Just updating on my HSBC (Singapore) experience, after further enquiries they confirmed that the WHT will be applied, and also claim that this can't be subsequently reclaimed. I'm not sure that's actually true, but I don't have a high level of confidence I would ever see the money back so have given up on the idea.
It may have been mentioned previously, but in some cases you get your WHT back. I have an IB account. My February monthly statement shows that all WHT in ETF GOVT I paid during 2024 have now been returned to me. GOVT may be the exception though, as I didn't get it back for other ETFs.
I contacted Standard Chartered HK, they say that they deduct 30% WHT before distributing to us too.
Yes, I think though that these rebates may be with respect to how the distribution paid is defined........for example, some of the ETF providers (like NEOS for example for SPYI, QQQI etc...) have been able to structure their dividend payouts where a high proportion of that dividend is classified as 'Return of Capital' and so I think that this is where the rebates come from........some of mine have taken more than 2 years to come through!
What are the ETFs that you were expecting (or hoping for) WHT refunds?
For iShares Fixed Income - https://www.ishares.com/us/literatur...ed.pdf?noembed
Has anyone done the homework on wealthtech platforms like Stashaway, Endowus, Syfe, etc.?
They advertise 0 commissions and full rebates on trailer fees. On the other hand, they charge a platform fee of 0.1 - 0.6% depending on the product type. Want to know if there's a clear advantage to using them over bank time deposits, mutual funds, etc.
They all are almost certainly matching your profile to a target portfolio based of your Risk Profile Questionnaire and then rebalancing your portfolio automatically when you top up or there is portfolio drift.
They all claim to have various gimmicks but in essence that's how they work.
Assuming you believe in the Random Walk hypothesis, these are reasonable services albeit with different pricing models.