Finance professionals eye entrepreneurship paths: report

The survey found that 37% of professionals have ambitions to be entrepreneurs.

More than a third of finance professionals in Singapore have ambitions to become entrepreneurs, according to ACCA’s Global Talent Trends 2025 report.

The survey found that 37% of surveyed professionals in Singapore have career ambitions to be entrepreneurs, reflecting a growing desire for autonomy and innovation within the profession. Regionally, the figure is even higher, with 52% in Asia Pacific sharing the same goal.

The study also highlighted strong mobility trends, with “65% of respondents in Singapore… expect[ing] to move roles in the next two years,” and more than half aiming to leave their current organisations.

Interest in sustainability-focused careers continues to grow, with “61% in Singapore… interested in pursuing accountancy careers focused on environmental issues.”

Globally, sustainability responsibilities are increasingly embedded in leadership roles, with “48% of wider leadership roles below board level and 35% of middle management roles in finance currently include sustainability responsibilities.”

Despite Singapore’s position as a digital leader, the report reveals concern over future-readiness: “65% of Singapore professionals are concerned they are not developing the skills needed for tomorrow’s workplace,” particularly around AI.

Only “27% say their organisation currently provides opportunities to learn AI-related skills.”

Wellbeing remains a critical issue, with “53% of Singapore respondents reporting that their mental health suffers due to work pressures.” Whilst this is a slight improvement from previous years, the data underscored a need for more comprehensive mental health support strategies.

There is also a mismatch in work format preferences. Whilst “79% of Singapore respondents prefer hybrid working models,” 41% report still working full-time in the office.

This disconnect, according to the report, “risks employee disengagement and could impact long-term skills development if not addressed through equitable and transparent hybrid work policies.”

The cost-of-living crisis continues to dominate workplace concerns, with “32% of Singaporeans… expecting a pay raise of at least 11%.”

Additionally, the rise of supplementary income streams is notable, as “33% of Singapore respondents across all generations suggest they are now engaged in additional employment to their main jobs.”

Diversity and inclusion also remain areas for improvement. The report found that “56% of Singaporeans… say their organisation focuses more on certain aspects of diversity than others,” with older workers being among the overlooked groups.

Global mobility continues to appeal to finance professionals, with “56% citing a desire to pursue career opportunities abroad.”