Companies seeking a mainboard listing in Singapore may now offer dual-class shares (DCS),following months of debate that required the regulators to step up with assurances of safeguards from abuse.

"SGX today joins global exchanges in Canada,Europe and the US,where companies led by founder entrepreneurs who require funding for a rapid ramp-up of the business while retaining the ability to execute on a long-term strategy are able to list,"Singapore Exchange (SGX) chief executive officer Loh Boon Chye said yesterday.

With proper rules and safeguards in place,new economy stocks including start-ups and technology firms that have shares with different voting rights will now be allowed to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO).

The move puts SGX back on a par with its regional rival,the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX),which revamped its listing rules in April to accommodate dual-class shareholding.

Source:https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/singapore-exchange-gives-nod-for-dual-class-shares