INSIGHTS
Financial Literacy: The Foundation of Financial Independence
By Shirlyn Chan, Director of Institutional Sales, Tiger Brokers
11 Mar 2025
11 Mar 2025
Equipping women with the fundamentals to fearlessly navigate the financial landscape.
Money has always been at the heart of opportunity. It opens doors, fuels ambitions, and grants individuals the power to shape their own futures. For me, stepping into the financial services industry wasn’t only about building a career – it was about achieving financial independence while helping others do the same. Over the years, my journey in finance has shown me the importance of equipping people, especially women, with the tools to make informed financial decisions.
- CHAMPIONING WOMEN’S FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
- THE INVESTMENT MINDSET: WHY YOU MUST TAKE CHARGE
- BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO WEALTH
- NEVER TOO LATE
- BUILDING A FUTURE OF FINANCIALLY EMPOWERED WOMEN
Women have long been underrepresented in the financial sector, both as professionals and investors. Nonetheless, it’s encouraging to see that more women in Singapore are becoming equipped with financial literacy. Indeed, the ability to navigate financial markets and make smart investment decisions is a crucial skill – one that fosters independence, security, and the confidence to shape one’s future.
Financial literacy is not just about making money; it’s about taking control of it. It’s the ability to make informed decisions that align with your goals, whether that means budgeting wisely, saving for the future, investing confidently, or managing debt effectively. True financial empowerment comes from understanding how money works and using it as a tool to create stability, independence, and opportunity.
(Related: International Women's Day Special Report - Better Together)
- CHAMPIONING WOMEN’S FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
- THE INVESTMENT MINDSET: WHY YOU MUST TAKE CHARGE
- BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO WEALTH
- NEVER TOO LATE
- BUILDING A FUTURE OF FINANCIALLY EMPOWERED WOMEN
The Investment Mindset: Why You Must Take Charge
I have always loved making money and have been fascinated by the idea of growing it beyond just earning a paycheck. My interest in investments started early, but what truly ignited my passion was realising how investments could accelerate returns far beyond what a traditional savings account could offer. Seeing people strategically put their money to work – whether through stocks, real estate, or other assets – showed me that wealth-building isn’t just for the ultra-rich. It’s a mindset and a skill that anyone can develop.
What excites me most about investing is not just the numbers or the returns, but the freedom it provides. It’s about having control over your financial future rather than being tied to a nine-to-five job out of necessity. Watching people achieve financial independence through investing inspired me to learn everything I could about the process – how to assess risk, maximise returns, and make informed decisions that align with long-term goals. To me, investing isn’t just about growing wealth; it’s about creating options, reducing financial stress, and ultimately designing a life that isn’t dictated by a paycheck. That’s the real power behind it, and it’s what continues to fuel my passion today.
Like many others, my first foray into investing was daunting. I remember the fear of making mistakes, of losing money, and making the wrong choices. But what I’ve come to realise is that uncertainty is part of the journey. The more I learned, the more confident I became. This experience shaped my belief that financial literacy is the foundation of financial independence.
Women, in particular, have historically been less engaged with investing than men. But this is changing. More women in Singapore are becoming financially savvy, taking control of their money, and making strategic investments. Even more inspiring is the growing number of women leaders in finance, this is proof that we are reshaping the industry in meaningful ways. While progress is being made, we still have work to do to ensure that women feel empowered and confident in managing their finances.
(Related: Women in Charge - Alice Tan, Maybank Head of Wealth Management Singapore)
- CHAMPIONING WOMEN’S FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
- THE INVESTMENT MINDSET: WHY YOU MUST TAKE CHARGE
- BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO WEALTH
- NEVER TOO LATE
- BUILDING A FUTURE OF FINANCIALLY EMPOWERED WOMEN
Breaking Down Barriers to Wealth
I am fortunate to be working at Tiger Brokers, a company that shares my belief that access to knowledge is the first step toward financial confidence. Our platform goes beyond just providing investment tools - we offer free access to market news, expert insights, and a community where individuals can exchange ideas and learn from one another.
As Director of Institutional Sales, what I love most about my job is the ability to lead a team through the challenges of being a disruptor in the market, allowing me to contribute creatively and drive meaningful change. Brainstorming solutions with my team, building from the ground up, and watching us successfully penetrate the industry has been incredibly fulfilling. In this fast-paced environment, we are constantly evolving, adapting, and making a real impact – not just for our clients, but for the broader investment landscape.
My role allows me to not only help institutions grow their wealth but also contribute to a bigger mission – making investing more accessible and inclusive. This accessibility helps build confidence, enabling more people, especially women, to take control of their financial futures, and aligns perfectly with my personal belief that financial empowerment should be available to everyone.
- CHAMPIONING WOMEN’S FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
- THE INVESTMENT MINDSET: WHY YOU MUST TAKE CHARGE
- BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO WEALTH
- NEVER TOO LATE
- BUILDING A FUTURE OF FINANCIALLY EMPOWERED WOMEN
Never Too Late
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that investing is for everyone and it’s never too late to start. Many women hesitate, thinking they’ve missed their chance or that they need to master every concept before they begin. But the truth is, investing is a lifelong journey – it’s about making steady, informed decisions over time.
My advice to young women looking to take control of their finances? Start small, be patient, and trust the process. Don’t chase quick gains; focus on building a solid foundation. Make smart, sustainable choices, and always continue learning. Mistakes will happen – it’s part of the journey – but the key is to keep moving forward with a strategic mindset.
(Related: Andrea Chong and Joan Chang of Good Addition aim to lead with style)
- CHAMPIONING WOMEN’S FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
- THE INVESTMENT MINDSET: WHY YOU MUST TAKE CHARGE
- BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO WEALTH
- NEVER TOO LATE
- BUILDING A FUTURE OF FINANCIALLY EMPOWERED WOMEN
Building a Future of Financially Empowered Women
Ultimately, financial literacy is about freedom and security. It’s about having the confidence to make choices that align with your goals. The more we talk about money, educate ourselves, and take active steps in investing, the stronger and more independent we become.
At Tiger Brokers, we are committed to making investing more accessible and providing the resources needed for individuals – including women – to make confident financial decisions. My mission is to continue championing financial literacy and helping more women break past their fears to take charge of their financial futures. After all, when women invest in themselves, they invest in a future of greater opportunities.
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