The Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS“) issued a consultation paper seeking comments on its proposals to:
- simplify the leverage requirements for real estate investment trusts (“REITs“); and
- require REITs to perform and disclose sensitivity analyses on the impact of changes in EBITDA and interest rates on their interest coverage ratio (ICR) in their interim financial results and annual reports.
The proposals in the consultation paper, if adopted, are expected to give REITs greater flexibility in managing their financing structures. By balancing the need for prudent borrowing practices with the flexibility to navigate an ever-evolving economic landscape, MAS is setting the stage for a more resilient and dynamic REIT sector.
The proposals also dovetail with SGX RegCo’s efforts to enhance financial disclosures by listed issuers (which include REITs) on SGXNET, as contained in its Regulator’s Column issued in 2023 highlighting its expectations of disclosures on key financial indicators such as liquidity ratios, especially where these indicators raise investor concerns.
Comments on the proposals must be submitted to MAS by 23 August 2024.
For more information, click here to read the full Legal Update.
Disclaimer
Rajah & Tann Asia is a network of member firms with local legal practices in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Our Asian network also includes our regional office in China as well as regional desks focused on Brunei, Japan and South Asia. Member firms are independently constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local requirements.
The contents of this publication are owned by Rajah & Tann Asia together with each of its member firms and are subject to all relevant protection (including but not limited to copyright protection) under the laws of each of the countries where the member firm operates and, through international treaties, other countries. No part of this publication may be reproduced, licensed, sold, published, transmitted, modified, adapted, publicly displayed, broadcast (including storage in any medium by electronic means whether or not transiently for any purpose save as permitted herein) without the prior written permission of Rajah & Tann Asia or its respective member firms.
Please note also that whilst the information in this publication is correct to the best of our knowledge and belief at the time of writing, it is only intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter and should not be treated as legal advice or a substitute for specific professional advice for any particular course of action as such information may not suit your specific business and operational requirements. You should seek legal advice for your specific situation. In addition, the information in this publication does not create any relationship, whether legally binding or otherwise. Rajah & Tann Asia and its member firms do not accept, and fully disclaim, responsibility for any loss or damage which may result from accessing or relying on the information in this publication.
