Frequently Asked Questions

About Family Offices

1. What is a Family Office?

A Family Office is a private entity established by a wealthy family to manage and oversee their financial and personal affairs. They provide a range of services, including investment management, estate planning, tax optimisation.

A single-family office is a private organisation set up exclusively to manage the financial and personal affairs of one wealthy family. It serves only one family, with fully customized services, often including investment management, estate planning, tax, legal, concierge, and even household staffing, and is funded and controlled entirely by the family.

In contrast, a multi-family office shares resources across families, making it more cost-efficient while sacrificing on its customizability and privacy.

Setting Up a Family Office in Forest City SFZ

1. What is the Johor-Singapore Special Financial Zone (JS-SFZ)?

The JS-SFZ is a cross-border economic zone designed to enhance investment, trade, and wealth management between Malaysia and Singapore.

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The process includes legal structuring, business registration, regulatory approval, and tax planning. Our law firm can guide you through every step.

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Single Family Offices (SFOs) managing wealth for UHNWIs that meet the regulatory requirements in the Forest City SFZ.

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SFOVs must be established in Forest City, within the Special Financial Zone (SFZ).

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Yes, the SFZ is open to international UHNWIs looking to establish their SFOs within a tax-friendly environment.

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Tax & Investment Benefits

1. How can investors benefit from 0% tax?

Investors can reinvest profits that would otherwise be taxed, leading to higher capital growth and long-term wealth accumulation.

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The tax exemption applies for an initial 10-year period, with potential extensions subject to compliance with regulations.

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Investments can include equities, debt instruments, private equity, real estate (Forest City only), forex, and structured products.

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Family offices can freely allocate assets across multiple jurisdictions without major regulatory hurdles.

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Yes, they have unlimited access to foreign currency investments with funds sourced from non-residents or overseas.

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Financial & Talent Support in the SFZ

1. What financial services are available for UHNWIs in the JS-SFZ?

Major banks are setting up specialised wealth management and private banking services for investors.

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The SC facilitates employment passes for full-time staff and visas for accompanying family members.

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A 15% preferential income tax rate for skilled workers and government-backed training initiatives make it attractive to top professionals.

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Its strong banking infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and proximity to Singapore’s financial markets make it ideal.

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Legal Support

1. When will the Family Office Incentive Scheme take effect?

The scheme is set for full implementation in 2025, further enhancing the benefits for family offices in Forest City.

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We provide guidance on regulatory compliance, structuring, tax planning, and licensing to ensure a smooth and legally sound establishment.

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Application & Approval Process

1. What documents are required for the Conditional Approval Application to the SC Malaysia?

As part of the application, clients must prepare a detailed suite of documents and legal opinions on ownership or licensing exemptions. Our firm can assist in preparing and reviewing these materials, ensuring they meet SC expectations and are appropriately tailored for your proposed family office structure.

Applications for conditional approval should be submitted after a preliminary consultation with the SC or concurrently with onboarding to the incentive scheme. We will facilitate these engagements with the SC, ensuring timing and content are aligned with regulatory expectations.

We coordinate the submission process on your behalf, including document packaging, formatting, and direct liaison with SC officers as needed.

Yes. The SC may require a formal legal opinion to confirm ultimate beneficial ownership, particularly where structures involve trusts or indirect shareholding. Our firm provides legal opinions that explain and verify the client’s ownership structure and any relevant exemptions under the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007.

Our Services & Process

1. What services do you provide?

We are not a family office, but we offer services that ease you through setting up family offices in Forest City such as providing guidance on regulatory compliance, structuring, tax planning, and licensing to ensure a smooth and legally sound establishment.

We typically work with families possessing a minimum of RM30 million (approximately USD 7 million) in assets. However, we understand that each family’s situation is unique, and we are open to discussing how we can assist you regardless of your asset level.

Our fee structure is transparent and based on the complexity of services provided. Fees may include a combination of asset-based fees, hourly rates, and flat fees for specific services. We ensure that all fees are clearly outlined and agreed upon before commencing any engagement.

Absolutely. We do not render asset management services ourselves but collaborate with existing financial service providers and enhance the efforts of your advisory team, not replace them.

Our investment approach is grounded in long-term value creation, diversification, and risk management. We focus on understanding your family’s financial goals and aligning them with appropriate investment strategies that reflect your values and risk tolerance.

Confidentiality is paramount. We implement stringent security measures to protect your personal and financial information. Our team adheres to the highest ethical standards and complies with all relevant regulations to maintain your privacy and trust.

Our onboarding process is designed to be thorough yet straightforward:

  1. Initial Consultation: We discuss your family’s goals, values, and current financial situation.
  2. Needs Assessment: We identify areas where our services can add value.
  3. Proposal and Agreement: We present a tailored plan and agree on terms.
  4. Implementation: We begin executing the agreed-upon strategies and services

Throughout this process, we ensure clear communication and transparency.

We emphasize the importance of family governance, education, and succession planning. By fostering open communication and aligning family members around shared values and objectives, we help ensure the preservation and growth of wealth across generations.

We have experience working with families across different jurisdictions and are well-versed in navigating the complexities of international tax laws, estate planning, and asset management. Our global network of professionals ensures that your family’s interests are managed effectively worldwide.

Our commitment to personalised service, integrity, and long-term relationships distinguishes us. We view ourselves as stewards of your family’s legacy, working collaboratively to achieve your financial and personal aspirations.

Getting started is simple. Just email us or reach us on WhatsApp to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to learning about your family’s unique needs and exploring how we can assist you in achieving your goals.