Helmi Talib

Managing Partner, Kreston Helmi Talib, Singapore

Helmi Talib is a highly qualified and experienced Managing Partner, distinguished by his extensive background in public accounting and his commitment to lifelong learning. With over 30 years in the industry, he has established himself as a senior member of prominent professional institutes in Singapore, notably serving on the council of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and holding fellowships with several prestigious accounting bodies.

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Audrey Ong

Tax Director

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Singapore budget 2026 boosts local businesses and investor confidence

March 11, 2026

The Singapore budget introduces new measures to boost liquidity, including expanded startup funding, investment support and tax incentives designed to strengthen the country’s capital markets.

Startup funding strengthened through StartUp SG Equity

Singapore is allocating S$1bn to strengthen StartUp SG Equity, a government co-investment programme, in a bid to foster innovative, locally grown technology startups. These measures highlight how the Singapore budget aims to boost liquidity while supporting the next generation of high-growth companies.

New investment funds to support high-growth companies and market liquidity

Another S$1.5bn, continuing the Anchor Fund Scheme introduced in 2025, will be invested in high-growth companies to strengthen Singapore’s exchange market. An additional S$1.5bn will also be allocated to asset managers, ultimately boosting Singapore’s overall liquidity and investor attractiveness.

Higher grants to support SME innovation and digital adoption

Additionally, it was announced in the Budget that grant support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be raised to 70% and 50% for non-SMEs of eligible costs incurred for overseas market promotion, business development, and market setup.

Tax rebates and incentives to support international expansion

Singapore businesses will also benefit from a 40% corporate income tax rebate for 2026 alongside enhanced support for global expansion under the Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation Scheme. This enables businesses to claim up to S$400,000 in tax deductions on expenses related to market research and studies for investment exploration or expansion outside Singapore.

Singapore aligns with global minimum tax under BEPS Pillar Two

For multinational companies, the new domestic top-up tax will be raised to 15% from FY2027, following the BEPS 2.0 (Pillar Two) global minimum tax framework. This ensures profits generated in Singapore are taxed in line with evolving global standards.