Robo-advisors have become a go-to option in Singapore for beginner and seasoned investors alike — thanks to their low fees, ease of use, and smart automation.

Whether you're starting with just S$10 or using your CPF or SRS savings, robo-advisors make it easy to grow your wealth — no financial expertise required. But with so many platforms in the market, how do you choose the best robo-advisor for your needs?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know:

• What robo-advisors are and how they work

• Key differences between popular platforms like Endowus, StashAway, and Syfe

• Fees, performance, portfolio types, and CPF/SRS support

• How robo-advisors compare to DIY investing, unit trusts, and financial advisors

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to optimise your portfolio, use this guide to make confident, well-informed decisions.

» MORE: Are robo advisors worth it?

Think of a robo-advisor as your automated investment helper. It's a smart online platform that uses computer programs (algorithms) to invest your money for you.

How robo-advisors work

It's like putting your investments on autopilot:

1. Tell them about yourself: You answer questions about your financial goals (like retirement or a new home), how much risk you're comfortable with, and when you might need the money.

2. They build your portfolio: Based on your answers, the robo-advisor creates a mix of investments designed for you. This usually includes:

• ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds): Imagine these as ready-made baskets of stocks or bonds, tracking a specific market. They give you instant variety.

• Bonds: Think of these as loans to governments or companies. They're generally less risky than stocks.

• REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts): These let you invest in properties like malls or offices and potentially earn income.

1. They manage everything: As the value of your investments changes, the robo-advisor automatically buys and sells assets to keep your portfolio balanced and aligned with your goals. This is called rebalancing.

Why choose a robo-advisor in Singapore?

Here's why they're gaining popularity here:

• Low entry barrier: You can start investing with as little as S$0 on some platforms.

• Lower fees: They typically charge less than traditional financial advisors, saving you money in the long run.

• Stress-free investing: Let the algorithms handle the research and management.

• CPF/SRS options: Some allow you to invest your CPF and SRS funds for retirement.

• Easy diversification: They automatically spread your money across different investments to reduce risk.

Endowus stands out by providing Singaporean investors with access to sophisticated investment strategies and funds that were previously the domain of institutional investors. Its support for CPF and SRS investments makes it a strong contender for those focused on retirement planning. The tiered fee structure can be advantageous for users with larger investment amounts.

» Read full review

SingSaver’s take

StashAway has gained popularity in Singapore for its user-friendly platform and its focus on managing investment risk through its proprietary ERA framework. The availability of various portfolio types caters to different investment goals and risk appetites. The low minimum investment makes it accessible to new investors.

» Read full review 

» MORE: Passive income Singapore 2025: 18 top ideas & earning potential

SingSaver’s take

Syfe is a popular choice in Singapore, particularly for its REIT+ portfolio that caters to local investors' interest in real estate. The customisation options provide more control for experienced investors, while the core portfolios offer broad diversification. The platform is generally easy to use and understand.

» Read full review 

SingSaver’s take

Kristal.AI offers a wide array of global investment options and strategies, making it suitable for investors looking beyond Singapore-centric portfolios. The tiered fee structure, including a 0% tier for smaller accounts, can be attractive. However, the USD-based investment might introduce currency risk for Singaporean investors.

» Read full review

Understanding what you're investing in is key. Robo-advisors offer different portfolio types to match your goals and how much risk you're comfortable with.

Core portfolios: Global diversified

Consider these your standard, well-rounded options. They invest in a mix of stocks and bonds from around the world, aiming for steady, long-term growth.

Good for: Investors who want a simple, diversified approach for the long haul without actively managing their investments.

Thematic portfolios: ESG, REIT+, Tech

These portfolios focus on specific areas or trends that you might be interested in.

• ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance): Investing in companies that are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and have good governance practices.

• REIT+: Focuses on real estate investment trusts, especially in Singapore, for potential income and growth.

• Tech: Invests in technology-related companies, which can offer high growth but also come with more risk.

Good for: Investors who have specific interests or beliefs they want their investments to reflect or who see potential in certain sectors.

Customisable portfolios: Build your own

Some robo-advisors, like Syfe and Kristal.AI, let you have more control over what goes into your portfolio. You can choose specific ETFs or asset classes and decide how much of each you want.

Good for: More experienced investors who have a good understanding of different investments and want to create their own strategies.

Rebalancing and risk management explained

One of the biggest advantages of robo-advisors is how they manage risk for you automatically:

• Regular rebalancing: Robo-advisors periodically (e.g., every few months or once a year) or when your portfolio mix gets too far off track, they'll buy and sell assets to bring it back to your target allocation. This helps keep your risk level consistent.

• Automated adjustments during market swings: When the market gets bumpy, some robo-advisors might automatically adjust your portfolio to reduce risk. For example, they might sell some stocks (which can be more volatile) and buy more bonds (which are generally more stable).

• Stop-loss and volatility control: Some platforms might have features to limit potential losses (stop-loss orders) or strategies to smooth out the ups and downs of the market.

• Why it matters: These automated processes help protect your portfolio and keep it aligned with your long-term goals, without you having to constantly monitor and make changes yourself.

It's natural to wonder how much money you might make. Remember, past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Historical performance: 1/3/5-year returns

Most robo-advisors will show you how their different portfolio options (conservative, balanced, aggressive) have performed over the past 1, 3, or 5 years.

Robo-advisors vs traditional investments

How do robo-advisors compare to other ways to invest in Singapore?

Robo-advisors vs DIY ETFs

• Convenience: Robo-advisors handle everything for you. Investing in ETFs yourself requires you to do your own research, buying, and rebalancing.

• Cost: Brokerage fees for buying and selling ETFs can add up. Robo-advisors charge a percentage-based management fee.

• Management: Robo-advisors automate rebalancing. You'd have to do it manually with DIY ETFs.

Robo-advisors vs unit trusts

• Lower fees: Robo-advisors generally have lower management fees.

• More transparency: Robo-advisors usually tell you exactly which ETFs they invest in.

Robo-advisors vs Financial Advisors:

• Automation vs personal advice: Robo-advisors are automated and cheaper. Financial advisors offer tailored advice but cost more.

What to expect during market downturns

It's important to have realistic expectations.

• Past crises: Even well-diversified robo-advisor portfolios can lose value during major market drops like the COVID-19 pandemic or periods of high inflation.

• No shield from losses: Robo-advisors aim to manage risk, but they can't prevent all losses. Their goal is long-term growth with controlled risk.

» Financial planning Singapore: Your step-by-step guide to a secure future (2025)

Knowing the fees is crucial for understanding your potential returns.

Management fees, platform fees, ETF/fund fees

Here's a breakdown of typical fees:

• Management fees: An annual fee, usually a percentage of your total investments with the platform. Often, this fee goes down as you invest more (tiered fees).

• Platform fees: Some might have a separate fee, but often it's included in the management fee.

• ETF/Fund fees: The ETFs or funds the robo-advisor invests in also have their own fees (expense ratios). These are usually small but still impact your overall returns.

Currency conversion and dividend withholding taxes

If your robo-advisor invests overseas, watch out for:

• Dividend tax on US ETFs: Dividends from US-based ETFs can be subject to a withholding tax (around 30% for Singapore residents).

• FX costs: You might pay fees when your SGD is converted to buy foreign assets and back again when you sell.

• Singapore ETF advantage: Investing in Singapore-based ETFs usually doesn't have these dividend taxes.

How fees affect long-term returns

Even small fees can add up over time:

• Simple example: A 5% return minus 1% in fees leaves you with 4%.

• Long-term impact: Over 10-20 years, that 1% difference can mean a significant amount less in your pocket due to compounding.

• Cost efficiency matters: Choosing a robo-advisor with competitive and transparent fees is vital for maximising your long-term growth.

For Singaporeans, investing CPF and SRS funds through robo-advisors can be a smart way to boost retirement savings.

Robo-advisors with CPF investing

Currently, Endowus allows you to invest your CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS) funds.

• Special CPF portfolios: These are designed to follow CPF rules and invest in approved funds.

Robo-advisors with SRS investing

Endowus, StashAway, and Syfe all accept SRS funds.

• Why SRS is great: Contributions are tax-deductible, and investment gains are tax-free until retirement.

Benefits of using CPF/SRS for robo investing

• Tax advantages: SRS contributions reduce your taxable income now, and both CPF and SRS investments grow tax-free until withdrawal in retirement.

• Long-term growth: Robo-advisors can potentially offer better returns than leaving funds in your CPF or SRS account.

• Important note: CPF and SRS funds are locked in until retirement age.

» MORE: Beginner investments Singapore 2025: Top 5 easiest ways to start growing wealth

A good platform makes investing much simpler.

Onboarding and KYC (Singpass etc)

• Easy account creation: Most robo-advisors have quick online sign-up processes.

• Fast start: With Singpass integration, verifying your identity is usually very fast.

• Singpass convenience: Using Singpass makes the process secure and efficient.

Mobile app and dashboard experience

• Intuitive apps: Look for apps that are clean, easy to navigate, and available on both iOS and Android.

• Clear data: You should be able to easily see your returns, how your money is allocated, and future projections.

Customer support and education resources

• Multiple support channels: Check if they offer chat, email, or phone support.

• Responsive support: Look for reviews on how quickly and helpfully they respond.

• Learning resources: Many provide blogs, webinars, and market updates to help you understand investing.

Robo-advisors vs ETFs DIY

• Convenience vs control: Robo-advisors are hands-off. DIY ETFs give you more control but require more work.

• Cost: Robo fees vs brokerage fees – depends on your trading style and portfolio size.

• Rebalancing: Automated with robo-advisors, manual with DIY ETFs.

Robo-advisors vs unit trusts

• Lower fees: Generally, robo-advisors are cheaper.

• More transparency: You usually know exactly what ETFs you're invested in.

Robo-advisors vs financial advisors

• Automated & cheap vs personal & expensive: Robo-advisors are digital and cost less. Financial advisors offer tailored advice but charge more.

• Depends on your needs: Simple needs and comfort with digital? Robo. Complex needs and personal guidance? Advisor.

The "best" robo-advisor depends on you. Consider:

• Fees: How much are you willing to pay?

• Portfolios: Do they match your risk and goals?

• CPF/SRS: Do you want to invest these funds?

• Customisation: Do you want more control?

• Platform: Is it easy to use?

Who might prefer which:

• Beginners: StashAway for their simplicity and education.

• Advanced: Syfe (Custom) or Kristal.AI for more control.

• Retirement Focused: Endowus for CPF/SRS.

Need help choosing? Check out our robo advisor comparison page to see different platforms side by side based on what matters most to you.

» MORE: Investment strategies for new investors