Robo-advisors have rapidly moved from being a niche choice for beginners to a mainstream option for anyone who seeks low-cost, straightforward investing.
These digital platforms rely on algorithms and data to recommend and manage investment portfolios based on your goals, time frame, and risk tolerance.
When you set up an account, you provide details such as your target return, investment horizon, and comfort with risk. The platform then suggests a portfolio that fits your profile.
Unlike working with a financial advisor or broker, there is less hands-on involvement because robo-advisors automatically rebalance your portfolio when the market shifts. This can be appealing if you prefer a more passive approach.
Another advantage is cost. Fees are typically lower than those charged by traditional financial advisors, which makes robo-advisors an attractive alternative for investors who want to keep expenses down.
What is Syfe?
Founded in 2017, Syfe is a Singapore-based robo-advisor regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under a Capital Markets Services License.
It offers seven fully managed investment portfolios designed to suit different investor objectives. Syfe is notable for having no minimum investment requirement for SGD transfers, no lock-in periods, and no withdrawal fees. These features make it attractive to investors who value flexibility and a passive approach.
What is Endowus?
Endowus, also founded in 2017, is another MAS-licensed robo-advisor with a Capital Markets Services License.
The platform focuses on delivering investment services at the lowest possible cost. Endowus sets itself apart as the first and only robo-advisor in Singapore that allows investors to use their Central Provident Fund (CPF), Ordinary Account (OA), and Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) savings, along with cash, on a single platform.
Key features
| Feature | Syfe | Endowus |
| Overview | Offers a full spectrum of solutions:
| Focuses on long-term investing and cash management:
|
| Type of products |
|
|
| Investment strategies | ETFs are selected based on:
| Allocation based on:
|
| Dividend distribution | Yes, but ETF dividends face a 30% withholding tax. REITs dividends are not taxed. | No. Dividends are automatically reinvested. Subject to 15% withholding tax. |
| Platforms | Web and mobile | |
| Minimum investment | No minimum for SGD deposits | S$1,000 initial, S$100 subsequent |
| Account to handle assets | Funds held in a DBS Trust Account, investments kept in a Saxo Capital Markets Custodian Account. | Funds and investments held in a UOB Kay Hian account under your name, giving full control if Endowus closes. |
| Methods of funding | Cash, SRS only | Cash, CPF, and SRS |
| Investment fees | Tiered annual fees:
| CPF and SRS: flat 0.4% Cash (tiered):
|
| Cash management fees | 0% | 0.05% |
Read more: A Beginner’s Guide to Investing with Robo Advisors in Singapore
Investment and cash management portfolios
Both robo-advisors offer investment and cash management portfolios.
Investment portfolios help you grow your wealth over the long term. Cash management portfolios aim to provide higher returns than a traditional bank account and give you the flexibility to withdraw your money whenever you need it.
Syfe portfolios
Save
Cash+ Flexi
- Projected returns range from 2.1% to 4.2%.
- Focus on capital preservation and liquidity.
Cash+ Guaranteed
- Guaranteed returns range from 1.45% to 4.2%.
- Offers a fixed guaranteed return depending on market conditions and tenure.
- Provides certainty of returns but requires a lock-in period.
Invest
Core
A diversified mix of equities, bonds, and commodities. Available in four profiles:
- Defensive – 20% equities (lowest risk)
- Balanced – 40% equities
- Growth – 70% equities
- Equity100 – 100% equities (highest risk)
Income+
Focuses on delivering a steady stream of income through a mix of bonds and dividend-focused assets, suitable for those seeking regular payouts.
Available in two strategies:
- Preserve – Prioritises capital stability and consistent payouts, with a more conservative allocation.
- Enhance – Aims for higher income potential by taking on slightly more risk for better yield opportunities.
REIT+
Tracks the SGX iEdge S-REIT Leaders Index, which measures the performance of the largest and most liquid REITs in Singapore.
You can choose either:
- 100% REITs
- REITs with Risk Management, which uses algorithms to reduce portfolio fluctuations
Protected Portfolio
Designed for capital preservation with growth potential, using structured products to provide downside protection while still participating in market upside.
Thematic
Five thematic portfolios to complement your core portfolio:
- ESG & Clean Energy
- Disruptive Technology
- Healthcare Innovation
- China Growth
- Global Income
Trade
Syfe offers brokerage services that grant you direct access to individual stocks and ETFs.
- US Stocks & ETFs
- SGX
- HKEX
- UCITS ETFs
Endowus portfolios
Save
Cash Smart
Designed for short-term investments.You can also customise your Cash Smart portfolio according to your preferences risk preference:
- Cash Smart Secure (lowest risk)
- Cash Smart Enhanced
- Cash Smart Ultra (highest risk)
Invest
Flagship
Invests in two main asset classes: equities and fixed income.
You can choose from six risk levels, from very aggressive (100% equities) to very conservative (100% fixed income).
ESG
Similar to the Flagship portfolio but includes environmental, social, and governance factors when selecting investments.
Income
Invests in equities and fixed income to provide a monthly payout. Available in three profiles:
- Stable Income – 100% fixed income
- Higher Income – 20% equities, 80% fixed income
- Future Income – 40% equities, 60% fixed income
Satellite
A range of portfolios for exposure to specific market opportunities, including:
- Technology
- China Equities
- China Fixed Income
- Global Real Estate
- Megatrends
- Low Volatility Fixed Income
Fund Smart
Allows you to build a customised long-term portfolio by choosing unit trusts and allocations. Offers access to over 200 unit trusts.
Investor guidance
When deciding between Syfe and Endowus, consider how your investment goals and risk appetite align with each platforms’ unique offerings. The table below summarises which platform works best for different types of investors, highlighting their main strengths and typical use cases.
| Investor profile | Recommended platform | Reason |
| Passive, income-seeking investors | Syfe | Income+ portfolios provide stable yields of around ~3.3 – 3.6% |
| Conservative / defensive investors | Syfe | Protected Portfolio helps reduce downside in volatile markets. |
| Long-term growth and equity seekers | Syfe | Equity100 and thematic portfolio have averaged about ~10% p.a. returns |
| Tailored and sector-focused investors | Endowus | Flagship portfolios allow flexible equity / fixed income mixes. Satellite portfolios focus on sectors such as Global Tech. |
| Private market access investors | Endowus | Offers access to private equity and infrastructure, suitable for high-net-worth or accredited investors. |
| CPF / SRS users | Endowus | The only Singapore robo-advisor supporting CPF and SRS investing. |
Conclusion
Both robo-advisors offer a variety of portfolios to suit different needs, so it is difficult to say which one is better.
If you do not have a large sum to invest initially, Syfe may be more suitable as it does not require a minimum investment.
If you prefer to invest using your CPF funds, Endowus is the appropriate choice.
Read more: Investment Portfolio Basics: What is it, and How to Build One?
