Latest news with #ICHGroup
Business Times
a day ago
- Business
- Business Times
Former Yangzijiang Financial CEO Vincent Toe's ICH Group seeks to give Singapore's small and mid-cap IPO market a leg up
[SINGAPORE] Vincent Toe, the former chief executive of Yangzijiang Financial, understands the challenges that companies with small-to-mid market capitalisation face when they attempt to get listed. During his tenure at Yangzijiang Financial, Toe too faced an uphill task as the company's shares underperformed, partly due to market conditions at the time. Reaching out to investors, particularly for non-index stocks, was difficult, he said. Now, Toe – as co-founder of local investment holding group ICH Group and managing director of its subsidiary ICH Asset Management, a Singapore-based fund management firm – is betting on small to mid-cap stocks to drive growth on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). 'That is where the market opportunities are because these companies need a lot of attention, unlike the big ones,' Toe said in an interview with The Business Times. He explained that small to mid-cap companies require significant handholding, from getting their internal processes in order to becoming familiar with listing requirements and engaging investors more closely, which helps to justify ICH's role. 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 The group recently served as the key anchor investor in the initial public offerings (IPOs) of Lum Chang Creations, Info-Tech and Goodwill Entertainment, ushering in a much-needed burst of listing activity in the local market. This direct investment is part of its broader strategy to channel capital into Singapore's high-growth small- and mid-cap firms. Since its founding in 2000, with early backing from EDB Singapore, ICH has invested in and advised more than 200 SGX-listed companies across sectors including technology, healthcare, sustainability and consumer services. The firm and its partners have deployed more than US$1 billion locally and internationally. SGX has welcomed growing support from participants such as ICH Group as it rolls out initiatives to deepen liquidity and activity in the market. 'This all-hands-on-deck response reflects the shared commitment across the ecosystem to catalyse greater activity and deepen liquidity in our securities market,' said Koh Jin Hoe, head of capital markets, global sales and origination at SGX Group. For Toe, the current market momentum echoes the opportunities and challenges he has seen over the years. He has more than 25 years of experience across senior investment banking roles at UBS, DBS and JPMorgan, as well as a period as a fund manager at GEM. In addition, he has served as an independent non-executive director and chaired audit committees for several listed companies. Longer-term view ICH often takes the role of lead investor to help get IPO deals moving, said Toe. The company sometimes buys into a lead position as a show of goodwill, creating momentum for others who may be hesitant to commit until a lead is established. 'Personally putting our name on it helps the market to go beyond,' he said, adding that the company is taking a longer-term view of certain companies. By doing so, ICH provides an added layer of due diligence assurance, giving the market greater confidence. This creates both an endorsement effect and a leadership effect, particularly in situations where investor sentiment is cautious. One of the most notable examples was Yangzijiang, which ICH Group supported in 2007 by providing equity and strategic advice, and helping the firm navigate the niche financing channels of the shipbuilding industry. Toe shared that during the financial crisis, the company's shares were undervalued for a period, and ICH helped unlock value by supporting a dual listing in Taiwan, which boosted its market capitalisation by more than 30 per cent as Taiwanese investors recognised its true worth. Toe explained that the market had undervalued Yangzijiang because of its financial business, with many investors assuming it was burdened by bad loans. To address this, ICH Group proposed separating the company's businesses and played a pivotal role in the strategic spin-off of Yangzijiang Financial. At that time, the combined entity was valued at about S$1.20 per share, but after the separation, the shares of the two entities together to-date traded at around S$4. This represented more than a threefold increase in market capitalisation, achieved largely by separating the businesses and allowing investors to better recognise the value of each. Today, Yangzijiang Financial is proposing to spin off its maritime business, YZJ Maritime Development , for the same reason. This is due to investors' general dislike for conglomerates, Toe said. 'What we have helped here is getting the right structure to market – but we also support the company along the way by bringing in investors,' he added. With the help of agencies, ICH connects companies with institutional investors through constant engagement, taking the lead by co-investing alongside them. He noted that small and mid-cap firms eyeing a listing must secure sufficient funds not only to scale but also to cover listing expenses. Once these hurdles are cleared, they are in a much stronger position to go public. Bull market Toe believes that significant opportunities lie ahead for the local equities market. 'The Singapore market is undervalued as there is money to be made, and we will enter into a bull market soon,' he said, adding that it is the right time to take position. 'We want to be a player in this market, to anchor good news, and take a longer-term deal,' he added. By stepping in as an anchor investor, ICH aims to signal confidence to the market, Toe said. He hopes ICH can encourage other investors to participate in such deals. For example, in Goodwill Entertainment's IPO, ICH's involvement helped bring in two additional investors, allowing the deal to be completed quickly. Toe noted that companies typically approach ICH through banks and underwriters. He emphasised that while the regulatory process in Singapore is relatively straightforward, the marketing process can be uncertain, especially for small-cap firms. This makes careful selection critical, as ICH's primary objective is to generate returns by backing companies with strong potential. 'For small-cap companies, there is not much research coverage, making it difficult for investors to access information,' he said. Looking ahead, ICH plans to continue anchoring upcoming IPOs. The immediate pipeline includes a company in the auto sector, expected in September, and another in the co-living sector, which should lodge its prospectus by this quarter. 'Some are trying to rush for this year, but you will see a lot in the first quarter of next year,' Toe said, adding that a food manufacturer's IPO could take place between this quarter and the next.
The Sun
06-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ICH Group Anchors Key SGX Group IPOs; Bullish on Singapore's Small-Mid-Cap Market
--> Capital Deployed to Date: Over US$1 Billion --> Companies Supported: Advised and invested in 200+ SGX-listed companies SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire – 6 August 2025 - ICH Group is the key anchor investor in the recent Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of Lum Chang Creations, Info-Tech and Goodwill Entertainment on multi-asset platform Singapore Exchange (SGX Group), a decisive move that signals renewed investor confidence following a notable drought in local listings from 2023-2024. This direct investment is part of the broader strategy to inject vital capital into Singapore's high-growth small- and mid-cap companies. Since its inception in 2000, backed by initial investments from EDB Singapore, among others, ICH has been a committed investor of local small-to-mid cap companies. Over the past 25 years, it has advised and invested in more than 200 SGX-listed companies. Today, the ICH Group's integrated platform – comprising ICH Asset Management, ADDX, and ICAPITAL – spans asset management, private market access, and capital advisory, serving as a one-stop solution for businesses at every stage of their capital needs journey. With a focus on high-growth sectors such as technology, healthcare, sustainability, and consumer services, ICH and its partners have deployed over US$1 billion into Singapore and other international markets. This has been invaluable in helping bridge local capital gaps while also attracting global investors that are committed to the long-term vision of a thriving Singapore equity market. ICH's distinct advantage lies in its ability to mobilise and match capital from a broad spectrum of investors, including institutional and aggregated private wealth, to early- and growth-stage enterprises that often find themselves underserved by larger financial institutions. Track Record of Supporting Singapore's Small- and Mid-Cap Space ICH Group's model is unique in its ability to combine advisory, capital raising and long-term partnership across the growth journey of a company. This includes structuring early-stage rounds, preparing companies for IPO, and supporting post-listing strategies to sustain investor confidence and drive long-term value. Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, now one of the most recognisable names on SGX, was one of ICH's earliest success stories as the Group provided equity and strategic advice while also helping the firm navigate the niche financing channels of the shipbuilding industry. ICH Group played a pivotal role in othe strategic spinoff of Yangzijiang Financial, a move that has unleashed significant shareholder value and positioned both entities for accelerated growth in their respective markets. The company not only brought significant companies of size to SGX, but also attracted institutional and retail investor attention to the broader industrial and manufacturing sectors in Asia. 'In an increasingly multipolar financial landscape, Singapore stands out as a trusted hub for global capital flows, especially in the ASEAN region,' Vincent Toe, Cofounder of ICH Group and MD of ICHAM, explained. 'Our partnerships with foreign companies, coupled with our local market expertise, allow us to be an effective bridge for this inbound capital. It's a win-win for both sides.' Gateway for Chinese Capital and Issuers In parallel with supporting homegrown enterprises, ICH Group has also built out its cross-border capital capabilities. One of its strategic pillars is acting as a gateway for Chinese institutional capital into Southeast Asia, particularly through the Qualified Domestic Limited Partner (QDLP) programme. As one of the early adopters of QDLP, ICH has cultivated long-term partnerships with Chinese asset owners, fund managers and wealth platforms. This has enabled the Group to channel 'sticky' capital into Singapore's equity markets; capital that is long-term in nature and strategic. This unique access to a differentiated investor base is becoming increasingly valuable, especially as global capital flows continue to diversify away from traditional Western centres toward Asia. Singapore, as a politically stable, transparent and internationally recognised financial hub, is uniquely placed to benefit. 'While global markets face uncertainty, our QDLP partners see a generational growth opportunity in ASEAN's digital and sustainable economies,'; said Vincent Toe, Co-founder of ICH Group. 'They are not just deploying short-term capital; they are making strategic, long-term commitments to participate in the region's future, and Singapore is their trusted gateway. Our unique role is to bridge their vision with high-potential local companies ready for growth.' 'Our role is to help them find the right partners, ensure regulatory alignment, and create long-term, win-win outcomes for everyone involved,' said Toe. Beyond mobilising capital, ICH is also focused on introducing high-quality foreign companies to Singapore's public markets. With growing geopolitical and regulatory headwinds in other listing destinations, SGX has become an increasingly attractive platform for deep tech companies from China looking to list abroad. The Group sees strong potential in sectors such as new energy, biotechnology, smart manufacturing, and digital services. All these are industries that are not only expanding rapidly in China but also have meaningful relevance to ASEAN's development priorities. 'Listing in Singapore offers international issuers access to global investors, a reputable legal framework, and strong secondary market support,' said Toe. 'Our objective is to work with these companies early, prepare them for international listing requirements, and ensure their long-term success as public companies.'
Malay Mail
06-08-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
ICH Group Anchors Key SGX Group IPOs; Bullish on Singapore's Small-Mid-Cap Market
Capital Deployed to Date: Over US$1 Billion Over US$1 Billion Companies Supported: Advised and invested in 200+ SGX-listed companies SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire – 6 August 2025 -ICH Group is the key anchor investor in the recent Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of Lum Chang Creations, Info-Tech and Goodwill Entertainment on multi-asset platform Singapore Exchange (SGX Group), a decisive move that signals renewed investor confidence following a notable drought in local listings from 2023-2024. This direct investment is part of the broader strategy to inject vital capital into Singapore's high-growth small- and mid-cap its inception in 2000, backed by initial investments from EDB Singapore, among others, ICH has been a committed investor of local small-to-mid cap companies. Over the past 25 years, it has advised and invested in more than 200 SGX-listed the ICH Group's integrated platform – comprising ICH Asset Management, ADDX, and ICAPITAL – spans asset management, private market access, and capital advisory, serving as a one-stop solution for businesses at every stage of their capital needs a focus on high-growth sectors such as technology, healthcare, sustainability, and consumer services, ICH and its partners have deployed over US$1 billion into Singapore and other international has been invaluable in helping bridge local capital gaps while also attracting global investors that are committed to the long-term vision of a thriving Singapore equity distinct advantage lies in its ability to mobilise and match capital from a broad spectrum of investors, including institutional and aggregated private wealth, to early- and growth-stage enterprises that often find themselves underserved by larger financial Group's model is unique in its ability to combine advisory, capital raising and long-term partnership across the growth journey of a includes structuring early-stage rounds, preparing companies for IPO, and supporting post-listing strategies to sustain investor confidence and drive long-term Shipbuilding, now one of the most recognisable names on SGX, was one of ICH's earliest success stories as the Group provided equity and strategic advice while also helping the firm navigate the niche financing channels of the shipbuilding Group played a pivotal role in othe strategic spinoff of Yangzijiang Financial, a move that has unleashed significant shareholder value and positioned both entities for accelerated growth in their respective company not only brought significant companies of size to SGX, but also attracted institutional and retail investor attention to the broader industrial and manufacturing sectors in Toe, Cofounder of ICH Group and MD of ICHAM, parallel with supporting homegrown enterprises, ICH Group has also built out its cross-border capital of its strategic pillars is acting as a gateway for Chinese institutional capital into Southeast Asia, particularly through the Qualified Domestic Limited Partner (QDLP) one of the early adopters of QDLP, ICH has cultivated long-term partnerships with Chinese asset owners, fund managers and wealth platforms. This has enabled the Group to channel "sticky" capital into Singapore's equity markets; capital that is long-term in nature and unique access to a differentiated investor base is becoming increasingly valuable, especially as global capital flows continue to diversify away from traditional Western centres toward as a politically stable, transparent and internationally recognised financial hub, is uniquely placed to benefit.; said Vincent Toe, Co-founder of ICH mobilising capital, ICH is also focused on introducing high-quality foreign companies to Singapore's public growing geopolitical and regulatory headwinds in other listing destinations, SGX has become an increasingly attractive platform for deep tech companies from China looking to list Group sees strong potential in sectors such as new energy, biotechnology, smart manufacturing, and digital services. All these are industries that are not only expanding rapidly in China but also have meaningful relevance to ASEAN's development #ICHGroup The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About ICH Group Founded in 2000, ICH Group is a Singapore-headquartered financial services firm with over 120 professionals across its integrated asset management (ICH Asset Management), private market (ADDX), and capital advisory (ICAPITAL) platforms. The Group specializes in supporting small- and mid-cap companies throughout their entire growth journey, from early-stage funding to IPO. It has a proven track record in facilitating cross-border investment, notably as a key partner in the Qualified Domestic Limited Partner (QDLP) program.
Zawya
06-08-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ICH Group Anchors Key SGX Group IPOs; Bullish on Singapore's Small-Mid-Cap Market
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire – 6 August 2025 - ICH Group is the key anchor investor in the recent Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of Lum Chang Creations, Info-Tech and Goodwill Entertainment on multi-asset platform Singapore Exchange (SGX Group), a decisive move that signals renewed investor confidence following a notable drought in local listings from 2023-2024. This direct investment is part of the broader strategy to inject vital capital into Singapore's high-growth small- and mid-cap companies. Since its inception in 2000, backed by initial investments from EDB Singapore, among others, ICH has been a committed investor of local small-to-mid cap companies. Over the past 25 years, it has advised and invested in more than 200 SGX-listed companies. Today, the ICH Group's integrated platform – comprising ICH Asset Management, ADDX, and ICAPITAL – spans asset management, private market access, and capital advisory, serving as a one-stop solution for businesses at every stage of their capital needs journey. With a focus on high-growth sectors such as technology, healthcare, sustainability, and consumer services, ICH and its partners have deployed over US$1 billion into Singapore and other international markets. This has been invaluable in helping bridge local capital gaps while also attracting global investors that are committed to the long-term vision of a thriving Singapore equity market. ICH's distinct advantage lies in its ability to mobilise and match capital from a broad spectrum of investors, including institutional and aggregated private wealth, to early- and growth-stage enterprises that often find themselves underserved by larger financial institutions. Track Record of Supporting Singapore's Small- and Mid-Cap Space ICH Group's model is unique in its ability to combine advisory, capital raising and long-term partnership across the growth journey of a company. This includes structuring early-stage rounds, preparing companies for IPO, and supporting post-listing strategies to sustain investor confidence and drive long-term value. Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, now one of the most recognisable names on SGX, was one of ICH's earliest success stories as the Group provided equity and strategic advice while also helping the firm navigate the niche financing channels of the shipbuilding industry. ICH Group played a pivotal role in othe strategic spinoff of Yangzijiang Financial, a move that has unleashed significant shareholder value and positioned both entities for accelerated growth in their respective markets. The company not only brought significant companies of size to SGX, but also attracted institutional and retail investor attention to the broader industrial and manufacturing sectors in Asia. "In an increasingly multipolar financial landscape, Singapore stands out as a trusted hub for global capital flows, especially in the ASEAN region," Vincent Toe, Cofounder of ICH Group and MD of ICHAM, explained. "Our partnerships with foreign companies, coupled with our local market expertise, allow us to be an effective bridge for this inbound capital. It's a win-win for both sides." Gateway for Chinese Capital and Issuers In parallel with supporting homegrown enterprises, ICH Group has also built out its cross-border capital capabilities. One of its strategic pillars is acting as a gateway for Chinese institutional capital into Southeast Asia, particularly through the Qualified Domestic Limited Partner (QDLP) programme. As one of the early adopters of QDLP, ICH has cultivated long-term partnerships with Chinese asset owners, fund managers and wealth platforms. This has enabled the Group to channel "sticky" capital into Singapore's equity markets; capital that is long-term in nature and strategic. This unique access to a differentiated investor base is becoming increasingly valuable, especially as global capital flows continue to diversify away from traditional Western centres toward Asia. Singapore, as a politically stable, transparent and internationally recognised financial hub, is uniquely placed to benefit. "While global markets face uncertainty, our QDLP partners see a generational growth opportunity in ASEAN's digital and sustainable economies,"; said Vincent Toe, Co-founder of ICH Group. "They are not just deploying short-term capital; they are making strategic, long-term commitments to participate in the region's future, and Singapore is their trusted gateway. Our unique role is to bridge their vision with high-potential local companies ready for growth." "Our role is to help them find the right partners, ensure regulatory alignment, and create long-term, win-win outcomes for everyone involved," said Toe. Beyond mobilising capital, ICH is also focused on introducing high-quality foreign companies to Singapore's public markets. With growing geopolitical and regulatory headwinds in other listing destinations, SGX has become an increasingly attractive platform for deep tech companies from China looking to list abroad. The Group sees strong potential in sectors such as new energy, biotechnology, smart manufacturing, and digital services. All these are industries that are not only expanding rapidly in China but also have meaningful relevance to ASEAN's development priorities. "Listing in Singapore offers international issuers access to global investors, a reputable legal framework, and strong secondary market support," said Toe. "Our objective is to work with these companies early, prepare them for international listing requirements, and ensure their long-term success as public companies." Hashtag: #ICHGroup The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About ICH Group Founded in 2000, ICH Group is a Singapore-headquartered financial services firm with over 120 professionals across its integrated asset management (ICH Asset Management), private market (ADDX), and capital advisory (ICAPITAL) platforms. The Group specializes in supporting small- and mid-cap companies throughout their entire growth journey, from early-stage funding to IPO. It has a proven track record in facilitating cross-border investment, notably as a key partner in the Qualified Domestic Limited Partner (QDLP) program. ICH Group
Arabian Post
06-08-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
ICH Group Anchors Key SGX Group IPOs; Bullish on Singapore's Small-Mid-Cap Market
Capital Deployed to Date: Over US$1 Billion Over US$1 Billion Companies Supported: Advised and invested in 200+ SGX-listed companies SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 August 2025 – ICH Group is the key anchor investor in the recent Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of Lum Chang Creations, Info-Tech and Goodwill Entertainment on multi-asset platform Singapore Exchange (SGX Group), a decisive move that signals renewed investor confidence following a notable drought in local listings from 2023-2024. This direct investment is part of the broader strategy to inject vital capital into Singapore's high-growth small- and mid-cap companies. Since its inception in 2000, backed by initial investments from EDB Singapore, among others, ICH has been a committed investor of local small-to-mid cap companies. Over the past 25 years, it has advised and invested in more than 200 SGX-listed companies. Today, the ICH Group's integrated platform – comprising ICH Asset Management, ADDX, and ICAPITAL – spans asset management, private market access, and capital advisory, serving as a one-stop solution for businesses at every stage of their capital needs journey. ADVERTISEMENT With a focus on high-growth sectors such as technology, healthcare, sustainability, and consumer services, ICH and its partners have deployed over US$1 billion into Singapore and other international markets. This has been invaluable in helping bridge local capital gaps while also attracting global investors that are committed to the long-term vision of a thriving Singapore equity market. ICH's distinct advantage lies in its ability to mobilise and match capital from a broad spectrum of investors, including institutional and aggregated private wealth, to early- and growth-stage enterprises that often find themselves underserved by larger financial institutions. Track Record of Supporting Singapore's Small- and Mid-Cap Space ICH Group's model is unique in its ability to combine advisory, capital raising and long-term partnership across the growth journey of a company. ADVERTISEMENT This includes structuring early-stage rounds, preparing companies for IPO, and supporting post-listing strategies to sustain investor confidence and drive long-term value. Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, now one of the most recognisable names on SGX, was one of ICH's earliest success stories as the Group provided equity and strategic advice while also helping the firm navigate the niche financing channels of the shipbuilding industry. ICH Group played a pivotal role in othe strategic spinoff of Yangzijiang Financial, a move that has unleashed significant shareholder value and positioned both entities for accelerated growth in their respective markets. The company not only brought significant companies of size to SGX, but also attracted institutional and retail investor attention to the broader industrial and manufacturing sectors in Asia. 'In an increasingly multipolar financial landscape, Singapore stands out as a trusted hub for global capital flows, especially in the ASEAN region,' Vincent Toe, Cofounder of ICH Group and MD of ICHAM, explained. 'Our partnerships with foreign companies, coupled with our local market expertise, allow us to be an effective bridge for this inbound capital. It's a win-win for both sides.' Gateway for Chinese Capital and Issuers In parallel with supporting homegrown enterprises, ICH Group has also built out its cross-border capital capabilities. One of its strategic pillars is acting as a gateway for Chinese institutional capital into Southeast Asia, particularly through the Qualified Domestic Limited Partner (QDLP) programme. As one of the early adopters of QDLP, ICH has cultivated long-term partnerships with Chinese asset owners, fund managers and wealth platforms. This has enabled the Group to channel 'sticky' capital into Singapore's equity markets; capital that is long-term in nature and strategic. This unique access to a differentiated investor base is becoming increasingly valuable, especially as global capital flows continue to diversify away from traditional Western centres toward Asia. Singapore, as a politically stable, transparent and internationally recognised financial hub, is uniquely placed to benefit. 'While global markets face uncertainty, our QDLP partners see a generational growth opportunity in ASEAN's digital and sustainable economies,'; said Vincent Toe, Co-founder of ICH Group. 'They are not just deploying short-term capital; they are making strategic, long-term commitments to participate in the region's future, and Singapore is their trusted gateway. Our unique role is to bridge their vision with high-potential local companies ready for growth.' 'Our role is to help them find the right partners, ensure regulatory alignment, and create long-term, win-win outcomes for everyone involved,' said Toe. Beyond mobilising capital, ICH is also focused on introducing high-quality foreign companies to Singapore's public markets. With growing geopolitical and regulatory headwinds in other listing destinations, SGX has become an increasingly attractive platform for deep tech companies from China looking to list abroad. The Group sees strong potential in sectors such as new energy, biotechnology, smart manufacturing, and digital services. All these are industries that are not only expanding rapidly in China but also have meaningful relevance to ASEAN's development priorities. 'Listing in Singapore offers international issuers access to global investors, a reputable legal framework, and strong secondary market support,' said Toe. 'Our objective is to work with these companies early, prepare them for international listing requirements, and ensure their long-term success as public companies.' Hashtag: #ICHGroup The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About ICH Group Founded in 2000, ICH Group is a Singapore-headquartered financial services firm with over 120 professionals across its integrated asset management (ICH Asset Management), private market (ADDX), and capital advisory (ICAPITAL) platforms. The Group specializes in supporting small- and mid-cap companies throughout their entire growth journey, from early-stage funding to IPO. It has a proven track record in facilitating cross-border investment, notably as a key partner in the Qualified Domestic Limited Partner (QDLP) program.
