Bonds, fixed deposits and robo-advisors: Which option suits different cash needs?
Singapore Savings Bonds, fixed deposits, robo-advisor cash management portfolios and guaranteed savings-style products serve different financial purposes.
Singapore Savings Bonds may suit investors who want low-risk, longer-term savings backed by the Singapore Government.
Fixed deposits may suit funds that can be locked away for a fixed period. Robo-advisor cash management portfolios may suit investors who want liquidity and higher potential returns, but non-guaranteed options can still fluctuate in value.
Details | Singapore Saving Bonds (SSB) | Fixed Deposit Account | Robo-advisors |
| Non-guaranteed capital portfolios | Fixed deposits or guaranteed structured contracts via partner banks |
| Underlying investments | Singapore Government issued bonds | Bank fixed deposit | Market funds, liquidity funds, short-duration bond funds, global ETFs | Insurance-backed savings plans or endowment policies |
| Projected returns less fee | Average return over 10 years is 1.99% p.a. | 0.80% to 1.80%* p.a. depending on bank and duration | 1.3% to 4.1% p.a. | 1.2% to 3.6% p.a. |
| Term | Up to 10 years | Vary with banks | None | Typically 3 to 25 years |
| Withdrawal | Anytime with 1 month notice | End of term | Anytime | End of term |
| Minimum investment amount | S$500 | S$500 to S$200,000 | As low as S$100 to S$1,000 | Typically S$5,000 to S$20,000 |
| Capital guaranteed | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| SDIC insured | Yes, up to S$100,000 / person | Yes, up to S$100,000 / person | No | No |
| Liquidity | 1 month (redeemed by the next month’s schedule) | Immediately upon maturity, early withdrawal subject to bank processing time | Usually 1 to 3 business days | At maturity only, post-maturity withdrawal often 1 to 3 business days |
| Ideal use case | – Long-term safe savings – Retirement or stability buffer – Suitable for idle / surplus cash | – Medium-term savings – Funds you can lock away – Stable, risk-free yield | – Emergency or short-term liquidity needs – Flexible cash parking – Higher potential returns with liquidity | – Short-term funds you can commit – Guaranteed return certainty – Predictable cashflow needs |
*Based on various bank websites.
All information is taken from their official websites and is accurate as of June 2026.
Pros
- Low cost of investing
- Relatively passive
- Minimal capital to start
Cons of investing in Robo-advisors
- Individual portfolio customisation is limited as most portfolios are managed collectively according to the provider’s set approach.
- As most robo-advisors currently operate on venture capital funding, the longevity of their business is not proven.
- Limited investment options as compared with trading platforms
Should you use robo-advisors in Singapore?
Robo-advisors may be suitable for new investors, hands-off investors and people starting with a smaller investment amount. They are less suitable for investors who want full control over stock selection, advanced trading tools or highly customised investment strategies.
Robo-advisors may be suitable if:
- You are a new investor who wants a guided way to start investing.
- You do not have time to research, execute and rebalance your own investment portfolio.
- You are starting with a smaller capital amount.
- You want diversified exposure without selecting individual stocks or ETFs manually.
- You prefer automated rebalancing and a simpler investing experience.
Robo-advisors may be less suitable if:
- You want to choose every individual stock, ETF or bond in your portfolio.
- You need advanced trading tools.
- You want highly customised portfolio construction.
- You require personal financial advice across insurance, tax, estate planning and retirement planning.
- You are uncomfortable with market-linked investment risk.
A robo-advisor can be a practical starting point for investors who want automation, diversification and lower barriers to entry. Before investing, compare platform fees, underlying assets, funding options, risk level and liquidity terms.
Read more: A Beginner’s Guide to Investing with Robo Advisors in Singapore
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. How do robo-advisors compare to traditional online trading brokers?
If you want to pick your own stocks or ETFs and decide when to buy or sell, an online trading broker suits you better. You stay in control, but you also do the research and manage the portfolio yourself.
If you want a hands-off approach, a robo-advisor suits you better. It builds a diversified portfolio for you, invests on your behalf, and rebalances automatically. Many new investors in Singapore start with robo-advisors because the setup feels simpler.
2. How do robo-advisors handle market volatility and downturns?
Robo-advisors reduce risk mainly through diversification and disciplined portfolio management:
- Diversification: Portfolios are spread across asset classes and regions, so a single market downturn has less impact.
- Rebalancing: Portfolios are periodically rebalanced to maintain the target asset allocation.
- Risk-based portfolios: Allocations are matched to your time horizon and risk tolerance.
Markets can still fall. A robo-advisor helps you stay diversified and consistent, but it cannot prevent losses.
3. What security measures are in place to protect my personal and financial information with robo-advisors?
Robo-advisors operating in Singapore are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which sets standards for the custody and protection of client assets.
Many platforms use advanced encryption to secure personal and financial data transmitted between your device and their servers.
Robo-advisors typically also offer two-factor authentication (2FA), providing an additional layer of protection against unauthorised access.
4. What if the robo-advisor I’m using closes down?
Robo-advisors are required to keep client assets separate from their own operational funds. Your investments are held by an independent custodian or brokerage firm, not by the robo-advisor itself.
In the event of a closure, your assets remain safely held by the custodian.
5. Do I pay taxes when I invest via a robo-advisor?
Most individuals in Singapore do not pay local tax on capital gains from selling investments.
However, overseas withholding tax may still apply, mainly on dividends:
- Overseas stocks or ETFs may have tax deducted at source.
- US-listed ETFs commonly incur US dividend withholding tax for non-US investors.
- Some platforms use Ireland-domiciled ETFs, which can be more tax-efficient for certain US exposures.
Check the robo-advisor’s fund or ETF list and domicile if tax efficiency matters. General information only, not tax advice.