Beneficial Ownership of Joint Bank Accounts: <i>Khoo Phaik Ean Patricia and another v Khoo Phaik Eng Katherine and others</i> [2025] 1 SLR 758

Abstract This case note examines the decision of the Singapore Court of Appeal in Khoo Phaik Ean Patricia and another v Khoo Phaik Eng Katherine and others [2025] 1 SLR 758, which addresses the legal consequences of property gratuitously transferred by A into the joint names of A and B under four intention-based scenarios (excluding cases where a common intention constructive trust is alleged). The Court also held that bank documents may determine beneficial ownership to the extent that, on proper construction, they address the transferor’s intention regarding beneficial ownership. This underscores the need for precise drafting in banking and estate planning.