OCBC’s offer for Great Eastern resulted in the insurer being suspended from trading. But the remaining minority shareholders of the insurer haven’t yet given in. And, one of them has made an interesting proposal. Senior correspondent Ben Paul examines the investment and regulatory implications of the story.

Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast series based on his weekly column in The Business Times.

Highlights of the podcast:

00:48 Great Eastern is suspended, but the story isn’t over

04:29 Dissident minority investor makes another proposal

08:03 Always assess the intentions of majority shareholders

10:39 Why OCBC should distribute its Great Eastern shares

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Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected].

---

Written and hosted by: Ben Paul ([email protected])

Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Ben Paul, Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

---

Follow BT Correspondents:

Channel: bt.sg/btcobt

Amazon: bt.sg/btcoam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/btcoap

Spotify: bt.sg/btcosp

YouTube Music: bt.sg/btcoyt

Website: bt.sg/btcorresp

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

---

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM

BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Branded Podcasts: bt.sg/brpod

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Solid US economic performance and Fed rate cuts provide a strong underpinning for the markets, despite the risks posed by Trump 2.0. BT senior correspondent Ben Paul offers views on how to invest in 2025.

Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast series based on his weekly column in The Business Times.

Highlights of the podcast:

02:40 US economic resilience is still surprising forecasters

04:12 Analysts’ target prices point to further gains for S&P 500

08:21 Trump’s victory sparked a rally, so why the nervousness?

12:46 Bet on Singapore banks, Reits, value-unlocking plays

---

Send your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected]. 

---

Written and hosted by: Ben Paul ([email protected])

Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Ben Paul & Howie Lim

Engineered by: Chai Pei Chieh

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

---

Follow BT Correspondents:

Channel: bt.sg/btcobt

Amazon: bt.sg/btcoam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/btcoap

Spotify: bt.sg/btcosp

YouTube Music: bt.sg/btcoyt

Website: bt.sg/btcorresp

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

---

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM

BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Branded Podcasts: bt.sg/brpod

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the problem simply the timing of the CEO’s share sales? Or, should we also be concerned that share-based pay does not properly incentivise top executives? Why do companies repurchase their shares in the first place? Senior correspondent Ben Paul offers some answers.

Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast series based on his weekly column in The Business Times.

Highlights of the podcast:

02:29 What exactly did DBS and its CEO do wrong?

05:49 Share buybacks should be done at right price

09:56 A more inclusive form of share buybacks

13:24 Report intrinsic value, tweak share-based pay

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Send your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected]. 

---

Written and hosted by: Ben Paul ([email protected])

Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Ben Paul & Howie Lim

Engineered by: Chai Pei Chieh

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

---

Follow BT Correspondents:

Channel: bt.sg/btcobt

Amazon: bt.sg/btcoam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/btcoap

Spotify: bt.sg/btcosp

YouTube Music: bt.sg/btcoyt

Website: bt.sg/btcorresp

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

---

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM

BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Branded Podcasts: bt.sg/brpod

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The IFA appointed by Dyna-Mac to assess the offer from the Hanwha group compared the deal to precedent “non-privatisation” transactions. Senior correspondent Ben Paul explains why this raises questions.

Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast series based on his weekly column in The Business Times.

Highlights of the podcast:

00:57 A hot company being hotly pursued

05:10 Why intention not to delist mattered

08:40 Offer compared to lowly-priced MGOs

11:22 High valuation reflects high profitability

---

Send your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected]. 

---

Written and hosted by: Ben Paul ([email protected])

Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Ben Paul & Howie Lim

Engineered by: Chai Pei Chieh

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

---

Follow BT Correspondents:

Channel: bt.sg/btcobt

Amazon: bt.sg/btcoam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/btcoap

Spotify: bt.sg/btcosp

YouTube Music: bt.sg/btcoyt

Website: bt.sg/btcorresp

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

---

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt

BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

WealthBT: bt.sg/btwealthbt

PropertyBT: bt.sg/btpropertybt

BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM

BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Branded Podcasts: bt.sg/brpod

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A national effort to revive the Singapore market is now underway. But is the review group formed by MAS focusing on the right issues? Senior correspondent Ben Paul analyses the unfolding story.

Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast series based on his weekly column in The Business Times.

Highlights of the podcast:

03:28 Review group focused on three areas

06:48 Why everyone blames everyone else

08:30 Foster local fund management industry

10:46 Push listed companies to unlock value

---

Send your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected]. 

---

Written and hosted by: Ben Paul ([email protected])

Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Ben Paul & Howie Lim

Engineered by: Joann Chai Pei Chieh

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Follow BT Mark To Market:

Channel: bt.sg/btmark2mkt

Amazon: bt.sg/m2mam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/4DJp

Spotify: bt.sg/4DJN

YouTube Music: bt.sg/m2myt

Website: bt.sg/mark2mkt

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

---

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

WealthBT: bt.sg/btwealthbt

PropertyBT: bt.sg/btpropertybt

BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM

BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Branded Podcasts: bt.sg/brpod

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve been a fan of the podcasts Mark to Market, Wealth BT and Property BT - they are moving to a new listing! 

BT Correspondents! Look for episodes every Tuesday from October! All the insights and analysis in market trends, property, wealth and soon mobility too. Powered by The Business Times journalism of Genevieve Cua, Leslie Yee, Ben Paul and Derryn Wong.

Because great reads SHOULD be heard! BT Correspondents. Find BT Correspondents wherever you listen to podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reits have been struggling with soaring debt costs and concerns about the deflating value of their property portfolios. But these trends reverse as major central banks cut rates. Senior correspondent Ben Paul explains how investors should position themselves.

Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast series based on his weekly column in The Business Times.

Highlights of the podcast:

01:30 Rising rates did not stop the S&P500’s advance

04:14 Rate cuts will support stocks, drive funds to Asia

07:02 Lagged effect on local Reits, watch fundamentals

11:35 Get ready for surge in acquisitions, fundraisings

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Send your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected]. 

---

Written and hosted by: Ben Paul ([email protected])

Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Ben Paul & Howie Lim

Engineered by: Joann Chai Pei Chieh

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Follow BT Mark To Market:

Channel: bt.sg/btmark2mkt

Amazon: bt.sg/m2mam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/4DJp

Spotify: bt.sg/4DJN

YouTube Music: bt.sg/m2myt

Website: bt.sg/mark2mkt

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

---

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

WealthBT: bt.sg/btwealthbt

PropertyBT: bt.sg/btpropertybt

BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM

BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Branded Podcasts: bt.sg/brpod

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singtel had to cut its dividend during the pandemic and pursue a strategic reset. Now, its shares are bouncing back. Ben Paul explains what happened, and corrects an epic blunder he made in a recent column.

Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast series based on his weekly column in The Business Times.

Highlights of the podcast:

00:46 Correcting a big mistake about CEO pay

04:45 Singtel shares surged four months ago

06:51 New direction, unlocking value, private equity

09:58 Introduction of a “value realisation” dividend 

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Send your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected]. 

---

Written and hosted by: Ben Paul ([email protected])

Edited by: Howie Lim & Lee Kim Siang

Produced by: Ben Paul & Howie Lim

Engineered by: Joann Chai Pei Chieh

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Follow BT Mark To Market:

Channel: bt.sg/btmark2mkt

Amazon: bt.sg/m2mam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/4DJp

Spotify: bt.sg/4DJN

YouTube Music: bt.sg/m2myt

Website: bt.sg/mark2mkt

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

---

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

WealthBT: bt.sg/btwealthbt

PropertyBT: bt.sg/btpropertybt

BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM

BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Branded Podcasts: bt.sg/brpod

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shifting economic thinking and geopolitical tensions is making the world more dangerous for big companies and investors. But Fed rate cuts, reverse globalisation and value-unlocking restructurings could spur relatively undervalued stocks in Singapore. Ben Paul explains why.

Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast series based on his weekly column in The Business Times.

Highlights of the podcast:

03:46 Status quo under threat from inequality and debt

07:10 Major central banks cutting rates, Fed yet to move

10:35 Impact of reverse globalisation, fractious world

12:20 Singapore, Asian markets to benefit as rates fall

---

Now, we want to hear from you! Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected]. We’ll look into it for future episodes.

---

Written and hosted by: Ben Paul ([email protected])

Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Ben Paul & Howie Lim

Engineered by: Joann Chai Pei Chieh

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Follow BT Mark To Market:

Channel: bt.sg/btmark2mkt

Amazon: bt.sg/m2mam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/4DJp

Spotify: bt.sg/4DJN

YouTube Music: bt.sg/m2myt

Google Podcasts: bt.sg/4D2E

Website: bt.sg/mark2mkt

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

---

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

WealthBT: bt.sg/btwealthbt

PropertyBT: bt.sg/btpropertybt

BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM

BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Branded Podcasts: bt.sg/brpod

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Control of ARA H-Trust and Cromwell E-Reit has passed to new sponsor groups. What drove the transactions? Will the deals boost the depressed market value of the two property trusts? Senior correspondent Ben Paul delves into the story.

Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast series based on his weekly column in The Business Times.

Highlights of the podcast:

01:21 How the two property trusts changed hands

03:40 Pandemic, interest rates have taken their toll

06:41 Weak investor appetite for the property trusts

08:22 Sponsors may not be inclined to unlock value

---

Now, we want to hear from you! Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected]. We’ll look into it for future episodes.

---

Written and hosted by: Ben Paul ([email protected])

Edited by: Howie Lim & Lee Kim Siang

Produced by: Ben Paul & Howie Lim

Engineered by: Joann Chai Pei Chieh

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Follow BT Mark To Market:

Channel: bt.sg/btmark2mkt

Amazon: bt.sg/m2mam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/4DJp

Spotify: bt.sg/4DJN

YouTube Music: bt.sg/m2myt

Website: bt.sg/mark2mkt

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

---

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

WealthBT: bt.sg/btwealthbt

PropertyBT: bt.sg/btpropertybt

BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM

BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Branded Podcasts: bt.sg/brpod

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SGX RegCo is trying to remove impediments to shareholder-requisitioned EGMs, to subject companies to greater market discipline. Its CEO Tan Boon Gin talks to BT’s Ben Paul about how this aligns with the larger goal of boosting shareholder value and creating a more vibrant market.

Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast series based on his weekly column in The Business Times.

Highlights of the podcast:

01:54 Regulation to support shareholder value creation

06:17 Proposed EGM rules empower minority investors

11:42 EGMs versus AGMs: the Great Eastern case 

15:59 How Sabana Reit’s activists have wielded EGMs

19:36 Should Singapore follow Japan, South Korea?

---

Now, we want to hear from you! Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected]. We’ll look into it for future episodes.

---

Written and hosted by: Ben Paul ([email protected])

With Tan Boon Gin, CEO, Singapore Exchange Regulation

Edited by: Emily Liu, Lee Kim Siang & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Ben Paul & Emily Liu

Engineered by: Joann Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Follow BT Mark To Market:

Channel: bt.sg/btmark2mkt

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/4DJp

Spotify: bt.sg/4DJN

YouTube Music: bt.sg/m2myt

Google Podcasts: bt.sg/4D2E

Website: bt.sg/mark2mkt

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

---

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

WealthBT: bt.sg/btwealthbt

PropertyBT: bt.sg/btpropertybt

BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM

BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Branded Podcasts: bt.sg/brpod

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.