The move comes as major brokers downsize their research desks in response to new regulations on payment terms.

The C-Suite Pilot Program comprises a cloud-based platform that will enable SGX-listed companies to communicate seamlessly with analysts and investors, monitor sentiment, compare industry performance, and benchmark against peers.

Smartkarma and SGX are inviting C-level executives and investor relations professionals to join the pilot to provide their input and feedback, with the objective of gaining a better understanding of local requirements and use cases specific to the Asia Pacific market. Goh Toh Sim and EC World Asset Management have already signed up for the programme.

Chew Sutat, head of equities and fixed income, SGX, says: “The global investment research landscape is fast evolving with the emergence of self-directed and independent research, as well as new regulations resulting in a reduction in investment coverage by financial institutions. We welcome this initiative by Smartkarma to build a solution that raises the profile of our listed companies amongst investors and analysts.”

SGX has in recent years begun distributing thematic sector research reports and CEO profile interview articles on SGX-listed companies and held a series of research forums. The partnership with Smartkarma builds on these initiatives by making research information from over 400 independent providers more accessible to investors.

Raghav Kapoor, Smartkarma CEO, says: "This is coming at a time when banks and brokers are downsizing research desks due to regulation and cost constraints, resulting in a decline in the depth and breadth of coverage of certain stocks, assets and sectors. C-Suite addresses this need in the market, strengthening information flows in a MiFID II compliant way.”