Engagement Letter Template for Singapore

An Engagement Letter sets out the professional relationship between a service provider and their client in Singapore. It clearly spells out what services will be provided, how much they'll cost, and when they'll be delivered - much like a formal handshake that kicks off the working relationship.

Following requirements from bodies like the Law Society of Singapore, these letters protect both parties by defining key terms, scope limitations, and payment details. They're especially common among lawyers, accountants, and consultants who need to document their professional commitments and manage client expectations from the start.

Use an Engagement Letter before starting any professional service relationship in Singapore, especially for legal, accounting, or consulting work. The ideal time is right after initial discussions but before any substantial work begins - this protects both parties from misunderstandings about scope and fees.

Professional services firms need these letters when taking on new clients or expanding services for existing ones. Singapore's regulatory bodies like ACRA and the Law Society expect to see proper engagement documentation, particularly for audit work, legal services, and financial advisory. Having clear terms from the start helps prevent disputes and ensures compliance with professional standards.

• Valuation Engagement Letter: Used by financial advisors and valuation specialists to outline the scope and methodology for business or asset valuations
• Compilation Engagement Letter: For accounting firms providing financial statement compilation services without audit assurance
• Due Diligence Engagement Letter: Details the scope of investigation during mergers, acquisitions, or major investments
• Engagement Letter For Preparation Of Financial Statements: Specifically for preparing financial statements under Singapore's accounting standards
• Client Engagement Agreement: A more comprehensive version used for ongoing professional services relationships

• Professional Service Providers: Lawyers, accountants, consultants, and financial advisors in Singapore who draft and issue Engagement Letters to formalize client relationships
• Corporate Clients: Companies and organizations receiving professional services, who review and sign these letters to confirm understanding of scope and terms
• Regulatory Bodies: ACRA, MAS, and professional associations that set standards for engagement documentation and monitor compliance
• In-house Legal Teams: Review and negotiate engagement terms to protect their organization's interests
• Company Directors: Often sign these letters on behalf of their organizations, taking on responsibility for the agreed terms

• Client Details: Gather complete business information, registration numbers, and authorized representatives' particulars
• Scope Definition: List specific services, deliverables, and any excluded items clearly to prevent scope creep
• Fee Structure: Document all charges, payment terms, and billing schedules, following Singapore's professional guidelines
• Timeline Planning: Set realistic project milestones and completion dates, accounting for local business practices
• Legal Requirements: Use our platform to ensure compliance with Singapore's professional standards and regulatory requirements
• Internal Review: Check all terms align with your firm's policies and risk management guidelines

• Party Information: Full legal names, business registration numbers, and authorized representatives' details
• Service Description: Detailed scope of work, specific deliverables, and explicit exclusions
• Fee Structure: Comprehensive breakdown of charges, payment terms, and billing schedules
• Timeline Details: Clear project milestones, completion dates, and delivery schedules
• Confidentiality Terms: Data protection obligations aligned with Singapore's PDPA requirements
• Limitation of Liability: Clear boundaries of professional responsibility and indemnification terms
• Governing Law: Explicit statement of Singapore law jurisdiction and dispute resolution procedures
• Termination Clauses: Conditions for ending the engagement and handling of pending matters

An Engagement Letter differs significantly from an Engagement Agreement in several key aspects, though they're often confused in Singapore's professional services context.

• Formality Level: Engagement Letters are typically more informal and focused on specific professional services, while Engagement Agreements are more comprehensive legal contracts with broader terms
• Scope and Detail: Letters outline basic terms and immediate deliverables, while Agreements include detailed clauses covering long-term relationships and contingencies
• Legal Weight: Though both are binding, Agreements carry stronger legal implications and are more commonly used in complex, high-value arrangements
• Flexibility: Letters can be more easily modified for specific projects, while Agreements usually require formal amendments
• Usage Context: Letters are common in professional services like accounting or consulting, while Agreements are preferred for ongoing business relationships or complex projects