Non Reliance Letter Due Diligence Report Template for Singapore

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What is a Non Reliance Letter Due Diligence Report?

The Non Reliance Letter Due Diligence Report is a critical document in Singapore's corporate landscape, typically used when sharing due diligence findings with parties beyond the original commissioning client. It serves to protect the due diligence provider by explicitly stating who may rely on the report and limiting potential liability. Under Singapore law, this document helps manage professional liability risks while facilitating necessary information sharing in corporate transactions. The letter typically includes specific disclaimers, scope limitations, and clear statements about permitted use of the information contained in the due diligence report.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Non Reliance Letter Due Diligence Report legally binding in Singapore courts?

Yes, Non Reliance Letters are legally enforceable in Singapore when properly drafted and executed. Singapore courts recognize these documents as valid contractual arrangements that limit professional liability under common law principles. The letter must clearly specify the intended recipients and scope of reliance to be legally effective.

Can I face legal consequences if I share due diligence reports without a Non Reliance Letter in Singapore?

Yes, sharing due diligence reports without proper non-reliance protections can expose you to significant liability under Singapore law. Third parties may claim reliance on your findings and seek damages for losses. This is particularly risky under the Securities and Futures Act's professional responsibility provisions.

Does Singapore's Securities and Futures Act require specific disclosures in Non Reliance Letters?

The Securities and Futures Act doesn't mandate specific Non Reliance Letter formats, but it requires clear disclosure of professional limitations and scope of work. The letter must explicitly state which parties may rely on the report and any regulatory constraints. Compliance with MAS guidelines on professional conduct is also essential.

How does a Non Reliance Letter differ from a standard disclaimer in Singapore due diligence?

A Non Reliance Letter is a separate contractual document that specifically identifies permitted recipients, while disclaimers are general liability exclusions within reports. Under Singapore law, Non Reliance Letters provide stronger legal protection as they create express contractual terms limiting third-party reliance rights.

How long does it typically take to prepare a Non Reliance Letter for Singapore transactions?

A standard Non Reliance Letter can typically be drafted within 1-3 business days for routine transactions. Complex deals involving multiple jurisdictions or regulatory issues may require 1-2 weeks. The timeline depends on the complexity of the underlying due diligence scope and number of intended recipients.

Can foreign companies rely on Singapore Non Reliance Letters for international transactions?

Yes, foreign companies can rely on properly executed Singapore Non Reliance Letters, but enforceability depends on the governing law clause and jurisdiction. Singapore's legal framework is internationally recognized, making these letters generally effective across borders. However, specific enforceability should be verified in the relevant foreign jurisdiction.

Which common drafting mistakes invalidate Non Reliance Letters under Singapore law?

Common mistakes include failing to clearly identify permitted recipients, using vague liability exclusion language, and omitting proper governing law clauses. Under Singapore law, the letter must explicitly state the scope of reliance permitted and cannot broadly exclude all liability. Inadequate execution formalities can also render the document unenforceable.

Reviewed by

Swetha Meenal

Legal Engineer, GenieAI

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A lawyer, legal researcher and legal tech founder, Swetha has built AI products deployed inside Tier 1 firms and enterprises. She ensures GenieAI's alignment with the latest regulation and executes testing on the legal robustness of Genie output.

Reviewed by

Imad Mohammed Nazar

Legal Engineer, GenieAI

Imad Mohammed Nazar profile photo

A Skadden-trained M&A lawyer, Imad advised on cross-border transactions and contractual risk before moving into legal AI. He reviews GenieAI's output for compliance and enforceability across our 150+ supported jurisdictions, as well as facilitating external benchmarking.

Jurisdiction

Singapore

Publisher

GenieAI

Sector

Business

Cost

Free to use

Last updated

About the Non Reliance Letter Due Diligence Report

When conducting due diligence in Singapore, you may need to share sensitive findings with parties beyond your original client. A Non Reliance Letter Due Diligence Report protects you by clearly defining who can rely on your work and limiting your professional liability exposure under Singapore law.

When do you need this document?

You need this document when sharing due diligence reports with third parties in corporate transactions, mergers, or acquisitions. Investment banks often require these letters when circulating reports to potential investors or lenders. Private equity firms use them when sharing findings with co-investors or limited partners. Professional service firms rely on these letters when their clients need to distribute reports to regulatory authorities, joint venture partners, or prospective acquirers. The document becomes essential whenever your due diligence work will be seen by anyone other than the party who originally commissioned it.

Key legal considerations

Your non-reliance letter must clearly identify all authorized recipients and explicitly exclude unauthorized parties from relying on the report. Include specific disclaimers about the scope and limitations of your due diligence work, particularly regarding areas not examined or time constraints that may have affected thoroughness. Address professional liability by stating that no duty of care extends to non-addressed parties and that the report was prepared solely for the named recipient's use. Consider including clauses about the temporal validity of findings, especially for rapidly changing business environments. Ensure your letter complies with professional indemnity insurance requirements and doesn't inadvertently create broader liability exposure.

Legal requirements in Singapore

Under the Securities and Futures Act, due diligence reports in securities transactions must meet specific disclosure standards, and your non-reliance letter should reference these requirements. The Companies Act governs corporate documentation standards, requiring clear identification of parties and precise scope definitions. Singapore's Evidence Act affects how your report may be used in legal proceedings, making proper disclaimers crucial for limiting admissibility issues. The Misrepresentation Act requires accuracy in all statements, so your letter must truthfully represent the scope and limitations of your work. Professional standards under Singapore Standards on Auditing may apply if you're a licensed professional, requiring compliance with specific formatting and disclosure requirements. Ensure your letter doesn't conflict with Monetary Authority of Singapore regulations if dealing with regulated entities or activities.

GOVERNING LAW

Applicable law

This Non Reliance Letter Due Diligence Report is drafted to comply with Singapore law. Key legislation includes:

Securities and Futures Act (SFA): Primary legislation governing securities, financial advisory and fund management activities in Singapore. Relevant for due diligence reporting standards and disclosure requirements.

Companies Act: Core legislation governing corporate entities in Singapore, providing framework for corporate documentation and disclosure requirements.

Evidence Act: Legislation governing the admissibility of evidence, important for documenting and presenting due diligence findings.

Misrepresentation Act: Legislation dealing with false or misleading statements, crucial for ensuring accuracy in due diligence reports and non-reliance letters.

Contract Law Act: Fundamental legislation governing contractual relationships and obligations in Singapore.

Singapore Standards on Auditing (SSA): Professional standards for auditing practices in Singapore, providing guidance on due diligence procedures and reporting.

ISCA Guidelines: Professional guidelines issued by the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants for accounting and auditing practices.

Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS): Standards for financial reporting that may impact the scope and content of due diligence reviews.

Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act: Legislation governing third-party rights in contractual relationships, relevant for limiting third-party reliance on due diligence reports.

MAS Guidelines: Regulatory guidelines issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore affecting financial sector due diligence requirements.

SGX Listing Rules: Singapore Exchange regulations that may affect due diligence requirements for listed companies or potential listings.

Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA): Legislation governing the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data, important for handling sensitive information in due diligence.

Common Law Precedents: Relevant case law and judicial decisions affecting professional liability and disclaimer clauses in Singapore.

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