FAQs
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A Trust is a legal arrangement whereby a person (the Settlor) gives his/her assets to another (the Trustee) to manage and administer for the benefit of others (the Beneficiaries) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Trust and the governing law.
A Trust involves three parties:
- Settlor (creates the Trust and transfer ownership of assets to Trustee)
- Trustee (takes legal ownership of assets and administers the Trust)
- Beneficiaries (enjoy the benefits from any distributions of the Trust Fund)
A Reserved Power Trust is a legal arrangement where the Settlor reserves to himself/herself certain rights and powers. Under the terms and conditions of Metis SG's Trust Plans, the Settlor will retain the power of investment and asset management as well as the power to add and/or remove Second Tier Beneficiaries.
A Discretionary Trust is a legal arrangement where the Settlor is given full discretion as to when and what amounts are paid out to the Beneficiaries and a Beneficiary of the Trust has no entitlement to the Trust Fund until Metis SG has exercised its discretion to make a payment to that Beneficiary.
The Trust Deed is a legal document which creates and set out the terms and conditions of the Trust.
The LOW is a non-legally binding document that indicates the Settlor’s wishes as to the management and administration of the Trust.
Yes, you can. You can have a Will and a Trust concurrently. However, the assets placed in the Trust cannot form part of the Will. The identity of the Beneficiaries and amount of distributions made to each Beneficiary will remain private and confidential.
The Trustee would have to distribute the remaining Trust Fund in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Trust.
Metis SG began its operations in Singapore in 2021. We are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and have been issued a Trust Business Licence.
Metis Global Limited was established in Hong Kong in 2013, followed by Metis Global Cook Islands in 2016 and Metis Global Singapore 2019. These three entities are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Metis Global Group Limited (the “Group”).
Metis SG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group. In addition to Singapore, the Group has already established offices in Hong Kong and the Cook Islands, Metis Global Group employs close to 100 staff. The Group’s revenue has consistently recorded healthy growth rates averaging 30% year-on-year for the past 7 years since 2015 and as of 31 December 2022, the Group acts as Trustee for more than 20,000 Trust plans and has approximately USD 475 million of assets under Trust. The Group's clientele is largely from Japan, South Korea, China and Singapore. The Group aims to leverage on its Singapore office to expand its clientele to Southeast Asia.
As a Trustee, Metis SG is required to exercise reasonable care and skill in the discharge of its powers and the performance of its duties. In addition, Metis SG must exercise its discretion properly and abide by the directions of the Trust Deed.
As a licensed Trust company, Metis SG is required to maintain a professional indemnity insurance policy that covers all liabilities arising out of negligent discharge of its duties and is commensurate with the levels of risk of Metis SG's business.
As a licensed Trust company, Metis SG is required to ensure that its clients' Trust Fund are kept distinct and in separate accounts from its own assets so that the Trust Fund do not form part of, or are not mixed with, its general assets. As such, your Trust Fund will not be used to fulfil or satisfy Metis SG's personal liabilities and obligations even if Metis SG were to become insolvent.
In addition, under Singapore law, Metis SG is required to inform Monetary Authority of Singapore ("MAS") if it is or is likely to become insolvent, it is or is likely to become unable to meet its obligations or has suspended or is about to suspend payments. In such an instance, the MAS has the power to make certain directions to Metis SG which Metis SG will need to comply with or to assume control of and manage Metis SG's business or appoint one or more persons as statutory manager to do so.
For so long as any Trust in respect of which Metis SG is a Trustee remains in whole or in part unadministered, Metis SG would not be able to cease its Trust business and/or surrender its Trust Business Licence to Monetary Authority of Singapore without the sanction of the court. As such, Metis SG would not be able to unilaterally determine that it would like to cease its Trust business and/or surrender its Trust Business Licence. Instead, if Metis SG wants to cease its Trust business in Singapore, it would most likely enter into discussions with other Trust companies who may be interested in acquiring Metis SG or transfer the whole of its Trust business to a transferee. In both of these scenarios, there will be a change of Trustee but your Trust Fund will continue to be held by the new Trustee for the benefit of your Beneficiaries.
Metis SG brings Trusts to retail investors by providing Trust Plans that are readily accessible and affordable, so that more people can benefit from the protection that a discretionary Trust provides in their financial planning journey with the following contribution options:
- Regular Contributions
- Single Contribution
- Affordable Protection
Our Trust Plans are designed for retail investors, and are both easily accessible and affordable. With our Trust Plans, you can enjoy the benefits of a Trust with monthly contributions from as low as SGD500. - You Are in Control
Our Trust Plans place the power of investment decisions in your hands. You will be able to decide on your investments, and have the ability to change your investment strategy at any time. You will also have the power to add and/or remove Second Tier Beneficiaries. - Assurance For You and Your Beneficiaries
Rest assured that the assets you place into our Trust Plans will be administered in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Trust, and that your intentions will remain confidential even after the Trust Fund have been distributed.
Yes. Offshore clients will be able to sign up for our Trust Plans so long as they are able to satisfy Metis SG's onboarding requirements.
No. The assets placed under your Trust Plan will not form part of your estate.
Yes, Metis SG can accept contributions paid out from a remittance company provided that this arrangement has satisfied Metis SG's internal compliance checks (including any AML/CFT checks).
No. This arrangement is not available at the moment.
Yes, the Settlor can also be a Beneficiary of the Trust. Under Metis SG's Trust Plans, the Settlor can decide whether he/she wishes to be a First Tier Beneficiary. He/she will also need to name at least one or more (up to 5) Second Tier Beneficiaries other than himself/herself.
Yes, the Settlor may decide whether to opt-in or opt-out as a First Tier Beneficiary at the point of application for the Trust Plan. If the Settlor decides to opt-in as a First Tier Beneficiary, he/she may not appoint himself/herself as a Second Tier Beneficiary subsequently. If the Settlor decides to opt-out as a First Tier Beneficiary, the Settlor may not appoint himself/herself as a Beneficiary (whether First Tier or Second Tier) subsequently.
Yes, the Settlor is allowed to amend his/her Letter of Wishes even if he/she is not a First Tier Beneficiary.
No. Under the terms and conditions of the Trust, the Beneficiaries do not have the rights to request for distributions to be made to them. Metis SG, as a discretionary trustee, will exercise its discretion to make distributions in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Trust
The Beneficiaries can be a person residing overseas but not an organisation.
Given that Metis SG's Trust Plans are discretionary Trust Plans, the Beneficiary's right to the assets of the Trust will only crystallise when the Trustee has exercised its discretion to make a distribution to the Beneficiary. As such, it would be incorrect to suggest that certain Trust Fund are earmarked for certain Beneficiaries.
Yes, it is possible to submit a request to Metis SG to re-assign policies that have been assigned into the Trust to one of the named Beneficiaries. Such re-assignment will be treated as a distribution of Trust Fund and, as with all distributions, is subject to Metis SG's discretion. The re-assignment may also be subject to certain fees and charges.
Upon the death of the Settlor or both Settlors (in the case of joint application), Metis SG will distribute the Trust Fund to the named Beneficiary(ies) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Trust Plan. In doing so, Metis SG would generally take reference from the Settlor's Letter of Wishes.
The requisite documents have been set out under Resources > Forms.
Please refer to the document titled "Supporting Documents Required Under Specified Events"
No.
Any distribution of Trust Fund is subject to Metis SG's internal compliance checks. Once Metis SG's internal compliance checks have been completed, Metis SG will make the distribution within 45 calendar days after the Valuation Day (provided Metis SG has received the settlement proceeds from the manager, issuer or dealer of the relevant asset).
The Contingent Investment Adviser ("CIA") shall assume the reserve powers of investment and asset management when there is no surviving Settlor(s). The CIA also has the power to appoint or nominate a successor. In the event that there is no CIA upon the death or Incapacity of the Settlor, Metis SG shall have the power to appoint any person it thinks fit to be the CIA.
Upon the death of the Settlor(s) (assuming satisfactory proof has been provided to Metis SG), we will distribute the Trust Fund to the Beneficiaries in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Trust Plan.
No. The Trustee (Metis SG) does not have any discretionary power with regard to any investment decisions. Our Trust Plans will create a reserved power Trust where the powers of investment and asset management will be reserved to the Settlor(s).
"Incapacity" means with respect to any person any of the following:
(a) any inability to give reasoned consideration to financial or business matters, the existence of any such inability being determined by Metis SG by reference to advice given to Metis SG from a physician attending to such person's care at the relevant time;
(b) any inability to communicate freely as a result of kidnapping, forced confinement or any other form of coercion (such inability having been notified to Metis SG); or
(c) if such person cannot be located by Metis SG despite Metis SG reasonable endeavours to locate him for a period of six months,
and "Incapacitated" shall be construed accordingly.
The Settlor(s) may indicate in the Letter of Wishes whether they wish for the Trust Fund to be distributed in one lump sum or via monthly payout.
The Trust Fund would be distributed in accordance with the terms and conditions of Metis SG's Trust Plan and reference may be taken from the Settlor's Letter of Wishes.
Under our Letter of Wishes, the Settlor may wish for the entire Trust Fund to be distributed to the Second Tier Beneficiaries via monthly payout and is subject to the value of the Trust Fund being more than or equal to SGD 100,000 and each monthly payout being a minimum sum of SGD1,000; provided that once the value of the Trust Fund falls below SGD 10,000, the remaining Trust Fund will be distributed to the Second Tier Beneficiaries in one lump sum.
SapphirePRO is a regular contribution Trust Plan, with a contribution commitment term (known as “Contribution Payment Term” or “CPT”) between 5 years and 30 years.
SapphirePRO was developed for individuals who are looking to build up their wealth over a period of time by putting aside small amounts of money on a regular basis; while retaining their investment decisions on investment opportunities and enjoying the benefits and protection under a Trust structure.
You are eligible for SapphirePRO provided that you are between the ages of 18 and 75 years old and are not a United States person (as defined by US securities laws).
- Monthly
- Quarterly
- Semi-Annually
- Annually
Yes. We allow up to 2 Settlors for joint applications and the Settlors do not necessarily need to be related.
SapphirePRO’s minimum Regular Contribution is SGD 500 a month. The table below illustrates the total minimum Regular Contribution amount for the contribution frequencies available:
Currency | Monthly | Quarterly | Semi-Annually | Annually |
---|---|---|---|---|
SGD | 500 | 1,500 | 3,000 | 6,000 |
You can either opt for Bank Transfer (PayNow) or Giro for your Regular Contribution.
However, for the 1st contribution, only credit card payment is accepted (Visa/Mastercard)
Yes. There are 2 options available if you wish to make a Top-Up:
- Additional Regular Contribution
You may increase the Regular Contribution to your Trust Plan by making Additional Regular Contributions at a Minimum Regular Contribution amount of $100 and payment must be made via Giro or Bank Transfer. The Additional Regular Contribution must take effect at least five years before the Trust Plan CPT Maturity Date and will have its own initial contribution period. No Additional Regular Contribution will be accepted after the Trust Plan CPT maturity date. The table below illustrates the total minimum Additional Regular Contribution amount for the contribution frequencies available:
Currency | Monthly | Quarterly | Semi-Annually | Annually |
---|---|---|---|---|
SGD | 100 | 300 | 600 | 1,200 |
- Additional Single Contribution
An Additional Single Contribution can be made at any time before the Trust Plan CPT Maturity Date when the Trust Plan is in force. The minimum Additional Single Contribution is SGD 3,000 and payment must be made via Bank Transfer or cheque. No Additional Single Contribution will be accepted after the Trust Plan CPT maturity date.
You may make your Additional Regular Contributions through any of the following methods:
- GIRO
- Bank Transfer
You may make your Additional Single Contribution through any of the following methods:
- Bank Transfer
- Cheque
Payment through credit card is not accepted.
You may refer to the International Asset Selection available on our website for a list of funds that you (as the Settlor) can instruct Metis SG (as your Trustee) to invest into as existing arrangements have been set up to support such investment instructions. The document is by no means exhaustive and you can choose to invest in a fund that is not presently included in this list, provided that Metis SG is able to support your trade from an operational perspective.
The following fees and charges are applicable for SapphirePRO:
- Trust Settlement Charge
- Administration Charge
- Trust Plan Fee
For more details on all the applicable fees and charges, please refer to SapphirePRO’s terms and conditions.
Contribution Payment Term means, in relation to the Regular Contribution, the duration of the Trust Plan from Trust Plan commencement date to Trust Plan maturity date; and in relation to Additional Regular Contribution, the date which cleared monies of Additional Regular Contribution are first received till plan maturity date.
The ICP lasts between 18 to 30 months and is determined by the CPT of the Trust Plan as can be seen in the table below.
Contribution Payment Term (CPT) | Initial Contribution Period (ICP) |
---|---|
5 to 18 years | First 18 months |
19 years | First 19 months |
20 years | First 20 months |
21 years | First 21 months |
22 years | First 22 months |
23 years | First 23 months |
24 years | First 24 months |
25 years | First 25 months |
26 years | First 26 months |
27 years | First 27 months |
28 years | First 28 months |
29 years | First 29 months |
30 years | First 30 months |
The LOW is a non-legally binding document that indicates the Settlor's wishes as to the management and administration of the Trust.
It is a benefit that Metis SG may decide to provide during the Initial Contribution Period of the Trust Plan from time to time by notionally crediting additional initial units to the Trust Plan based on the relevant offer price and in accordance with our latest record of your Asset Choice selection. The Extra Allocation percentage varies with the Average Monthly Contribution and the CPT as set out in the table below:
CPT (years) | Average Monthly Contribution (SGD) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
500 - 699 | 700 - 999 | 1,000 – 1,499 | 1,500 or above | |
5 to 9 | - | - | 0.1 x CPT | 0.2 x CPT |
10 to 19 | 0.2 x CPT | 0.4 x CPT | 0.5 x CPT | 0.7 x CPT |
20 to 24 | 0.7 x CPT | 0.9 x CPT | 1.0 x CPT | 1.2 x CPT |
25 to 30 | 1.2 x CPT | 1.4 x CPT | 1.7 x CPT | 2.0 x CPT |
Minimum Trust Plan Value is currently set as SGD 6,000, after any Partial Withdrawal or Regular Withdrawal. We reserve the right to amend this value as we, in our sole and absolute discretion, deem fit.
Yes. Once the Initial Contribution Period is over, you may reduce your Regular Contribution provided that your reduced contribution is equal to or above the minimum Regular Contribution amount. Any reduction during the Initial Contribution Period is subject to Metis SG’s sole and absolute discretion.
The table below illustrates the total minimum Regular Contribution amount for the contribution frequencies available:
Currency | Monthly | Quarterly | Semi-Annually | Annually |
---|---|---|---|---|
SGD | 500 | 1,500 | 3,000 | 6,000 |
You are not allowed to reduce the Additional Regular Contribution during the relevant Initial Contribution Period of the Additional Regular Contribution. Once the Initial Contribution Period is over, you may reduce your Additional Regular Contribution provided that your reduced additional contribution is equal to or above the minimum Additional Regular Contribution.
The table below illustrates the total minimum Additional Regular Contribution amount for the contribution frequencies available:
Currency | Monthly | Quarterly | Semi-Annually | Annually |
---|---|---|---|---|
SGD | 100 | 300 | 600 | 1,200 |
Yes, under the terms and conditions of the Trust Plan, you may request to make a Partial Withdrawal (via the deduction of units from the Accumulation Account). Such Partial Withdrawal will be treated as a distribution of Trust Fund and, as with all distributions, is subject to Metis SG's discretion.
The minimum withdrawal amount is SGD 1,500 and is subject to your Trust Plan Value being equal to or more than SGD 6,000 after any Partial Withdrawal.
Yes, under the terms and conditions of the Trust Plan, you may request to make a series of fixed amount withdrawals on a regular basis after the Contribution Payment Term provided that the amount withdrawn is equal to or more than the minimum withdrawal amount of SGD 1,500 and is subject to your Trust Plan Value being equal to or more than SGD 6,000 after any Regular Withdrawal.
Such Regular Withdrawals will be treated as a distribution of Trust Fund and, as with all distributions, is subject to Metis SG's discretion.
Metis SG may award a Loyalty Bonus to Trust Plans with a CPT of more than 10 years. The Loyalty Bonus will be awarded on the 10th Plan Anniversary and on every 5th Plan Anniversary thereafter; until the expiry of the CPT.
An Exit Charge is chargeable upon termination of the Trust Plan within the Contribution Payment Term. The Exit Charge Rate is dependent on the number of remaining year(s) in the CPT with respect to termination. For the purposes of determining the Exit Charge Rate, each incomplete year remaining in the CPT will be rounded up to a complete year. To illustrate, a remaining CPT of 11 years and 1 month will be regarded as 12 years for the purposes of computing the Exit Charge Rate.
Remaining years in CPT | Exit Charge Rate | Remaining years in CPT | Exit Charge Rate | Remaining years in CPT | Exit Charge Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
30 | 100 | 20 | 74 | 1 | 50 |
29 | 90 | 19 | 71 | 9 | 47 |
28 | 88 | 18 | 69 | 8 | 44 |
27 | 86 | 17 | 66 | 7 | 40 |
26 | 84 | 16 | 64 | 6 | 35 |
25 | 83 | 15 | 62 | 5 | 30 |
24 | 81 | 14 | 60 | 4 | 25 |
23 | 80 | 13 | 58 | 3 | 20 |
22 | 78 | 12 | 56 | 2 | 15 |
21 | 76 | 11 | 54 | 1 | 8 |
The Exit Charge shall be paid by cancelling the units in the Initial Account. The Exit Charge is equal to (i) the applicable Exit Charge Rate (as shown above) multiplied by (ii) the Initial Account Value as at the date the units are cancelled.
Any Exit Charges incurred as a result of the death of the Settlor will be waived provided that the age of the Settlor at the time of death is not more than 70 on the next birthday. Please refer to the SapphirePRO terms and conditions for more details.
Minimum Allocation refers to the minimum value to be allocated to an individual investment fund/asset.
The Minimum Allocation is currently set at SGD 100 and we reserve the right to amend this value as we, in our sole and absolute discretion, deem fit.
This option is not available for now.
Yes, the Trust will still be in force when there is a surviving Settlor even if the other Settlor dies.
No. Metis SG’s Trust Plans are Trusts and we do not have any premium holidays. However, under the terms and conditions of SapphirePRO, the Settlor can choose to stop the contributions after the ICP. In such a scenario, the Trust Plan fees and charges will still be ongoing. If the plan value falls below the Minimum Trust Plan Value, encashment will take place.
You are able to choose up to 5 investment funds/assets at any one time. However, please note that there is a Minimum Allocation requirement at SGD 100 per investment fund/asset.
CitrinePRO is a single contribution Trust Plan with a minimum contribution amount starting from SGD 30,000.
CitrinePRO was developed for individuals who wish to set aside a lump sum of money under the protection of a Trust; while retaining their investment decisions on investment opportunities so as to continue growing its value through investment returns and eventually benefitting their Beneficiaries.
You are eligible for CitrinePRO provided that you are between the ages of 18 and 80 years old and are not a United States person (as defined by US securities laws).
Yes. We allow up to 2 Settlors for joint application and the Settlors do not necessarily need to be related.
SGD 30,000
SGD 10,000
Yes, Top-Up Contributions can only be added to an existing Trust Plan at any time before the Settlor or the youngest Settlor (in the case joint application) reaches the age of 80.
You may make your Single Contribution/ Top-Up Contribution through any of the following methods:
- Cheque
- Bank Transfer
Payment through credit card is not accepted.
The Exit Charge Waiver Date is a date that is 36 months from the date of receipt of a contribution. Beyond this date, no Exit Charge will be applicable for encashment or any withdrawal.
This benefit is a waiver of the administration charge as follows:
i) where the average month-end Trust Plan Account value for the last 12 months prior to the Trust Plan anniversary is between SGD50,000 and SGD149,999, the administration charge payable for the first month after the Trust Plan anniversary will be waived;
ii) where the average month-end Trust Plan Account value for the last 12 months prior to the Trust Plan anniversary is equal or greater than SGD150,000, the administration charge payable for the first and second month after the Trust Plan anniversary will be waived.
- Trust Establishment Charge
- Administration Charge
- Exit Charge
For more details on all the applicable fees and charges, please refer to CitrinePRO’s terms and conditions.
Minimum Trust Plan Value means,
(a) the sum of:
(i) (within the first year of any Contribution) 50% of the Contribution;
(ii) (within the second year of any Contribution) 40% of the Contribution;
(iii) (within the third year of any Contribution) 30% of the Contribution; or
(b) $10,000;whichever is higher.
Once the Trust Plan account value falls below the Minimum Trust Plan Value, the Trust Plan will be subject to Exit Charge and will be terminated thereafter.
An Exit Charge will be imposed if you terminate the Trust Plan on or before the relevant Exit Charge Waiver Date. The applicable Exit Charge Rate is set out in the table below.
Remaining Months | Exit Charge Rate | Remaining Months | Exit Charge Rate | Remaining Months | Exit Charge Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
36 | 8.00 | 24 | 5.34 | 12 | 2.67 |
35 | 7.78 | 23 | 5.12 | 11 | 2.45 |
34 | 7.56 | 22 | 4.89 | 10 | 2.23 |
33 | 7.34 | 21 | 4.67 | 9 | 2.01 |
32 | 7.12 | 20 | 4.45 | 8 | 1.79 |
31 | 6.89 | 19 | 4.23 | 7 | 1.56 |
30 | 6.67 | 18 | 4.01 | 6 | 1.34 |
29 | 6.45 | 17 | 3.78 | 5 | 1.12 |
28 | 6.23 | 16 | 3.56 | 4 | 0.90 |
27 | 6.01 | 15 | 3.34 | 3 | 0.68 |
26 | 5.78 | 14 | 3.12 | 2 | 0.45 |
25 | 5.56 | 13 | 2.90 | 1 | 0.23 |
The Exit Charge shall be paid by cancelling the Units in the Trust Plan account. The Exit Charge is equal to the applicable Exit Charge Rate (as shown above) multiplied by the higher of the respective applicable contribution(s) or the value of the Units purchased with the applicable contribution(s) in the Trust Plan account.
Any Exit Charges incurred as a result of the death of the Settlor will be waived provided that the age of the Settlor at the time of death is not more than 70 on the next birthday. Please refer to the CitrinePRO terms and conditions for more details.
Yes, under the terms and conditions of the Trust Plan, you may request to make a Partial Withdrawal (via the deduction of account units). Such Partial Withdrawal will be treated as a distribution of Trust Fund and, as with all distributions, is subject to Metis SG's discretion.
The minimum withdrawal amount is SGD 3,000 and is subject to your Trust Plan Value being equal to or more than the Minimum Trust Plan Value.
The Minimum Withdrawal Amount is currently set at SGD3,000 and we reserve the right to change this amount from time to time.
The Minimum Withdrawal Amount is currently set at SGD3,000 and we reserve the right to change this amount from time to time.
Yes, you may request to obtain the encashment value at any time while the Trust Plan is in force. Such encashment will be treated as a distribution of Trust assets and, as with all distributions, is subject to Metis SG's discretion. An exit charge will be payable if encashment is effected on or before the Exit Charge Waiver Date.
The LOW is a non-legally binding document that indicates the Settlor's wishes as to the management and administration of Trust.
Notional Units means the units in the assets that shall notionally be purchased with the contributions received after deducting the establishment charge. The price of the Notional Units is set to be equal to the price of a unit in the asset. The Notional Units are used only for the purpose of calculating the value of the Trust Plan.
You may refer to the International Asset Selection available on our website for a list of funds that you (as the Settlor) can instruct Metis SG (as your Trustee) to invest into as existing arrangements have been set up to support such investment instructions. The document is by no means exhaustive and you can choose to invest in a fund that is not presently included in this list, provided that Metis SG is able to support your trade from an operational perspective.
Minimum Allocation refers to the minimum value to be allocated to an individual investment fund/asset.
The Minimum Allocation is currently set at SGD 3,000 and we reserve the right to amend this value as we, in our sole and absolute discretion, deem fit.
This option is not available for now.
Yes, the trust will still be in force if one settlor dies.
You are able to choose 5 investment funds/assets at any one time. However, please note that there is a minimum allocation requirement at SGD 3000 per investment fund/asset.