For two decades, Singapore has been one of APAC’s most reliable gateways for international finance. Its strategic location, low taxes, advanced infrastructure, and political stability made it a natural choice for hedge funds, banks, and trading firms building regional operations.
But change is underway. Recent updates to Singapore’s COMPASS framework and stricter Employment Pass rules have made it harder for foreign professionals to enter or stay in the market. While these measures don’t shut the door on overseas talent, they do create a more competitive and time-sensitive hiring environment.
So, what does this mean for global talent? And could other APAC markets benefit from the shift?
The revised COMPASS system requires firms to show not just salary competitiveness, but also the strategic value of each international hire.
Key updates include:
Higher qualifying salaries: Employment Pass minimums now start at SGD 6,200 per month, rising to over SGD 11,800 for senior experts.
Shorter job-change windows: Most professionals now have just 30 days to find a new role after a pass is cancelled. High earners (SGD 22,500+) qualify for a Personalised Employment Pass, which gives up to six months.
For global financial institutions, the rules don’t eliminate international hiring but demand faster decision-making, clearer justifications, and sharper talent strategies.
After a slower post-pandemic recovery, Hong Kong has reclaimed its place as Asia’s leading financial hub. Its Top Talent Pass Scheme now offers two-year visas to high earners and top university graduates — even without a job offer — making the city attractive to global professionals once again.
Sydney continues to grow as a destination for both lifestyle and career-driven relocations. Hedge funds and trading firms are expanding in the city, while Australia’s flexible visa pathways make entry smoother compared to Singapore. Firms like Point72, WorldQuant, and White Elk Partners are actively building teams there.
With the Nikkei and TOPIX hitting record highs and financial innovation such as a yen-pegged stablecoin, Japan is drawing new interest. Rising wages and long-term economic stability are strengthening its appeal to international talent.
Government-backed incentives - including 100% foreign ownership, tax breaks, and faster licensing under the new Financial Business Hub Act - are designed to turn Thailand into a regional finance hub.
A 30% surge in the KOSPI index alongside governance reforms and renewed hedge fund inflows is positioning South Korea as another strong contender. Visa reforms and fintech investment in Seoul are further improving its pull for overseas professionals.
It’s not only physical hubs competing for talent. Remote work has made global mobility less important for firms willing to embrace distributed teams.
According to recent data, 61% of financial services organisations now see remote work as a hiring advantage. For candidates, it means the ability to contribute to leading firms without relocating, while maintaining flexibility and cost-of-living benefits.
Singapore’s tightening rules won’t stop it from being a financial powerhouse. But with Hong Kong, Sydney, Tokyo, Seoul, and Bangkok all stepping up - plus the rise of remote-first strategies - the race for top talent across APAC has never been more competitive.
At Tribus, we connect hedge funds, trading firms, and fintechs with global talent across APAC and beyond. If you’re scaling your team or exploring your next career move, we’d love to connect.
Want more insights on hiring trends and talent shifts across APAC? Subscribe to our APAC Trading Insights newsletter and get updates straight to your inbox.
Joe Goddard is a Senior Recruiter at Tribus, specialising in hiring across crypto, trading, and fintech in APAC. Based in Sydney, he partners with firms across Singapore, Hong Kong, and beyond to connect them with top international talent.
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