Aspire launches yield solution to enhance SME investment returns

Aspire, a Singapore-based business finance platform, has launched Aspire Yield, a new investment feature for its business account users in Singapore.

The launch comes after AFT SG 2 Pte Ltd, part of the Aspire Group, received a Capital Markets Services License from Singapore’s Monetary Authority in April 2025.

Aspire Yield allows eligible Singapore businesses to invest idle funds directly from their Aspire accounts, with options for Singapore dollar and US dollar investments managed by Fullerton Fund Management.

Aspire said users can access returns of up to 2.0% for SGD and 3.9% for USD, compared to typical local business savings rates of 0.01% to 0.25%.

The company reported that about 55% of funds now invested through Aspire Yield were previously held in low-yield business accounts.

Aspire Yield does not require minimum investment amounts, offers next-business-day liquidity, and has no lock-up periods.

🔗 Source: Aspire

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Singapore SMEs face persistent capital access challenges despite economic importance

Singapore’s small businesses represent a massive economic force, but they’ve historically struggled with limited investment options for their idle capital.

SMEs globally account for approximately 90% of businesses and over 50% of employment, contributing up to 40% of GDP in emerging economies1.

Yet about half of formal SMEs lack access to formal credit, highlighting a persistent financing gap that extends beyond borrowing to investment opportunities1.

This context helps explain why Aspire found that 55% of funds now invested through Aspire Yield were previously sitting idle in traditional business accounts.

Recent data from Singapore reinforces these challenges. A 2025 survey revealed that two-thirds of local SMEs face increased costs and reduced profitability, with 56% concerned about customer spending2.

These pressures make optimizing returns on idle cash particularly crucial for SME survival and growth.