Short answer

• You can invest in private debt in Singapore either indirectly (via private-credit funds, fund-of-funds, or via private-banking / wealth-management channels) or directly (through regulated debt/marketplace platforms, securities crowdfunding, or private placements). Start by checking whether the opportunity is restricted to Accredited or institutional investors, confirm the provider’s MAS licence/registration, and do strict credit and legal due diligence. (reedsmith.com, eservices.mas.gov.sg)

How private-debt access typically works (routes)

• Private credit / private‑debt funds (closed‑end funds, evergreen credit funds) offered by asset managers or private banks — access usually via private-banking channels or fund platforms. (eservices.mas.gov.sg)
• Securities-crowdfunding and marketplace lending platforms (SME loans, invoice finance, short-term business loans) that let retail / accredited investors buy notes or loans; many operate under MAS/CMS rules. Example: Funding Societies. (fundingsocieties.com)
• Private placements / direct lending to companies, or co‑lending arranged by platforms or private lenders (normally restricted to accredited/institutional investors). (eservices.mas.gov.sg)
• Secondary/structured products that give exposure to private credit (fund feeder vehicles or tokenised debt offerings on regulated exchanges/platforms). (eservices.mas.gov.sg)

Key regulatory & access points you must check

• Accredited‑Investor status: many private-debt funds and restricted offers are only available to “accredited investors” (income / net-asset thresholds and opt-in). Confirm whether you meet the statutory tests and have opted in with your bank/platform. (quantos.capital, hsbc.com.sg)
• MAS developments: MAS published a consultation in March 2025 proposing a “Long‑Term Investment Fund (LIF)” framework to broaden retail access to private markets; this may change what retail investors can buy going forward—keep an eye on MAS updates. (MAS consultation: 27 Mar 2025). (reedsmith.com)
• Confirm the provider’s licence/notification status (CMS licence, CISNet listing for restricted schemes, or MAS-approved crowdfunding operator) before investing. (eservices.mas.gov.sg, fundingsocieties.com)

Tax & structural considerations (important)

• Tax treatment depends on source and structure. IRAS guidance: interest from deposits with approved banks and many debt securities is generally non‑taxable for individuals, but interest from lending as a business or certain foreign interest can be taxable — get tax advice for private-debt returns. (iras.gov.sg)

Risks to be aware of

• Credit / default risk (borrower solvency); small‑business lending and niche credit strategies can have materially higher default risk.
• Liquidity risk — many private‑debt investments have lock‑ups or long tenors and limited secondary markets.
• Manager and operational risk — underwriting, servicing and recoveries hinge on the manager/platform.
• Legal and structural risk — check security/collateral, subordination, covenants, and enforcement mechanisms.
• Concentration / diversification risk and interest‑rate risk. (These are the primary risks; always verify specifics in each PPM/term sheet.) (fundingsocieties.com, eservices.mas.gov.sg)

Due‑diligence checklist (what to read / ask)

• Provider / manager: licence, track record, AUM, defaults & recovery history, staffing and servicing infrastructure. (eservices.mas.gov.sg)
• Legal docs: private placement memorandum (PPM), subscription agreement, loan agreements, security documents, waterfall, priority of claims, events of default and enforcement rights. (eservices.mas.gov.sg)
• Credit process: borrower underwriting standards, covenants, stress tests, use of proceeds, collateral valuation and monitoring. (fundingsocieties.com)
• Fees & economics: management fees, performance / incentive fees, servicing fees and any platform commissions. (fundingsocieties.com)
• Liquidity / redemption terms and secondary‑market availability. (eservices.mas.gov.sg)

How to get started (practical steps)

1. Decide allocation and objectives: income vs. total return, tenor, allowable illiquidity.
2. Check your investor status (accredited or retail) and whether you can access the product. (quantos.capital)
3. Shortlist providers: private banks/wealth managers; established private‑credit managers; regulated platforms (e.g., Funding Societies and other MAS‑regulated operators or CISNet‑notified funds). Verify MAS licence/registration. (fundingsocieties.com, eservices.mas.gov.sg)
4. Review materials, request manager track‑record, stress‑case projections and legal documents; get your lawyer to review security and enforcement rights. (eservices.mas.gov.sg)
5. Start small and diversify across borrowers / strategies; monitor performance and servicing reports. (fundingsocieties.com)

Examples of Singapore channels you can investigate

• Funding Societies (SME marketplace loans / notes). (fundingsocieties.com)
• MAS‑regulated securities‑crowdfunding or private‑securities platforms (CapBridge, Kilde and others). Verify each platform’s current licence and investor eligibility. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Private banks and wealth divisions (DBS/OCBC/UOB, international private banks) that offer private‑credit fund placements (check Accredited Investor access). (hsbc.com.sg, eservices.mas.gov.sg)

A few practical warnings and tips

• Don’t rely solely on advertised historical returns — ask for default and recovery data and independent audits. (eservices.mas.gov.sg)
• Carefully check whether your interest income will be treated as taxable under IRAS for the specific structure you use. Get a Singapore tax adviser if you’re uncertain. (iras.gov.sg)
• Watch regulatory changes: MAS’s 2025 LIF consultation could broaden retail access or change disclosure/structuring rules—keep current. (reedsmith.com)

Final note / next step If you want, I can:

• summarize and compare 3 Singapore platforms/fund types (e.g., SME marketplace vs private‑credit fund vs private placement) with licensing and minimums, or
• draft a short due‑diligence questionnaire you can send to a manager/platform.

I’m not a licensed financial or tax adviser — consider getting a regulated wealth manager and a Singapore tax lawyer/adviser before making material allocations.