Singapore is regaining favor among affluent Chinese families who previously shifted to Hong Kong, Dubai and Tokyo, as tighter scrutiny from Beijing and geopolitical risks make stability and distance from the mainland more valuable. The reversal follows a $3 billion money-laundering scandal in 2023 that brought stricter compliance checks, longer bank onboarding and tougher residency requirements to Singapore’s family-office sector. New rules affecting offshore trusts, insurance and offshore brokerage accounts have further unsettled wealthy families by requiring disclosure of structures and potential tax liabilities, regardless of where a trust is located or where an individual lives. Advisers say some families are now seeking permanent residency and citizenship pathways in Singapore, although moving there does not automatically end obligations to China without changes in citizenship or tax status. Singapore is also attracting families reconsidering Dubai because of conflict in the Middle East, while language and integration difficulties have weakened Japan’s appeal. The Monetary Authority of Singapore eased some requirements for single-family offices seeking tax incentives in July, effective Aug. 1, while retaining strict checks on wealth sources. Chinese enquiries for luxury Singapore properties rose 35% in the first half from a year earlier, according to Juwai IQI. Advisers say wealthy families’ priority has shifted from opportunity to safety and predictability.