Kilde vs Endowus: A Comprehensive Comparison for Income-Focused Investors

Kilde vs Endowus: A Comprehensive Comparison for Income-Focused Investors
Table of Contents

In Singapore’s private credit income space, two standout platforms are Kilde and Endowus.

Kilde is a MAS-licensed alternative investment platform offering senior-secured private credit bonds to accredited investors, with target yields of 11–15% per annum and fixed monthly interest payouts.

Endowus, on the other hand, provides multi-asset Income portfolios - such as Stable, Higher, and Future Income - that generate monthly income through diversified bond and equity funds, with targeted yields of up to ~6.5% per annum.

Both aim to deliver stable monthly income, but differ significantly in yield, asset backing, liquidity, and risk.

The comparison below highlights the key differences between Kilde and Endowus, helping you decide which platform may better meet your income needs.

TL;DR – 5 Quick Comparison Highlights

  1. Yield: Kilde’s private credit deals target ~11–15% p.a. net returns (fixed coupon interest), far exceeding Endowus Income portfolios’ ~3.5–6.5% p.a. targeted yield range. In other words, Kilde offers roughly 2–3× higher yield than Endowus’s multi-asset income funds.
  2. Asset Backing: Kilde’s investments are asset-backed. You invest in senior-secured bonds (debentures) collateralised by borrowers’ loan portfolios (typically with ~160% cash coverage). Endowus Income portfolios hold diversified unit trusts of bonds and equities; there is no specific collateral for Endowus investors, as your capital is subject to market fluctuations across the underlying funds.
  3. Payout Frequency: Kilde pays interest income monthly (some deals pay quarterly) to investors’ accounts. Endowus also delivers monthly income distributions—all funds in the Endowus Income portfolios distribute every month (except one equity fund, which pays quarterly), so investors can generally expect payouts every month.
  4. Liquidity: Kilde’s private bonds have fixed terms (typically 3–36 months) and are not on-demand liquid – you normally hold to maturity, though most deals offer early exit windows every 3–6 months for withdrawals if needed. Endowus portfolios have no lock-up; you can redeem anytime, with withdrawal of funds usually completed in ~3–5 business days (T+4). In short, Endowus offers much higher liquidity and flexibility for early exit, whereas Kilde requires a committed investment period (with limited early redemption opportunities).
  5. Regulation & Custody: Both platforms are MAS-licensed and employ secure third-party custody for client assets. Kilde holds a MAS Capital Markets Services Licence (CMS101016) and is exclusive to accredited investors; client funds are held in a DBS Bank trust account (segregated from Kilde’s own assets). Endowus is MAS-licensed (CMS License 101051) and regulated as a digital financial adviser; when you invest, your assets are held in your own name via UOB Kay Hian, a MAS-regulated brokerage. It means neither platform ever directly holds your investments – they act as advisors/ intermediaries with robust custodial arrangements for safety.

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Kilde vs Endowus – Feature Comparison Table

Feature Kilde (Private Credit Bonds) Endowus (Income Portfolios)
Yield (p.a.) 11% – 15% (target net annual return) – high-yield private credit income. 3.5% – 6.5% (target annual payout range) – from multi-asset funds.
Payout Frequency Monthly interest payouts (fixed coupon payments; a few deals pay quarterly). Monthly distributions from underlying funds (all funds pay out monthly except one).
Asset Class & Security Private credit – senior-secured debentures (loans to non-bank lenders), backed by cash-generating receivables (typically ~160% collateral coverage). Multi-asset funds are​​ diversified bond and equity funds (global fixed income + dividend stocks) with no direct collateral backing. Risk is spread across many securities (market risk).
Licence / Regulator Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) – holds a Capital Markets Services (CMS) Licence (CMS101016); also an Exempt Financial Adviser. Only open to Accredited/Institutional Investors (per SFA rules). Monetary Authority of Singapore – licensed digital advisor (CMS Licence 101051) and Exempt Financial Adviser. Available to all investors (retail).
Custody of Assets DBS Bank Trust Account – investor funds are held in a segregated client account at DBS Bank. Investments are in secured notes (debentures) issued to you and held via a trustee/custodian. UOB Kay Hian Custody – an account in your name at UOB Kay Hian holds your fund units. Endowus never directly holds your money; UOBKH is the custodian for all your fund investments.
Min. Investment S$10,000 recommended minimum (you can allocate as little as ~$100 per deal, but ~$10k+ suggested for meaningful diversification). S$10,000 minimum per Income Portfolio (required to generate meaningful payout distributions).
Liquidity Fixed term 3–36 months. Early withdrawal is possible only at specific intervals (usually every ~3 or 6 months, depending on the deal). Otherwise, principal is returned at maturity; secondary market exit is not guaranteed. Daily liquidity. There is no lock-up period—you can redeem anytime. The sale of fund units typically settles in ~4–5 business days, after which cash is returned to your bank account.
Fees 0.5% p.a. platform fee (flat). There are no upfront fees to invest, and there is no performance or withdrawal fee. The net returns (11–15%) are after this low fee, as reflected in Kilde’s ~12.6% net historical return. 0.25% – 0.60% p.a. advisory fee (tiered by assets under advice). No sales charges or transaction fees. Fund-level management fees (~0.5% p.a. typical) are rebated 100% to clients, so you only pay the Endowus Access Fee. (Endowus quoted yields ~6.5% are before deducting its fee.)
Default Record 0% defaults to date – no investor principal loss since inception in 2019. Due to strict risk controls, all interest and principal have been paid as expected. N/A (no direct default risk) – Endowus portfolios invest in hundreds of securities; risk comes from market price volatility rather than any single borrower default. (Funds can incur losses if markets drop, but no concept of a borrower defaulting as in private loans.)

Table Notes

Both Kilde and Endowus are MAS-regulated platforms designed to generate passive income, but their offerings differ in key ways:

  • Kilde provides secured private credit bonds with higher fixed returns, collateral backing, and short-term tenures. This option suits investors who are able to commit funds for extended periods (months or years).
  • Endowus provides Income portfolios that prioritise high liquidity while still offering long-term growth through a combination of global bond and equity funds, albeit with lower yields.

The right choice depends on your:

  • Target yield
  • Liquidity needs
  • Accreditation status: Kilde is exclusively for Accredited Investors, whereas Endowus is accessible to retail investors.

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Business Model & Underlying Assets

Kilde – Private Credit & Asset-Backed Lending

Kilde functions as a private credit investment platform, linking investors to high-yield loans issued to non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) such as consumer lenders and fintech companies.

Key Features:

  • Structure: Kilde curates private bonds (debenture notes) that finance loan portfolios of selected NBFIs.
  • Collateralization: Each deal typically involves a senior-secured loan, benefiting from robust collateral coverage (approximately 150-160%). These loans are secured by a diversified pool of receivables, including consumer loans.
  • Default Protection: In the event of borrower default, Kilde (as the debenture issuer/trustee) can enforce collateral, such as liquidating the underlying loan portfolio to recover investor funds.
  • Intermediation: Only one intermediary (Kilde) exists between the investor and borrower, helping to minimise costs and maximise investor returns.
  • Credit Selection: Kilde’s Investment Team uses stringent risk assessment, reportedly approving only ~9% of potential borrowers.
  • Asset Type: Investors gain exposure to private debt obligations, a niche asset class that generates high fixed interest and contractual income and is uncorrelated with public markets.
  • Investor Return: As bondholders, investors receive a fixed monthly coupon of approximately 1%. This is secured by collateral and legal contracts, rather than public equity or fund units.

Endowus – Multi-Asset Income Funds

Endowus provides multi-asset income portfolios, which are fund-of-funds composed of unit trusts that prioritise dividend and interest income.

Portfolio Types:

  1. Stable Income Portfolio
    • Asset Allocation: 100% fixed income funds
    • Goal: Capital preservation with steady coupon payouts
    • Target Yield: ~4–5% p.a.
  2. Higher Income Portfolio
    • Asset Allocation: ~80% fixed income, ~20% equity income funds
    • Goal: Higher income with moderate risk
    • Target Yield: ~5.5–6.5% p.a.
  3. Future Income Portfolio
    • Asset Allocation: ~60% fixed income, ~40% equity income
    • Goal: Long-term growth with lower current income
    • Target Yield: ~3.5–4.5% p.a.

Underlying Assets:

  • Portfolios invest in a broad mix of institutional-class mutual funds managed by global fund houses (e.g. PIMCO, JPMorgan).
  • Exposure includes global bond funds, dividend equity funds, and REIT funds.
  • Offers broad diversification across hundreds of securities worldwide.

Business Model:

  • Endowus operates as a fee-based advisor/aggregator.
  • It selects top-performing income funds, packages them into preset portfolios, and manages/rebalances them regularly.
  • Provides a convenient, one-stop solution for generating passive income, but returns are market-driven and not contractually guaranteed.

Summary:

Feature Kilde Endowus
Income Source Private debt (interest from borrowers) Public market funds (dividends/coupons)
Structure Direct debentures, senior-secured Fund-of-funds portfolios
Collateral Backed by receivables (~150–160%) No direct collateral
Yield Type Fixed interest (~1% monthly) Variable income (~3.5–6.5% p.a.)
Risk Control Credit screening, collateral enforcement Diversification, professional fund management
Market Correlation Low Moderate to high (market-driven)
Investor Role Bondholder Fund unit holder
Intermediaries One (Kilde) Multiple (fund houses, platform)

Kilde gives you exposure to private debt deals, where income comes from borrowers.

Endowus gives you exposure to mutual fund portfolios, where income comes from global markets via dividends and interest.

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Income Predictability vs Volatility

Predictability of Income

A primary distinction between Kilde and Endowus is the predictability and stability of their income streams.

Kilde:

  1. Provides fixed income at a contractually agreed interest rate (e.g., 1% per month).
  2. Income is pre-defined and not affected by market conditions.
  3. Delivers consistent monthly cash income, focused on interest earnings rather than capital gains.
  4. Investors know exactly what they will earn (e.g. 12% annual rate paid monthly).
  5. Minor variability may exist in payout timing (monthly or quarterly), but the rate remains fixed.

Endowus:

  1. Provides variable income with target yield ranges (e.g. ~5.5–6.5% p.a.).
  2. Payouts depend on the performance and distribution policies of underlying funds.
  3. Endowus sets an expected “payout rate” per portfolio but may revise it based on market conditions.
  4. For instance, even after rebalancing, Endowus has maintained payout targets (e.g. up to 6.5% for Higher Income).
  5. However, payouts are not guaranteed and may change with interest rates or fund yields.
  6. Timing of payouts may also vary monthly, as each fund within the portfolio pays on its own schedule.

Summary:

  • Kilde offers a steady income stream, with fixed payments disbursed at regular intervals.
  • Endowus offers a variable income; although it is managed, its amount and timing can fluctuate.

Volatility of Principal

In addition to income, stability also pertains to the behaviour of your investment principal over time.

Kilde:

  1. Principal remains at par value throughout the investment term.
  2. Since it’s a loan and not marked-to-market, there’s no daily price volatility.
  3. The full principal is returned at maturity, assuming no borrower default.
  4. The only risk is credit risk—if the borrower defaults and collateral recovery fails (no such event to date).

Endowus:

  1. Principal value is subject to market fluctuations.
  2. Portfolios consist of mutual funds with a daily-changing NAV based on market conditions.
  3. If markets decline, portfolio value can drop.
    • Example: During downturns, the worst 3-year return for the higher-risk portfolio was –22% annualised.
  4. The potential for capital gains exists when markets perform well (especially in equity-heavy portfolios).
  5. In weak markets, payouts may come partly from capital, or principal value may fall.
  6. Endowus aims for the Stable Income portfolio to “not eat into capital,” but in very low-yield conditions, even bond funds might tap capital to maintain payouts.

Summary:

  • Kilde offers principal stability, with no market-linked volatility (aside from credit risk).
    Endowus involves principal volatility, as values move with bond and stock markets.
  • Investors uncomfortable with account value fluctuations may prefer Kilde’s steady-value model.
  • Those who accept some short-term volatility for potential long-term growth may find Endowus more suitable.

Risk Management & Collateral Controls

Kilde’s Risk Management

Kilde places strong emphasis on credit risk management, given the platform’s high-yield nature. Its strategy is built on multiple layers of control:

  1. Rigorous Credit Selection
    • Uses proprietary AI-driven credit analytics.
    • Only ~9% of borrowers pass Kilde’s stringent due diligence.
    • Assesses the NBFI’s loan book quality and financial health.
    • Ensures the funded loans are of high quality.
  2. Collateral Structure
    • Each debenture is a senior-secured obligation, giving Kilde investors first claim on the borrower’s assets.
    • Loans are backed by receivables with a typical Loan-to-Value (LTV) of ~70%.
    • This equates to 1.4–1.6× over-collateralization, offering a significant cushion against losses.
  3. Default Protection
    • In the event of borrower default, Kilde can seize and liquidate collateral.
    • Excess collateralization enhances the chance of full recovery.
    • To date: 0% defaults, 0% losses.
  4. Ongoing Monitoring
    • Receives regular performance data from borrowers on underlying portfolios.
    • Can identify loan book deterioration early.
  5. Payment Control & Buffering
    • Many deals include reserve accounts or cash buffers.
    • Interest collections flow through Kilde before reaching borrowers, ensuring investors are paid first.
  6. Diversification
    • Kilde encourages spreading investments across multiple deals.
    • Each deal is inherently diversified, covering thousands of micro-loans to reduce idiosyncratic risk.
As Kilde notes: “Our senior-secured debentures, backed by loan portfolios, are typically supported by 1.6× the value of the investment.”

Bottom Line:

While private credit carries risk—e.g. in extreme downturns—Kilde’s multi-layered strategy (credit vetting, over-collateralization, proactive monitoring) is designed to manage it effectively. So far, the platform has achieved high yields with no defaults.

Endowus’s Risk Management

Endowus focuses on market risk and portfolio construction, taking a different approach from Kilde.

  1. Diversification
    • Each Income portfolio holds 10–20+ funds, each with hundreds of global securities.
    • Ensures no concentration in single credits or issuers.
  2. Asset Allocation by Risk Profile
    • Stable Income: 100% high-quality bonds for low volatility.
    • Higher Income: Adds select risk assets to boost yield.
    • Portfolios are aligned with investor risk tolerance.
  3. Active Rebalancing
    • The investment team conducts regular reviews and rebalances as needed.
    • In 2023–2024, Endowus implemented a portfolio de-risking to respond to rising interest rates:
      • Reduced exposure to emerging markets and high-yield bonds.
      • Increased investment-grade bonds and manager diversity.
      • Aimed to lower volatility without cutting payouts.
  4. Risk Control without Collateral
    • No collateral protection like Kilde.
    • Relies on:
      • Quality of fund managers (reputable institutions).
      • Quantity of holdings (broad spread reduces the impact of single events).
  5. Multi-Asset Buffering
    • Portfolios are designed to weather market swings.
    • When equities fall, bonds may help cushion the impact.
  6. Market Risk Exposure
    • Investors bear risk of negative returns—e.g. in 2022, both equities and bonds fell, leading to negative portfolio performance despite ongoing payouts.
  7. Flexible Payouts
    • Endowus does not guarantee fixed payouts.
    • Adjusts distribution to avoid depleting capital when yields drop.
  8. Custodial Protection
    • Client assets are held in custody under their own names.
    • Eliminates counterparty risk if Endowus itself were to fail.

Comparison Summary

Risk Factor Kilde Endowus
Primary Risk Type Credit risk Market risk
Protection Mechanism Senior-secured collateral (~1.6× over-collateral) Diversification and fund quality
Risk Screening Proprietary AI credit analytics Fund selection and asset allocation
Monitoring Ongoing borrower data & portfolio tracking Regular portfolio reviews and rebalancing
Payout Adjustments Fixed-rate interest (barring default) Variable payouts, adjusted based on market yields
Custodial Setup Held via the Kilde structure Held in the investor’s own name with a custodian
Historical Performance 0% defaults, 0% losses Achieved target yields, with volatility during downturns

Conclusion:

Kilde relies on tight credit underwriting and collateralization to manage risk, while Endowus manages risk through broad diversification, fund quality, and active portfolio management.

Both have maintained strong records - Kilde with no losses, and Endowus with targeted income delivery and controlled volatility.

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Regulatory Oversight & Custody

Regulatory Oversight

Both Kilde and Endowus are based in Singapore and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), though they operate under different license types reflecting their business models.

Kilde

  1. Holds a Capital Markets Services (CMS) Licence
    • License No.: CMS101016
    • Issued under the Securities and Futures Act
  2. Permitted Activities:
    • Deal in capital market products (e.g. securities, debentures)
    • Operate an investment platform for accredited investors
    • Act as an Exempt Financial Adviser, offering advice related to its investment offerings
  3. Regulatory Requirements:
    • Must meet capital adequacy, compliance, risk management, and audit standards
    • Offers only to Accredited Investors (per MAS definition) to safeguard retail investors from high-risk products

Endowus

  1. Operates under:
    • MAS Financial Adviser’s Licence
    • CMS Licence for fund management
    • Licence No.: CMS101051
  2. Functions as a digital financial advisor/wealth manager
    • Advises on and manages collective investment schemes (unit trusts)
    • Accepts investments via CPF and SRS
  3. Regulatory Responsibilities:
    • Must adhere to MAS’s fit and proper management standards
    • Complies with disclosure and business conduct rules, especially for retail clients

Shared Regulatory Safeguards

  1. Both undergo regular audits by MAS
  2. Required to segregate client assets from company operations
  3. Investors benefit from:
    • Clear recourse options
    • Trust in compliance and operational integrity
Both platforms provide enhanced security compared to unregulated schemes, as they rigorously comply with Singaporean financial regulations.

Custody of Funds

A critical component of investor protection is how and where your money is held. Neither Kilde nor Endowus holds client assets directly on their balance sheets.

Kilde

  1. Funds are held in a trust account at DBS Bank (Singapore’s largest bank)
  2. Flow of Funds:
    • Investor money goes into the DBS trust account
    • Funds are then deployed into the specific debenture investment
    • Interest payments from borrowers are returned to the same trust account and distributed to investors
  3. Safeguards:
    • Funds are ring-fenced and cannot be accessed by Kilde or its creditors
    • In the event of Kilde ceasing operations, the platform would still function until all investments are paid out
    • Kilde confirms: “Customer funds [are] safeguarded by DBS Bank”

Endowus

  1. A personal securities account is opened under the investor’s name at UOB Kay Hian (UOBKH), a MAS-regulated brokerage
  2. Custody Structure:
    • All holdings (unit trusts, cash management products, etc.) are recorded under the investor’s name
    • Endowus executes transactions, but does not hold assets
  3. Additional Protection:
    • Any uninvested cash is also placed in a trust account with a licensed bank (e.g. UOBKH or another designated bank)
    • If Endowus shuts down, investors retain full legal access to their assets via UOBKH

Comparison of Custody Practices

Platform Kilde Endowus
Custodian DBS Bank UOB Kay Hian (UOBKH)
Ownership Structure Client trust account (ring-fenced) Personal securities account in the client’s name
Cash Handling Held and distributed via DBS trust account Uninvested funds held in a bank trust account

Additional Investor Protections

  1. These are investment products, not bank deposits – Singapore Deposit Insurance does not apply
  2. MAS regulation and independent custody of funds significantly reduce:
    • Operational risks
    • Fraud or misappropriation
  3. Disclosure & Compliance:
    • Endowus, serving retail investors, follows stricter advertising and business conduct rules
    • Kilde, focusing on Accredited Investors, may offer higher-risk/reward products, not registered for public distribution
    • Both platforms prominently display their MAS licenses and related disclaimers (e.g. Kilde’s CMS license in its website footer)

Conclusion

Both Kilde and Endowus are MAS-regulated platforms with robust custody frameworks.

Whether your funds are held at UOBKH (Endowus) or in a DBS trust account (Kilde), your investments are securely separated from company operations.

This allows you to focus solely on the investment risks (credit or market), not on custody or platform reliability.

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Fees & Net-of-Fee Returns

Kilde’s Fees

Kilde's fee structure is straightforward and transparent, ensuring alignment with investor interests.

  1. Platform Fee:
    • Flat 0.5% per annum on invested capital
    • Charged as an annual management fee for deal administration
    • Significantly lower than the fees charged by traditional private credit funds

  2. No Additional Fees:
    • No upfront, entry, or origination fees
    • No performance fees
    • No exit or withdrawal fees (though early redemption may reduce earned interest, depending on the deal)
    • No subscription or custody fees — all included in the 0.5%
  3. Net Returns Example:
    • If a deal offers 13% p.a., investors receive that full amount net of Kilde’s 0.5% cut
    • For example, Kilde might have arranged the loan at ~13.5% from the borrower and retained 0.5%
    • Reported realised investor returns are ~12.6% net annually since launch
  4. Fee Efficiency:
    • Kilde’s low fee model stands out in private credit, where funds often charge 1–2% management + performance fees
    • Uses technology and a focused niche to operate efficiently
Bottom Line: Kilde charges a flat 0.5%, fully baked into the returns, with no hidden fees, making the yield shown what you actually get.

Endowus’s Fees

Endowus uses a tiered “Access Fee” model for advisory, platform, and custody services.

  1. Access Fee Range:
    • 0.60% p.a. for assets ≤ S$200k
    • 0.50% p.a. for larger portfolios
    • As low as 0.25% p.a. for portfolios above S$5M
    • Applies to cash investments in Income portfolios

  2. Fund-Level Fees:
    • Underlying funds charge ~0.5–0.6% p.a.
    • 100% of trailer commissions are rebated to the investor
    • Selected funds are institutional share classes with lower costs
  3. Fee Transparency:
    • No sales charges, no transaction fees, and no front-/back-loads
    • Endowus explicitly states:
      “Figures do not include… Endowus Fee.”
      Meaning the quoted yields (e.g. 5–6.5%) are gross, before deducting Endowus’s fee
  4. Net Yield Example:
    • If you target a 6% gross yield and pay a 0.6% Access Fee, your net yield = ~5.4%
    • If fund fees are 1.2% including a 0.6% trailer, Endowus rebates the trailer, making the net fund cost ~0.6%
  5. All-in Fees:
    • Access Fee + Net Fund Cost ≈ 1.2% p.a.
    • No custodian or hidden fees; everything is wrapped into the Access Fee
  6. Net-of-Fee Return Snapshot:
    • Historically:
      Income portfolios delivered ~5% net of fund fees
      Minus ~0.6% Access Fee, net investor return: ~4.4%
    • Today:
      With gross yields up to 6.5%, net returns may be ~6% for typical investors
Bottom Line: Endowus’s fee model is competitive for actively managed portfolios but reduces already thinner income yields compared to Kilde.

Fees & Yield Comparison

Feature Kilde Endowus
Annual Fee 0.5% flat (on invested capital) 0.25–0.60% Access Fee (tiered by portfolio size)
Performance Fee None None
Fund-Level Fees Included in 0.5% ~0.5–0.6%, rebated trailer commissions
Custody/Platform Fee Included in 0.5% Included in Access Fee
Withdrawal/Exit Fees None (early interest adjustment may apply) None (market value at sale applies)
Gross Yield Range ~12–15% p.a. ~5–6.5% p.a.
Net Yield (After Fees) ~12–13% p.a. ~4.4–6% p.a. depending on portfolio and fee tier
Fee Transparency High – all-inclusive 0.5% High – full disclosure and no hidden commissions

Conclusion:

  • Kilde offers double-digit returns with a flat 0.5% fee, fully netted into its quoted yields.
  • Endowus provides professionally managed, diversified portfolios with lower absolute returns but competitive all-in fees and flexibility.
  • For accredited investors, fees are unlikely to be the deciding factor—yield and risk profile matter more.
  • Both platforms are transparent and cost-efficient compared to industry norms.

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Liquidity & Early-Exit Mechanics

Kilde – Tenors and Early Redemptions

Kilde provides higher returns but with lower liquidity.

Investments in Kilde private credit deals are committed for a fixed term, usually ranging from 3 to 36 months, with many deals typically falling within the 6–18 month timeframe.

  1. Liquidity Restrictions:
    • Investments cannot be redeemed on demand like mutual funds.
    • No public secondary market for Kilde debentures.
  2. Early Exit Options:
    • Most deals provide predefined early redemption windows every 3–6 months.
    • Example:
      A 12-month note may allow exit at month 6.
      A 24-month note may have windows at months 6, 12, and 18.
    • Early exits require advance notice, and redemptions are processed only at those intervals.
  3. Withdrawal Mechanics:
    • Upon early redemption, your principal and accrued interest are paid into your DBS trust account and then to your bank.
    • If held to maturity, the principal is repaid in full at the end of the term.
    • Platform balances are updated accordingly for reinvestment or withdrawal.
  4. Tenor Planning:
    • Shortest deals are as brief as 3 months (e.g., bridging loans).
    • Longest tenors are 3 years, still shorter than private equity funds.
    • Kilde advises building a diversified ladder of maturities for staggered cash flows.

Key Trade-Off:

  • No mark-to-market volatility but limited liquidity
  • Investors should be prepared to lock in funds, using early withdrawals only when available

Endowus – Redemption Process

Endowus’s Income portfolios are built on open-ended mutual funds, offering high liquidity and no lock-up period.

  1. Redemption Flexibility:
    • You may redeem anytime, partially or in full.
    • No restrictions on redemption dates or frequency.
  2. Processing Timeline:
    • Redemptions typically settle in 3–5 business days.
    • Funds are returned to your Endowus cash account, then to your bank within 1–2 more days.
    • Total time: approximately 1 week, barring holidays or delays with specific funds.
  3. No Exit Fees:
    • Endowus charges no redemption or transaction fees.
    • The only potential “cost” is market risk—if prices fall before your redemption, you may realise a loss.
  4. Income Payout Schedule:
    • Payouts arrive monthly, but exact dates vary by fund (e.g., Fund A pays on the 15th, Fund B on the 25th).
    • Over a year, all funds deliver 12 monthly payments, but timing is staggered.

Key Advantage:

  • High flexibility for withdrawals
  • Ideal for emergencies or reallocating funds quickly

Comparison: Liquidity and Redemption

Feature Kilde Endowus
Liquidity Limited – fixed term, with predefined exit windows High – redeem any time without penalty
Tenor Range 3 to 36 months (often 6–18 months) No lock-in; daily liquidity
Early Exit Mechanics Exit only during set windows (e.g. every 3–6 months) Anytime, partial/full redemption allowed
Redemption Timeline Processed at the next window or maturity ~3–5 business days + bank transfer
Secondary Market None (platform may facilitate peer-matching off-record) N/A (open-ended mutual funds)
Interest/Payout Timing Fixed monthly (e.g. end of month) Varies per fund; monthly but staggered
Market Risk Impact None if held to maturity; principal is stable Subject to market volatility, NAV may rise or fall

Conclusion:

  • Kilde: Ideal if you can commit capital for a set period to earn higher yields. Liquidity exists but only at specific windows. No price volatility if held to maturity.
  • Endowus: Ideal if you value flexibility and quick access to funds. You can redeem at any time, but you are exposed to daily market movements.
Many investors combine both: use Endowus for flexibility and Kilde for yield, balancing liquidity and income.

Ideal Investor Profile

Who is Kilde Best For?

Kilde caters to Accredited Investors in Singapore. It is designed for those comfortable with alternative investments that offer high fixed income, despite not being instantly liquid.

Ideal Kilde Investor:

  1. Accredited status required (meets income/net worth criteria under MAS guidelines)
  2. Seeks double-digit returns (~12%) from a non-public, income-generating asset class
  3. Wants to diversify beyond traditional stocks, bonds, and deposits
  4. Comfortable with locking funds for 6–36 months in exchange for higher fixed returns
  5. Values capital preservation, secured lending, and MAS-regulated platform safeguards
  6. Understands credit risk and is willing to trade liquidity for yield
  7. Prefers fixed monthly payouts, useful for retirement income or semi-retirement cash flow
  8. Financially stable, with the ability to commit minimum investments of ~S$10k

Not Suitable For:

  1. Non-accredited investors
  2. Individuals who require daily liquidity
  3. Those with limited savings or without an emergency cash buffer
  4. Investors uncomfortable with credit risk or illiquidity
Kilde positions itself as a high-yield, capital-secure platform for the yield-hungry yet risk-conscious accredited investor.

Who is Endowus Best For?

Endowus Income portfolios cater to a broad investor base, including retail and accredited investors who want a moderate-risk, fully liquid, and hands-off income investment.

Ideal Endowus Investor:

  1. Anyone with ≥S$10k to invest, including retail clients
  2. Looking for global market exposure with an income tilt
  3. Prefers a diversified, professionally managed portfolio
  4. Comfortable with some market volatility in exchange for liquidity and simplicity
  5. Wants a monthly income with low effort, no need to pick individual funds
  6. Values flexibility to withdraw anytime, e.g. for emergencies or near-term financial goals
  7. Suitable for:
    • Working professionals and retirees
    • Conservative investors: Stable Income (~4–5% target)
    • Moderate-risk investors: Higher Income (~6% target)
  8. CPF and SRS investors:
    • Can invest via CPF or SRS in specific portfolios
    • (Note: Monthly cash payout portfolios are generally cash-only)

Not Suitable For:

  1. Investors seeking very high returns (>6%)
  2. Those who demand full control over fund selection (unless using Fund Smart)
  3. Individuals who are highly risk-averse to market volatility
Endowus suits investors who want a “monthly paycheck” experience with high liquidity, broad diversification, and a transparent digital platform.

Using Both Platforms Together

Many investors blend Kilde and Endowus to create a balanced portfolio:

Use Case Kilde Endowus
Target Return ~12% net p.a. ~4–6% gross p.a.
Liquidity Low (fixed term, early exits) High (daily redeemable)
Income Type Fixed monthly interest Variable monthly dividends
Risk Type Credit risk Market volatility
Investor Type Accredited only Retail + Accredited
Role in Portfolio Yield enhancer (alpha) Core/liquid allocation (beta)

Barbell strategy: Use Endowus for liquidity and core diversification, and Kilde for high-yield, secured income.

Conclusion:

Your liquidity preference, accreditation status, return expectations, and risk appetite will determine which platform fits best - or how to blend both for optimal results.

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Why Singapore Accredited Investors Choose Kilde

Higher Returns & Monthly Income

  • Accredited investors turn to Kilde for market-beating yields, offering 11–15% p.a. in steady, monthly payouts.
  • This level of passive income significantly boosts cash flow, making it ideal for those aiming to preserve capital while earning interest.
  • Compared to the 3–6% returns of traditional income funds, Kilde provides an attractive income advantage.

Asset-Backed Security

  • Kilde’s investments are senior-secured and collateralised, providing peace of mind.
  • With an average collateral coverage of ~160% and a 0% default track record to date, investors gain confidence in the capital preservation focus.
  • As Kilde states: “Loans… backed by cash-generating receivables, ensuring strong collateral protection.”
  • This model appeals to savvy investors who prioritise risk management alongside returns.

Regulated & Trusted Platform

  • Kilde is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). License No. CMS101016
  • Operates under strict regulatory oversight:
    Audited and compliant platform
    Client funds held in trust at DBS Bank
  • Kilde stands out in the fixed income space for accredited investors due to its institutional-grade trust setup, a feature often absent in high-yield alternatives.

Low Fees, No Hidden Costs

  • Flat 0.5% annual fee, with:
    No sales charges
    No performance fees
  • Quoted yields are net of fees, ensuring transparency.
  • Kilde’s model aligns success with investors: Kilde earns its small fee only as investors earn interest
  • This low-cost structure compares favourably to private credit funds or wealth managers that charge higher fees and take performance cuts.

Short Commitment & Flexibility

  • Typical investment tenors: 3 to 36 months, offering much shorter commitments than:
    - Private equity (5–10 years lock-in)
    Real estate investments
  • Early-exit options in many deals (e.g., every 3–6 months) add liquidity flexibility.
  • Investors can commit to a 6- or 12-month deal, earn monthly payouts, and see results quickly—ideal for dynamic portfolio allocations.

Convenience & Platform Experience

  • Fully digital onboarding with SingPass integration enables signup in minutes
  • Intuitive investor dashboard tracks:
    - Active deals
    - Monthly coupon payouts
    - Portfolio balance
  • Supported by a dedicated investment team, offering expert guidance when needed

A Compelling Choice for Yield-Seeking Investors

  • Kilde is gaining traction among Singapore’s accredited investor community as a go-to for:
    - Diversified private credit exposure
    - Stable, high-yield monthly income
    - MAS-regulated safety with bank-like custody
  • Many investors describe it as the “best of both worlds”: Bank-level safety with bond-beating returns

Learn more via the How Kilde Works page or sign up to view live deals and begin your passive income journey.

The views expressed in this blog post are solely my personal opinions and do not constitute professional financial advice. I am simply sharing my opinions with no guarantee of accuracy or completeness. No reader should make decisions based solely on the contents of this blog post. Readers should consult their own financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the author of this blog post, Kilde, nor its employees will be held liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained herein. Investing contains risks, including total loss of capital. Past performance does not guarantee future returns. Please conduct your own research before investing.

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FAQ

Is my money held by Kilde or a bank?

Your money is held in a bank trust/custody, not directly by Kilde. Funds go into a segregated client account with DBS Bank under Kilde’s trust arrangement when you invest. Kilde then facilitates the investment into the debenture, but at all times, your uninvested cash is sitting in that DBS trust account, and any securities are held by an independent trustee/custodian. It means Kilde never commingles your funds with its own. Likewise, for Endowus, your money is held in your name at UOB Kay Hian (custodian) when investing via Endowus. In both cases, if the company (Kilde or Endowus) were to shut down, your assets would remain safely held by the third-party custodian/bank. This structure provides robust investor protection.

How often will I receive income?

Kilde pays out income monthly for virtually all investments (some may pay quarterly, but the majority are monthly payouts). For example, if you invest in a note yielding 12% p.a., you’d typically receive 1% of your principal as monthly interest deposited into your account. Endowus Income portfolios also target monthly distributions – all funds within the portfolio pay dividends at least monthly (except one quarterly equity fund, which means one component is quarterly). In practice, Endowus investors see cash distributions hitting their account multiple times a month (as different funds pay out on different days, you might get a few payouts spread over the month). However, effectively, both platforms provide monthly income streams. The exact day of the month can vary: Kilde usually has a set interest payment date each month per deal (e.g. end of the month), whereas Endowus payouts depend on fund payout schedules (could be mid-month, end-of-month, etc.). Over a year, an investor in either platform would receive 12 months of income payments.

What if the borrower defaults?

In the unlikely event of a borrower defaulting on a Kilde investment, investors are protected by collateral and legal rights. Kilde’s debentures are senior-secured, so if a borrowing institution fails to pay interest or principal, Kilde (as the note issuer and security trustee) can enforce the collateral – this typically means taking control of the borrower’s loan receivable portfolio and either managing it or selling it to recover funds. Because the loans are over-collateralised (often 1.5–1.6× coverage), there is a buffer to absorb loan losses. Kilde may also utilise reserve accounts or step in to restructure payments. To date, Kilde has had zero defaults, so this situation hasn’t occurred yet. But if it did, Kilde would notify investors and begin recovery proceedings. The aim is to return as much of the investor capital and accrued interest as possible from the collateral – investors are first in line to be repaid before other creditors. It’s important to note that while collateral greatly improves chances of full recovery, it doesn’t guarantee it; extreme scenarios (e.g. severe economic crisis) could still lead to some loss if collateral values collapse. With Endowus, there is no concept of a single borrower default affecting you – risk is diversified across many issuers. You could see a decline in portfolio value if bond defaults happen within the funds (e.g., a bond fund holds a corporate bond that defaults, and the fund’s NAV drops modestly). But no single default would make you lose all your money; the fund’s diversification would absorb it. Endowus funds typically hold high-quality bonds to minimise default risk and have dozens or hundreds of issuers in the mix.

What kind of investors is Kilde best suited for?

Kilde is best suited for Accredited Investors seeking high monthly income and willing to trade off some liquidity for higher returns. Typically, this includes high-net-worth individuals, family offices, or experienced investors who: (a) desire yields in the teens to boost their portfolio income, (b) have a medium-term investment horizon (3–24 months) and won’t need these funds back immediately, and (c) are comfortable with private credit risk (understand that this is a loan investment, not government-guaranteed, but with safeguards in place). Investors with substantial portfolios often allocate a portion to Kilde to diversify into alternative investments and capture returns uncorrelated with stock markets. Kilde is a compelling option if you are an accredited investor looking for a fixed income alternative stronger than traditional bonds. On the other hand, if you need daily liquidity or do not meet accredited investor criteria, then Kilde isn’t suitable – you might consider Endowus or other liquid retail products in that case. In summary, Kilde suits investors who check the boxes of accredited status, yield-seeking, safety-conscious (collateral comfort), and okay with low liquidity. Many such investors are in their 30s-60s, planning for retirement or passive income, or are financially savvy individuals adding a new income stream to their broader investment strategy.

All investments involve risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information above is for general comparison purposes and not financial advice. KILDE Pte Ltd (UEN 201929587K) holds a MAS Capital Markets Services Licence (CMS101016) and is an Exempt Financial Adviser. Kilde’s products are intended for Accredited/Institutional Investors as defined under the Securities and Futures Act of Singapore. Endowus is regulated by MAS as a financial adviser and fund management company (CMS Licence 101051). Investors should carefully consider their own risk appetite and investment objectives before investing. MAS Licensed | Capital at Risk | Monthly payouts not guaranteed.

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