Disclosures & Transparency

InterestRates.sg operates in compliance with Singapore's financial regulatory framework:

• Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS): We follow MAS guidelines for financial product advertising and comparison services
• Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA): All user data is handled in accordance with Singapore's PDPA requirements
• Fair Trading Act: Our comparisons and content adhere to fair trading practices
• Consumer Protection: We maintain transparency in all product recommendations and comparisons

How We Generate Revenue

• Referral Commissions: We earn commissions when users successfully apply for financial products through our referral links
• Advertising Revenue: Some banks and financial institutions pay for premium placement or advertising on our platform
• Data Licensing: We may license aggregated, anonymized market data to industry participants

Editorial Independence

• Our editorial content is independent from our business relationships
• Product rankings are based on objective criteria including rates, fees, and features
• We clearly mark sponsored content and paid placements
• User reviews and ratings are authentic and not influenced by partnerships

Primary Data Sources

• Official Bank Websites: Interest rates and product terms are sourced directly from bank websites
• MAS Publications: SORA rates and regulatory data from official MAS sources
• Bank APIs: Real-time rate feeds from participating financial institutions
• Press Releases: Official announcements from banks regarding rate changes

Data Accuracy Commitment

• Rates are updated daily or in real-time where possible
• All information is verified against official sources
• Users should verify current rates directly with financial institutions before applying
• We maintain change logs for all rate updates and corrections

Data Collection

• Analytics Data: We collect anonymized usage data to improve our service
• Application Data: When you apply for products, we share necessary information with financial institutions
• Cookie Usage: We use cookies for functionality and analytics as detailed in our Privacy Policy
• Marketing Data: Email subscribers receive relevant financial product updates

Data Protection

• All data transmission is encrypted using industry-standard SSL
• We never sell personal data to third parties
• Users can request data deletion under PDPA rights
• Regular security audits ensure data protection compliance

General Investment Risks

• Market Risk: Values of investments can fluctuate due to market conditions, economic factors, and investor sentiment
• Credit Risk: Risk that issuers may default on their obligations, particularly relevant for bonds and deposits
• Liquidity Risk: Some investments may be difficult to sell quickly without affecting their market price
• Interest Rate Risk: Changes in interest rates can affect the value of bonds and other fixed-income securities
• Currency Risk: For foreign investments, exchange rate fluctuations can impact returns when converted to SGD
• Inflation Risk: Rising prices may erode the purchasing power of investment returns over time

Forex Trading Risks

• High Volatility: Currency markets can experience rapid and significant price movements
• Leverage Risk: Use of leverage amplifies both potential gains and losses
• Counterparty Risk: Risk that your forex broker may fail to meet their obligations
• Political Risk: Government policies and political events can dramatically affect currency values
• Gap Risk: Markets may open at significantly different prices from the previous close

Insurance Product Considerations

• Policy Exclusions: All insurance policies have exclusions that may limit coverage
• Premium Changes: Insurance premiums may increase over time based on claims experience and other factors
• Investment-Linked Policies: These products carry investment risk and values may fluctuate
• Early Termination: Canceling policies early may result in surrender charges and loss of coverage

Financial Advisory and Fund Management Code of Conduct

While InterestRates.sg is not a licensed financial advisor, we follow MAS guidelines for fair and transparent information presentation:

• Fair Representation: All product information is presented fairly without misleading statements
• Risk Disclosure: Appropriate risk warnings are provided for all financial products
• Conflict of Interest: We disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including affiliate relationships
• Record Keeping: We maintain records of our methodologies and data sources

Guidelines on Fair Dealing

• Product comparisons are based on objective, verifiable criteria
• We do not provide personalized investment advice without proper licensing
• All promotional content is clearly identified and separated from editorial content
• Customer feedback and complaints are handled promptly and fairly

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance

• We cooperate with financial institutions' AML requirements
• Suspicious activities are reported to appropriate authorities
• We maintain customer due diligence standards for certain services

Data Security Infrastructure

• Encryption: All data transmission uses TLS 1.3 encryption
• Server Security: Our infrastructure includes firewalls, intrusion detection, and regular security updates
• Access Controls: Multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls protect sensitive systems
• Backup Systems: Regular backups ensure data availability and disaster recovery capabilities
• Third-Party Security: All vendors undergo security assessments before integration

System Availability

• Uptime Target: We target 99.9% uptime for our comparison service
• Maintenance Windows: Scheduled maintenance is performed during off-peak hours
• Incident Response: 24/7 monitoring with rapid response to technical issues
• Performance Monitoring: Continuous monitoring ensures optimal site performance

Data Processing Limitations

• Rate data may have minor delays due to processing time
• System maintenance may temporarily affect service availability
• Third-party data feeds may experience occasional interruptions
• Historical data accuracy depends on source reliability at time of collection

Service Limitations

• Information Only: Our service provides information and comparison tools, not financial advice
• Professional Advice: Users should consult licensed financial advisors for personalized advice
• Product Eligibility: Eligibility for financial products depends on individual circumstances
• Rate Accuracy: While we strive for accuracy, rates and terms should be verified with providers
• Third-Party Content: We are not responsible for content on linked third-party websites

Limitation of Liability

• We provide information "as is" without warranties of any kind
• We are not liable for any losses resulting from use of our service
• Our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by Singapore law
• Users assume responsibility for their financial decisions

Intellectual Property

• Copyright: All content on InterestRates.sg is protected by copyright
• Trademarks: Bank names and logos are trademarks of their respective owners
• Data Usage: Commercial use of our data requires written permission
• Fair Use: Limited personal use is permitted under fair dealing provisions

Service Availability

• Primary Market: Our service primarily focuses on Singapore financial products
• Residency Requirements: Many products require Singapore residency or specific visa status
• International Access: While our website is accessible globally, product eligibility varies
• Currency Considerations: All rates and prices are displayed in Singapore Dollars (SGD)

Tax Implications

• Singapore Tax: Interest income may be subject to Singapore tax obligations
• Foreign Tax: Non-residents may have tax obligations in their home countries
• Tax Advice: Consult qualified tax advisors for personalized guidance
• Reporting Requirements: Some countries have reporting requirements for foreign accounts

Regulatory Differences

• Financial regulations vary significantly between countries
• Consumer protection levels may differ from your home country
• Dispute resolution mechanisms follow Singapore procedures
• Cross-border transactions may have additional compliance requirements

Financial Industry Relationships

• Banking Partners: We maintain data partnerships with major Singapore banks
• Technology Providers: Our platform integrates with leading fintech solutions
• Data Vendors: We license financial data from reputable market data providers
• Compliance Consultants: Regular engagement with regulatory compliance experts

Professional Standards

• Industry Best Practices: We follow established fintech industry standards
• Continuing Education: Our team maintains current knowledge of financial regulations
• Peer Review: Regular review of our practices by industry experts
• Customer Advocacy: Commitment to consumer protection and fair dealing

Fixed Deposits

• Interest Rate Risk: Fixed deposit rates are locked for the term duration
• Early Withdrawal Penalties: Breaking fixed deposits early typically results in interest forfeiture
• Inflation Risk: Fixed returns may not keep pace with inflation over time
• Opportunity Cost: Funds are locked and cannot benefit from rising interest rates
• Deposit Insurance: Coverage under SDIC is subject to limits and conditions

Savings Accounts

• Variable Rates: Interest rates can change without notice
• Tier Structures: Higher rates often apply only to specific balance ranges
• Condition Requirements: Bonus rates may require meeting specific spending or salary crediting criteria
• Promotional Rates: Special rates are often temporary and subject to change
• Fees and Charges: Account maintenance fees may apply based on balance or activity

Home Loans

• Interest Rate Changes: Variable rates fluctuate with SORA and bank policies
• Loan-to-Value Limits: Government regulations cap borrowing amounts
• Total Debt Servicing Ratio: Income requirements may limit borrowing capacity
• Property Market Risk: Property values can decline, affecting loan equity
• Refinancing Costs: Switching loans involves legal fees and other charges
• Lock-in Periods: Early redemption may incur substantial penalties

Personal Loans

• High Interest Rates: Unsecured loans typically carry higher rates than secured loans
• Processing Fees: Upfront fees reduce the actual amount received
• Credit Score Impact: Multiple applications can negatively affect credit ratings
• Debt Accumulation: Easy access to credit may lead to over-borrowing
• Variable Terms: Interest rates and terms can vary significantly between lenders

Credit Cards

• High Interest on Outstanding Balances: Credit card interest rates are typically much higher than other forms of credit
• Annual Fees: Most cards charge annual fees that may not be waived
• Foreign Exchange Fees: Overseas transactions often incur additional charges
• Promotional Rate Expiry: Introductory offers are temporary and rates increase afterward
• Credit Limit Management: Exceeding limits results in over-limit fees and potential credit score damage
• Reward Program Changes: Terms and earning rates for rewards can be modified by banks

Rate Comparison Methodology

• Interest Rate Collection: Rates are collected daily from official bank websites and verified against multiple sources
• Effective Annual Rate (EAR): All deposit rates are standardized to EAR for accurate comparison
• Minimum Balance Requirements: Comparisons account for different balance tiers and requirements
• Terms and Conditions: Special conditions and promotional terms are clearly indicated
• Historical Tracking: We maintain historical rate data to identify trends and patterns

Ranking Algorithms

• Multi-Factor Scoring: Rankings consider rates, fees, features, and accessibility
• Weighted Criteria: Different factors are weighted based on typical user priorities
• Regular Updates: Ranking algorithms are reviewed and updated quarterly
• No Pay-for-Placement: Editorial rankings cannot be influenced by commercial relationships
• Transparency: Ranking criteria and methodologies are documented and available for review

Data Quality Assurance

• Multiple Source Verification: All data points are cross-referenced across multiple sources
• Automated Monitoring: Systems alert us to significant rate changes for immediate verification
• Manual Review Process: Human oversight ensures accuracy and catches automated system errors
• User Feedback Integration: Community reports help identify and correct data inaccuracies
• Version Control: All data changes are logged with timestamps and source attribution

Coverage Limitations

• Bank Selection: We focus on major banks and popular financial institutions in Singapore
• Product Types: Coverage prioritizes mass market products over specialized offerings
• Update Frequency: Some smaller institutions may have less frequent rate updates
• Regional Variations: Branch-specific offers may not be reflected in our comparisons
• Eligibility Criteria: Complex eligibility requirements may not be fully captured in summaries

Sustainable Finance Initiatives

• Green Finance Coverage: We highlight green bonds, sustainable loans, and ESG investment products
• Bank ESG Ratings: Environmental and social governance factors are considered in bank profiles
• Sustainable Banking: We promote awareness of sustainable banking practices and policies
• Impact Measurement: Tracking the environmental impact of digital-first financial services

Digital-First Approach

• Paperless Operations: Our platform reduces the need for paper-based financial product research
• Carbon Footprint: Promoting digital banking reduces transportation for branch visits
• Efficient Infrastructure: Cloud-based systems optimize energy usage compared to traditional operations
• Remote Accessibility: Enabling financial decision-making from anywhere reduces travel requirements

Financial Inclusion

• Accessibility Features: Our platform is designed to be accessible to users with disabilities
• Multiple Languages: Content is available in English with plans for additional languages
• Educational Content: Free financial education resources to improve financial literacy
• Low-Income Products: Highlighting affordable banking options and products for budget-conscious consumers

Community Engagement

• Financial Education: Supporting financial literacy initiatives in Singapore
• Consumer Advocacy: Promoting fair banking practices and consumer rights
• Industry Collaboration: Working with regulators and banks to improve transparency
• Research Contribution: Sharing anonymized market insights to benefit the financial ecosystem

Web Accessibility Standards

• WCAG 2.1 Compliance: Our website follows Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Level AA
• Screen Reader Support: All content is structured for optimal screen reader navigation
• Keyboard Navigation: Full functionality available through keyboard-only navigation
• Color Contrast: High contrast design ensures readability for visually impaired users
• Alternative Text: All images include descriptive alternative text for screen readers

Multi-Device Compatibility

• Responsive Design: Optimized experience across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices
• Progressive Web App: App-like functionality with offline capabilities
• Cross-Browser Support: Compatible with all major web browsers
• Low-Bandwidth Optimization: Efficient loading for users with slower internet connections

User Experience Considerations

• Clear Navigation: Intuitive menu structure and search functionality
• Plain Language: Financial information presented in easy-to-understand language
• Visual Design: Clean, uncluttered interface reduces cognitive load
• User Testing: Regular testing with diverse user groups including seniors and first-time investors

Language & Cultural Sensitivity

• Cultural Context: Content reflects Singapore's multicultural financial landscape
• Local Terminology: Use of Singapore-specific financial terms and regulations
• Inclusive Examples: Diverse representation in examples and case studies
• Religious Considerations: Information about Islamic banking and Sharia-compliant products

Service Availability

• 24/7 Access: Our website is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, subject to scheduled maintenance
• Planned Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance typically occurs during low-traffic periods (2-4 AM SGT)
• Emergency Maintenance: Unscheduled maintenance may occur for critical security or performance issues
• Service Interruptions: We are not liable for service interruptions caused by third-party providers or force majeure events
• Geographic Restrictions: Some features may be restricted based on user location due to regulatory requirements

User Obligations

• Accurate Information: Users must provide accurate and up-to-date information when using our services
• Lawful Use: Our platform must be used in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Account Security: Users are responsible for maintaining the security of their account credentials
• Prohibited Activities: Users may not engage in data scraping, automated access, or other unauthorized activities
• Intellectual Property Respect: Users must respect all intellectual property rights related to our content and services

Content Usage Rights

• Personal Use License: Content may be used for personal, non-commercial purposes
• Attribution Requirements: Any sharing of our content must include proper attribution to InterestRates.sg
• Modification Restrictions: Content may not be modified, adapted, or derivatives works created without permission
• Commercial Use: Commercial use of our content requires explicit written permission
• Fair Use: Limited excerpts may be used under fair dealing provisions for educational or review purposes

Dispute Resolution

• Informal Resolution: We encourage users to contact us directly to resolve any disputes
• Mediation: If informal resolution fails, disputes may be submitted to mediation
• Singapore Jurisdiction: All disputes are subject to Singapore law and jurisdiction
• Class Action Waiver: Users agree to pursue disputes individually, not as part of class actions
• Limitation Period: Claims must be brought within one year of the event giving rise to the dispute

Privacy & Data Protection

• Data Collection: We collect only necessary data to provide our services effectively
• Consent Management: Users can manage their consent preferences through our privacy settings
• Data Retention: Personal data is retained only as long as necessary for business purposes
• Third-Party Sharing: Data is shared with third parties only with explicit consent or legal requirement
• International Transfers: Any international data transfers comply with Singapore PDPA requirements
• User Rights: Users have rights to access, correct, and delete their personal data
• Breach Notification: Users will be notified promptly of any data breaches affecting their information

Termination & Suspension

• User Termination: Users may terminate their account at any time by contacting us
• Service Termination: We may terminate or suspend accounts for violation of terms
• Notice Period: Account termination requires 30 days notice except for material breaches
• Data Export: Users can request export of their data before account termination
• Survival Clauses: Certain obligations survive account termination, including confidentiality and liability limitations

Force Majeure

• Definition: Events beyond our reasonable control including natural disasters, government actions, or technical failures
• Service Impact: Force majeure events may temporarily affect service availability
• Notification: Users will be notified of force majeure events affecting our services
• Liability Relief: We are not liable for damages caused by force majeure events
• Service Restoration: We will make reasonable efforts to restore services as quickly as possible