Chills with TFC

Thinking of leaving your corporate job for the fitness industry? Join us as we dive deep into the world of fitness business with two entrepreneurs who did exactly that.

Meet our guests:

- Jasmine Chong, a former banker turned founder of Lab Studios with 6 locations across Singapore

- Meet Eugenio Palmieri, who transitioned from mining to running multiple Anytime Fitness franchises across Singapore and the Philippines

Highlights:

- Discover the evolving trends in Singapore's fitness industry and what today's consumers are really looking for

- Learn about the realities of running a fitness business, from marketing strategies to operational challenges

- Explore whether starting your own brand or joining a franchise might be the better path for you

Join us for an authentic conversation about making the leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship in the fitness space. Our guests share candid insights about their journeys, the risks they took, and how the industry has transformed since they started.

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast dreaming of owning your own studio or simply curious about the business side of wellness, this episode offers valuable insights into one of Singapore's fastest-growing industries.

Tune in to hear what it really takes to succeed in the fitness business landscape of 2025.

00:00 - Introduction

04:56 - What prompted your transition from successful corporate careers to pursue something different?

10:20 - What are the core processes for starting a fitness business?

16:32 - How effective are fitness app aggregators in onboarding brands and franchises?

23:43 - What is the cost to start a franchise, and how have pricing structures evolved over time?

26:53 - What size space is required to operate an Anytime Fitness franchise?

29:04 - With ActiveSG gyms improving, is it impacting your market share, and how are you staying competitive?

31:42 - What advice do you have for professionals looking to enter the health and wellness industry?

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Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

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Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

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Ever wondered how the wealthy really invest their money? Steve Bryce, Chief Investment Officer at Standard Chartered Bank Singapore, pulls back the curtain on sophisticated investment strategies typically reserved for high-net-worth individuals. Steve manages a team of 40 investment professionals. With 27 years of banking experience across Singapore, Dubai, and Johannesburg

From private credit yielding 9% to the evolution of private equity exits, discover how traditional investment approaches are being revolutionised. Whether you're an accredited investor or aspiring to be one, this episode breaks down complex strategies into digestible insights. Plus, get practical tips on how to evaluate these investments and avoid common pitfalls.

Don't miss this rare glimpse into the world of private wealth management, where we decode everything from foundation portfolios to alternative investments. Join us for an honest conversation about what really works in wealth building, beyond the usual stock and bond discussions.

00:00 - Introduction

03:03 - Are aspiring accredited investors drawn to private equity without full understanding?

08:23 - Where do alternative products fit in a portfolio, and when do they become most helpful?

13:52 - Can you provide an overview of how funds of funds work and what they focus on, beyond the basics?

20:00 - Why choose gold over other commodities, and how would you allocate it in a portfolio with cash, equity, and bonds?

27:42 - If IPOs decline, will selling to another fund become the main exit option?

29:59 - How does private credit work, and what should we understand about it?

36:30 - Where do you see the global markets heading, and how are you viewing their future outlook?

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

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Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

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We sit with seasoned business owners who've navigated the complex waters of franchising across Southeast Asia. The conversation dives deep into:

• The evolution from traditional business models to franchise success
• Real-world challenges of managing overseas franchises
• Why being "too rich" might actually hurt your franchise chances
• The surprising truth about licensing versus franchising
• Critical factors in franchise partner selection

Featured Guest:

• Brian Ng Co-founder Clippers & Smoovee Skin
• Wendy Foo, MD, Ryan’s Grocery; An established business owner with 22+ years of experience who transformed a family-focused venture into a successful franchise operation across multiple Asian markets

Whether you're a corporate professional looking to break free or an entrepreneur exploring franchise opportunities, this episode offers unfiltered insights into what it really takes to succeed in the franchise business. Learn from both triumphs and failures as our guests share lessons that could save you years of costly mistakes.

This in-depth discussion strips away the glamour of franchise ownership and reveals the practical realities of building a sustainable franchise business. Don't miss these actionable insights that could shape your franchise journey.

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

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Newsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Learn about our event

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

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Ever wondered what separates successful traders from the rest? Or how trading fits into a boring investor's portfolio? Get ready for an eye-opening episode as we dive deep into the world of trading with two industry insiders from IG Asia:

• Yeap Jun Rong - Market Strategist who provides market analysis, trading education, and commentary on market outlook
• Alvin Lee Ren Hao - Premium Client Manager who handles top traders

Key Points We'll Explore:

• The surprising traits of successful traders
• Common mistakes that even experienced traders make
• How trading differs from traditional investing
• How to get into trading

Whether you're a long-term investor curious about trading or someone looking to understand market dynamics better, this episode offers valuable insights from those who've seen it all. Join us as we uncover trading myths, explore risk management strategies, and learn why psychology plays such a crucial role in trading success.

Stay tuned for this candid conversation that brings clarity to the often misunderstood world of trading!

Receive up to S$888 when you trade CFDs with IG Asia now

00:00 - Disclaimer 00:26 - Introduction 02:35 - What are the key characteristics or habits that distinguish successful traders?

05:31 - How do trading and investing differ in terms of timeline and strategy?

11:17 - How do short-term trading strategies complement long-term investing, especially when the market isn't moving as expected?

16:44 - How should traders manage expectations when taking option trades with small premiums and limited upside?

19:17 - What are some common trading methods and strategies that traders use?

24:38 - As a retail trader with limited resources and expertise, how can I compete with larger, more specialized players?

30:57 - What trading strategies and products are suitable for beginners?

35:27 - How does the cost of trading, including carry and leverage, vary across different products?

38:17 - What’s your take on BRICS’ impact on the US dollar, given the market’s current response?

39:48 - Any advice or insights you would like to share about trading for our audience to consider?

Disclaimer: IG provides an execution-only service. The information in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute (and should not be construed as containing) any form of financial or investment advice or an investment recommendation or an offer of or solicitation to invest or transact in any financial instrument. Nor does the information take into account the investment objective, financial situation, or particular need of any person. The content shared is based on personal opinion and experience only, and the views do not necessarily represent those of IG. Where in doubt, you should seek advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of your investment, under a separate arrangement, as you deem fit. While we strive to provide accurate and relevant information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this article. No responsibility is accepted by IG for any loss or damage arising in any way from anyone acting or refraining from acting as a result of the information. Please note that the author may receive compensation from IG in connection with this article. All forms of investment carry risks. Trading in leveraged products, such as CFDs, carries risks and may not be suitable for everyone. Losses can exceed deposits. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

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Are Millennials over-indexing on ETFs? As Singapore's ETF market approaches $12 billion and user adoption triples post-COVID, industry experts dive into this trending investment vehicle.

Featured Guests:

- Kang Wei Chin, Director, Securities Trading, SGX Group

- David Wu - Financial Coach from Minimalist in the City

Key Discussion Points:

- The evolution and explosive growth of ETFs in Singapore ($12B AUM)

- Cost structures, market dynamics, and whether ETFs are still the budget-friendly option they're marketed to be

- Hidden costs and complexities behind "cheap" ETF investing

- Evolution from simple index funds to complex thematic ETFs

- The real impact on traditional mutual funds

We also discuss the rise of thematic and leveraged ETFs, as well as the impact of new trends like Stock Deposit Receipts (SDRs), which make global markets more accessible to local investors.

Are Millennials striking the right balance, or are they overloading their portfolios with ETFs? Tune in to hear expert insights, uncover common misconceptions, and get tips to build a more effective ETF strategy. Don’t miss this insightful episode!

00:00 - Intro

02:50 - What is an ETF?

05:19 - What are the different types of ETFs beyond traditional index funds?

09:27 - Are ETFs still a cost-effective option for investors, given the higher fees of many local and niche ETFs?

11:45 - What if active funds become as cheap and efficient as ETFs - how would that affect investment choices?

14:51 - What's your take on ETFs evolving into complex products like inverse and leveraged options?

20:41 - Are millennials over-diversifying by heavily investing inETFs, potentially diluting their returns?

27:06 - Does ETF's intraday trading risk overtrading for passive investors?

32:55 - You recently launched a product on Hong Kong SDRs - can you explain what it is and its purpose?

36:32 - What are the cost advantages of buying BYD on SGX instead of Hong Kong?

Disclaimers: For tax advice, do seek out a legal advisor for better guidance and actionable steps for your unique situation.

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Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

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Newsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Learn about our event

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

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Are you curious about what's really happening in China's markets? Beyond the headlines of rallies and dips, get an insider's perspective in this episode of Chills with TFC.

Key Points to Look Forward To:

- Unpacking recent market volatility and government policy shifts

- Contrast between Western media narratives and ground reality

- A closer look at the performance of China-focused REITs versus ETFs

- The possibility of Trade War 2.0 and market preparations

- Understanding China's unique top-down economic approach

Featured Guests:

- Bruce Zhang, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Head of Fixed Income at CSOP Asset Management, shares his expertise on the economic indicators influencing the market.

- Alvin Chow, Co-founder, Dr Wealth, discusses the educational landscape for retail investors and offers his perspective on the China market.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights and strategies from our expert guests. Tune in to understand how to position yourself in these unpredictable times!

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

[Podcast, Vodcast]

Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotify

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[Connect with us]

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Newsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Learn about our event

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever thought about escaping the corporate grind and starting your own e-commerce business? Get practical insights from someone who's navigated the complexities of international manufacturing since 2010. Learn what it really takes to succeed in today's competitive market – beyond the typical online guru advice.

We are joined by Kian, a seasoned sourcing expert who accidentally became an influencer after 15 years in product development and manufacturing. From designing over 2,500 products to working with major brands like the NBA and the Olympics, our guest shares candid insights about building successful e-commerce businesses, sourcing from China, and navigating international manufacturing.

We discuss:

• Starting e-commerce as a side hustle
• The key difference between branding and simply selling products online
• Insider tips on product sourcing
• How to negotiate MOQs and unlock the hidden reasons behind pricing

Tune in to hear Kian's expert advice on building a successful e-commerce brand and his tips for sourcing like a pro!

This episode is perfect for:

• Aspiring entrepreneurs
• Corporate professionals seeking side hustles
• E-commerce beginners
• Anyone curious about product manufacturing
• Brand builders and business owners

Don't miss this candid conversation about transforming side hustles into thriving businesses. Tune in to learn why some e-commerce ventures succeed while others fail, and discover whether this could be your path to financial independence.

Also available on your favorite podcast platforms.

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We brought together a panel of fintech innovators to explore the cutting edge of financial technology.

Get ready for a fascinating discussion on:

- How fintech is disrupting traditional finance and democratising access

- The promises and challenges of Web3 and blockchain technology

- Innovative new approaches to personal finance and wealth management

- The role of AI in transforming financial services

- The future of money movement and cross-border transactions

Featuring insights from industry leaders including:

- A founder shaping Singapore's fintech ecosystem

- An executive at a major stablecoin company

- The co-founder of an AI-powered personal finance startup

Don't miss this opportunity to hear expert perspectives on how technology is reshaping finance and what it means for consumers and businesses alike. Whether you're a fintech enthusiast or just curious about the future of money, this episode offers something for everyone.

Tune in to expand your fintech knowledge and get a glimpse of what's coming next in the world of finance and technology!

00:00 - Introduction

03:03 - How has FinTech transformed product offerings across industries over the past few decades?

07:48 - What is your perspective on the role of intermediaries in the evolving FinTech landscape?

10:41 - What do you believe are the next frontiers of innovation in FinTech products?

21:39 - What are the benefits and ethical implications of using biomarkers for insurance premiums in Fintech?

26:00 - What innovative Fintech products should entrepreneurs look out for to enhance collaboration?

31:44 - How can retail investors navigate complicated private wealth products that may not outperform the market?

34:16 - How can we ensure that AI provides the best ideas when its training data is not clean or well-targeted?

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

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Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Learn about our event

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

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We explore the topic of sustainability and how SMEs approach this theme. We sat down with business leaders from different industries to discuss their perspectives, as well as opportunities and challenges surrounding sustainability.Beyond reducing their carbon footprints, we also touched on long-term business growth.

You'll hear their candid reflections on how their sustainability journeys began, whether initially driven by opportunities or external factors. We also address a common concern –how can businesses balance sustainability efforts with profitability?

Gather insights from UOB's recent study on rising costs, market expansion, and more. Take away practical advice, tools and resources available to SMEs to get started on building sustainable businesses. We also discuss what sustainability reporting and planning for the future could mean for your company in the years ahead.

Join us for an informative discussion on this topic.

For more information on UOB’s recent study: https://go.uob.com/4gSi0rA

00:00 - Intro

00:57 - Guests' Introduction

05:52 - How do you balance sustainability with business growth?

10:16 - What does sustainability look like in practice for you?

24:38 - How do sustainability efforts impact consumer choices and business differentiation?

29:22 - What advice would you give competitors struggling to implement sustainability while barely surviving?

32:42 - When should SMEs start focusing on advanced business strategies?

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

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Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Learn about our event

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Are million dollar HDB flats a phenomenon or just the realisation of an underlying issue? In this episode, we sit down with renowned sociologist Chua Beng Huat Emeritus Professor, NUS and Visiting Fellow, SMU, to understand the factors that have led to this situation.

Professor Chua provides insights into the origins of Singapore's public housing policy and how HDB flats have transitioned from being a social welfare good to an instrument for private wealth accumulation. He explains how this unintentionally contributes to income inequality in Singapore.

As the discussion delves deeper, Professor Chua shares his perspective on whether the government is still in control of the housing market and if selling your million dollar flat is a smart move.

Don't miss this fascinating conversation that sheds light on the complexities surrounding the future of affordable public housing in Singapore. Tune in to get Prof Chua's analysis and hear more about the larger moral and political implications at play.

Professor Chua's provocative analysis of how Singapore's public housing policy in his book "**Public Subsidy, Private Accumulation: The Political Economy of Singapore's Public Housing**" is a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the unintended consequences of well-intentioned social programs.

02:47 - Could you share the journey that led to your current, widely recognised position?

06:20 - Could you briefly introduce your book and its core message for our audience?

10:29 - Could you provide our audience with an understanding of the factors behind the phenomenon of million-dollar flats?

19:31 - Is it accurate to say that a primary goal of the BTO scheme is to stabilize HDB prices, potentially impacting homeowners?

24:05 - What advice do you have for professionals using the HDB system to enter the private market?

32:07 - How can we maintain the affordability of HDB while acknowledging its quality and benefits?

36:40 - What is your perspective on the new HDB Plus and Prime initiatives?

40:48 - What advice would you offer to working professionals based on your experiences?

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

[Podcast, Vodcast]

Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotify

Apple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcast

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[Connect with us]

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Newsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Learn about our event

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.