Wealth Management Institute to establish Centre of Excellence on market principles

Wealth Management Institute Limited, a not-for-profit educational and research institute, announced that they are launching the Dalio Sustainable Market Principles Program, aimed at training policy makers and investment professionals on universal principles of market behaviour, with a $25 million grant from Dalio Philanthropies. The grant may also be used to support research, signature conferences and other thought leadership forums.

Dalio Philanthropies is founded by Mr. Ray Dalio, the Founder, co-Chairman and co- Chief Investment Officer of Bridgewater Associates. Mr. Dalio is undoubtedly one of the world’s most influential experts in global economics and investing, having grown Bridgewater Associates out of a two-bedroom apartment into one of the largest and most successful hedge funds in the world.

Mr. Dalio has had a long relationship with Singapore, having advised policymakers and Singapore’s sovereign wealth funds since the 1990s, and has developed many meaningful relationships over those years. This new collaboration with WMI represents a continuation of this relationship, as well as an example of the Dalio family’s philanthropic commitments to education, advancing financial literacy, and advocating for policy approaches that provide strong returns both economically and socially.

Mr. Ray Dalio said, “I have known Singapore for many decades and have had the privilege of seeing this country develop into a globally-admired example of wise governance and management of public investments. Through this initiative with WMI, my family and I hope we can contribute to Singapore’s continued development and enhance the level of investment knowledge and expertise throughout the region.”

WMI Chairman, Mr. Lim Chow Kiat said, “Singapore values the opportunity to work with Dalio Philanthropies to become a centre of excellence that advances knowledge, builds capabilities, and cultivates thought leadership on market principles. This partnership is strongly aligned with WMI’s practice-based curriculum and will enable investment managers and policymakers in Singapore and the region to hone fundamental skills.”

Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Managing Director, Mr. Ravi Menon said, “The Dalio Sustainable Market Principles Program has every promise of being truly transformative. The keen insights and deep expertise that Ray Dalio brings will help to raise Singapore’s suite of education programs in wealth management towards the highest international standards. This resonates with the high priority MAS places on deepening the skills and capabilities of our financial industry workforce.”

Singapore Economic Development Board’s Chairman, Dr. Beh Swan Gin said, “This partnership harnesses Mr. Dalio’s expertise and WMI’s platform, to advance capabilities in asset management and capital allocation, in Singapore and the region. We strongly welcome the initiative because it addresses the need for more and better stewards of financial capital in fast-growing Asia. We thank Dalio Philanthropies for their generous gift.”

A dedicated Advisory Board for the Program will be established, to be chaired by Mr. Ray Dalio, and will include Mr. Ng Kok Song, WMI Chairman Emeritus, and other eminent leaders from the industry and public policy. The Advisory Board will help guide the development of the Program and its curriculum.

The Program will commence its courses in 2021.