Syfe and Coffee Meets Bagel launch findings of joint research “Love Meets Money”

SINGAPORE, March 2025 – Changing attitudes towards money and relationships are reshaping the dating landscape in Singapore, according to a joint study by digital wealth platform Syfe and dating app Coffee Meets Bagel. The survey highlights a notable shift in financial expectations, with 25% of women now preferring a partner who earns less than them, a significant rise from zero respondents in 2022. Financial discussions, once considered taboo, are also becoming more common.

Normalising ‘Money Talks’

As post-pandemic dating norms evolve, financial transparency is increasingly important. Among respondents aged 35-44, the perception of money as a taboo topic on a first date has decreased from 55% in 2022 to 37% in 2025. However, most singles prefer to delay salary-specific conversations, with over half waiting until the fifth to tenth date to broach the topic.

Paying on the first date continues to reflect shifting attitudes toward shared responsibility. While 52% of men now feel they should cover the bill—up from 37% in 2022—42% of women are open to splitting, compared to 32% two years ago. These changes point to a gradual move away from traditional gender norms.

A New Era of Financial Independence

The survey also underscores growing financial independence among women. In 2022, no women expressed a preference for a partner who earns less, but by 2025, 25% did, with a corresponding drop in those seeking higher-earning partners from 32% to 25%. Broader societal shifts support this trend, with government data revealing significant progress in women’s workforce participation, leadership roles, and a narrowing gender pay gap.

This shift toward autonomy is also evident in attitudes toward financial literacy. In 2025, 61% of respondents ranked money management skills as “highly important,” nearly double the figure in 2022. However, the emphasis on investment knowledge appears to decrease with age, reflecting varying financial priorities across life stages.

Sebastian Sieber, CMO of Syfe:
“Financial compatibility is becoming increasingly critical as singles seek meaningful relationships built on shared values and transparency. At Syfe, we understand the importance of financial planning in creating a stable and fulfilling future, and it’s encouraging to see these conversations happening earlier in relationships. This trend mirrors the rise of personalised wealth management, where understanding and achieving financial goals is a priority.”

Delbert Ty, CMO of Coffee Meets Bagel, added:
“Our research reflects the evolving expectations of today’s singles, who are prioritising financial independence and shared responsibilities in their relationships. Open communication about money has become a key component of modern dating, helping individuals align their values and long-term visions. This marks a shift towards building partnerships that are both meaningful and practical.”

About the Study

The survey polled 1,196 Singaporeans aged 18 to 55, exploring how financial attitudes and dating expectations have evolved in a post-pandemic world. These insights shed light on how relationships are adapting to changing societal and economic realities.

About Syfe

Syfe is Asia’s leading saving and investment platform, empowering people to build their wealth for a better future. Built on the pillars of access, advice and affordability, Syfe caters to the different wealth needs of individuals with diversified proprietary portfolios, cash management solutions and brokerage. In Singapore alone, Syfe manages multiple billion dollars in assets and over 5% adult citizens are using the platform to achieve their financial goals.

Licensed and operational in Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia, Syfe has customers from 60+ countries. The company has raised SGD 105 million to date and is backed by leading global investors including Peter Thiel’s Valar Ventures, Unbound and partners from DST.

For more information on Syfe, please visit: www.syfe.com

About Coffee Meets Bagel

Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) is the dating app for serious relationships. Over 92% of the CMB Community is looking for a committed relationship – and 96% say they intend to go on real dates with matches. CMB has been named “Best for Real Dates” by Mashable, and over half of CMB Daters say their first dates often lead to second dates. CMB is free to download for iOS and Android.