Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
外商直接投资

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
外商直接投资

At a glance

One connected, borderless network
Wherever growth takes you, we connect you to what’s next.

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Growth across borders is no longer just about entering new markets. It's about capturing the right opportunities and navigating them successfully. As businesses expand internationally, they face increasingly complex regulatory environment, operational challenges and market dynamics. Success depends on making the right connections, understanding local market realities and executing effectively across borders.

As the largest bank in Southeast Asia with presence across 19 markets, DBS helps turn international ambitions into sustainable growth. Through our dedicated Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) connectivity team, we connect businesses to markets, partners, capital and capabilities needed to enter, operate and scale across Asia and beyond. 

We make Asia easier to navigate, from market entry to regional scale. Through one connected relationship, businesses gain access to strategic connections, local insights and financial expertise needed to seize the next opportunity, navigate complexity and grow with confidence across markets.

Why DBS FDI?

Borderless connectivity

Connect to markets and partners that matter.

  • Tap into DBS' network across 19 markets and in-depth expertise in Asia.
  • Access our ecosystem of strategic FDI partners across government agencies, business associations and professional service providers. 
  • Connect to value chain players across origin and destination corridors.

Our network


 

Our partners

Local expertise and advisory

Navigate new markets with greater clarity. 

  • Our multilingual, on-the-ground teams combine knowledge of local operating and regulatory environments with industry expertise across 14 sectors, helping businesses make informed decisions as they establish and grow in new markets.

Seamless One-Bank execution

Access an integrated suite of solutions through one connected relationship.

  • We support businesses at every stage of their international expansion journey. 
  • From corporate banking, cash and trade, treasury, capital markets, wealth management to advisory, our FDI Connectivity team brings together capabilities across markets and business units to support your expansion as One Bank.
Our solutions
  • Future-ready trade finance

    Power your growth with innovative global trade and supply chain finance solutions

  • Manage your cash processes

    We can make your cash work harder for you across your entire business
  • Equity & Debt Capital Markets

    Raise funds with market leading debt and equity financing solutions

  • Wealth Planning

    We offer tailored strategies for your succession, liquidity and legacy planning.

A new era for FDI

 

The rules of overseas expansion are changing. For many businesses, international growth is no longer about simply entering a market. It is about building resilient and diversified supply chains, embedding innovation and technology, operating more efficiently and creating sustainable sources of growth in an increasingly complex world.

Recent DBS research shows that companies are becoming more deliberate in their expansion strategies, prioritising localisation, ecosystem partnerships and long-term market development. At the same time, evolving regulatory requirements and shifting global trade dynamics are making execution as important as opportunity. In this new era of foreign direct investment, success depends not only on where businesses expand, but on how effectively they connect opportunities, capabilities and expertise across markets and borders.

Explore the insights from our latest DBS x Caixin research report, Sci-Tech Frontiers: What Comes Next, to understand the trends shaping the future of overseas expansion.

Access insights

Insights for overseas growth
  • Tariffs to trade transformation

    How Asian economies are adapting
  • Entering new markets

    Strategic entry into Asia with DBS
  • Navigating volatility

    FDI crucial for Asian resilience amid global economic challenges
  • Asian economies face further tariff whiplash

    A high-tariff environment will challenge export-oriented Asian economies and manufacturing businesses based here.
  • FDI Inflows Continue to Boost Singapore’s Economy

    FDI will remain robust in Singapore, as government investment in advanced technologies, decarbonisation, and workforce upskilling continues.
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Awards
Global Finance

Global Finance

World’s Best Corporate Bank 2026

Euromoney Awards for Excellence

Euromoney Awards for Excellence

World’s Best Bank 2019, 2021, 2025

Global Finance

Global Finance

Safest Bank in Asia 2009-2025

The Asset

The Asset

Asia Pacific’s Best Transaction Bank 2017, 2019, 2023, 2026

Global Finance

Global Finance

World’s Best Corporate Bank 2026

Euromoney Awards for Excellence

Euromoney Awards for Excellence

World’s Best Bank 2019, 2021, 2025

Global Finance

Global Finance

Safest Bank in Asia 2009-2025

The Asset

The Asset

Asia Pacific’s Best Transaction Bank 2017, 2019, 2023, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) and what are the activities associated with it?

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is an investment from an entity in one country into a business or corporation in another country, with the intention of establishing a lasting relationship or interest. This could come in the form of an acquisition of a substantial stake in a foreign business, or an outright purchase of a company as a means to expand into a new market and develop a multinational presence. 

What are the risks associated with FDI activities?

As with any kind of investment, FDI activities carry with them a certain level of risk. 

Given the international nature of FDI, investors may face financial risks because of high transaction costs, sudden currency volatility, or third-party intermediaries. In foreign markets – especially those in emerging economies – investors may also face liquidity risks, or risks posed by political instability.  

What FDI products are available at DBS?

We offer a wide range of products and services for clients to begin engaging in FDI activities, including advisory and platform-based solutions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your business goals.

Why is Singapore a prime location for FDI?

Singapore stands as a global business hub, renowned for its innovation, reliability, and stability. The nation offers a business-friendly climate, supported by strong legal and regulatory frameworks along with attractive tax policies, making it straightforward for both corporations and individuals to conduct business. As a highly regarded regional treasury centre (RTC), Singapore serves as an optimal platform for global expansion.

Singapore is also one of the largest offshore clearing centres for renminbi (RMB) and maintains large trade volumes with its ASEAN neighbours, outperforming other hubs in Asia. 

Learn more about Reminbi Solutions.

Has the Singapore government implemented any initiatives to support FDI growth in the country?

In Singapore, the government has introduced a range of measures to foster FDI. These include incentives from the Economic Development Board of Singapore (EDB), tax exemptions, grants for research and development (R&D) and permits for technology professionals.

What rules apply to Singapore FDI?

Although Singapore widely welcomes foreign investment, it is governed by specific regulations and restrictions. Sectors considered sensitive to public or national security, including media and real estate, may face FDI limitations. Meanwhile, industries such as professional services, banking, and telecommunications might be regulated through licensing requirements.

Get in touch

Wherever growth takes you, let’s connect you to what’s next. 

Speak to our FDI specialists about your international expansion needs.

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From overseas: +65 6222 2200
In Singapore: 1800 222 2200
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