts: BT Market Focus: BT Branded Podcasts: BT Lens On:
Business Times
09-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
WealthBT: Crafting a lasting legacy of values over valuables
In the intricate world of legacy planning, what does legacy mean to you? Is it merely wealth distribution between the generations or is there a deeper meaning to the term 'legacy'. In the latest episode of WealthBT, a podcast of BT Correspondents by The Business Times, host Genevieve Cua conducts an insightful discussion with Christopher Tan, chief executive, Providend, for those seeking to understand how to leave a meaningful legacy. Why legacy planning matters People often consider legacy planning simply as the process of distributing assets to loved ones. However, as highlighted in this episode, legacy planning involves much more. It's about the lasting impact you wish to leave on your family and community. The podcast emphasises the need to reflect on what you want to be remembered for - beyond just material wealth. Tan illustrates this by explaining that true legacy planning encompasses your beliefs and values, not just your financial assets. Values and beliefs you want to pass on BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Both Cua and Tan agree that legacy planning is a continuous process that involves making daily life choices that align with your core values. Some practical steps include deciding what values and beliefs you want to pass on, who your beneficiaries will be, and how to manage potential issues that might arise in wealth distribution. One of the episode's highlights is its detailed exploration of common mistakes in legacy planning. Tan points out issues such as providing too much too soon to children, which can create dependency and entitlement. Another mistake is the reluctance to talk openly about wealth with children, resulting in misunderstandings after parents pass away. In the podcast he makes some suggestions to avoid future conflicts. Significance of a Letter of Wishes A notable strategy discussed in the podcast is the use of a Letter of Wishes, which adds personal context and guidance to formal legal documents like wills and trusts. This letter can clarify the reasoning behind specific bequests and express the values you hope will guide future generations. Tan emphasises that this letter is crucial for helping trustees and executors make discretionary decisions aligned with your wishes. The episode also covers how parents can prepare their children to inherit wealth responsibly. His recommendations in this part of the podcast is key listening for someone wanting to ensure understanding of intentions. Listen now to the episode as it offers a comprehensive guide to thinking beyond financial assets. Addressing common pitfalls, offering insights into the importance of values in wealth transfer, and provides strategies to prepare the next generation. WealthBT is a podcast of BT Correspondents. Look out for the next episode featuring correspondent Derryn Wong. And if you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out to us at btpodcasts@ --- Written and hosted by: Genevieve Cua (gen@ With Christopher Tan, chief executive officer, Providend Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Genevieve Cua, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks: BT Podcasts: BT Market Focus: BT Branded Podcasts: BT Lens On:
