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Alan Applegate

Singaporean Stock Trading

Despite being a small nation, Singapore is considered one of the world’s most important centres of finance, thanks to the unique systems put in place by the Singaporean government and its dedicated MoneySense department. Between them, they have effectively provided maximum stability to Singapore’s economy, meaning a higher standard of living and an increase in disposable income for its residents.

As a stock trader, it is best to use only brokerage services which are regulated by the MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore). These include traditional, homegrown stockbrokers, as well as offshore businesses with a land-based presence in Singapore. Between them, you are sure to find a broker that offers you everything you need to pursue stock trading as a secondary income, or as an investment for your future.

Although there are fewer brokers in Singapore than in some other countries, it can still take quite a substantial amount of time to investigate them thoroughly. This task is one we can certainly help you with, as a part of our website is dedicated entirely to broker reviews, which have been carefully collated by our panel of experts. If you choose a stockbroker from our recommendations, you are sure to have an excellent trading experience.

Top Rated Stocks Sites

#1 - Pocket Option: Best Overall

Pocket Option Logo
9.8
Superb
Bonus Up-to $2000 Assets 130+
Min. Trade $1 *Payout % 92.76%
Over 130+ assets to trade now
Instant access to social trading
Single account option, for everyone
Tournament with prize of $50,000
IFMRRC is not an official regulator
Limited account funding methods
Deposit Methods
Visa Klarna MasterCard Skrill
124 visited this site today
Pocket Option Review

Editors Summary

Pocket Option offers many excellent features to new and existing traders. When you check-out the various account types, you will see that they work with traders of any level – newbie, beginner, experienced, master etc. This site is so easy to use, and while CySEC does not license them, they have good feedback online and tick all of the boxes of a trusted broker. We love the ease of use and no-frills approach which is replicated with a great user experience.

#2 - Binarium: Best Free Demo

Binarium Logo
9.3
Excellent
Bonus Up-to $1600 Assets 120+
Min. Trade $1 *Payout % 91.48%
Over 120+ assets to trade now
Bigger deposit = more features
Business account for pro traders
Online platform, no download
Platform basic for serious traders
Slow response times for support
Deposit Methods
Bitcoin PayPal MasterCard Neteller
77 visited this site today
Binarium Review

Editors Summary

Binarium seems to offer everything that both the new and experienced trader needs. From the types of accounts and options available to the mobile offering and bonuses, they tick all of the usual boxes. While they don't have a CySEC or ASIC license, the fact that they have been operating for so long with a good name should be an indicator that they are trustworthy and reliable. If you want a broker that offers a good, all-around experience, then Binarium must make your shortlist.

#3 - IQcent: Best Mobile App

IQcent Logo
9.1
Very Good
Bonus Up-to $1000 Assets 150+
Min. Trade $1 *Payout % 89.72%
Over 150+ assets to trade now
Account options for every trader
Trading available 7 days a week
Super-fast 1 day withdrawals
Demo account has less features
UK-based, but licensed offshore
Deposit Methods
Bitcoin PayPal PaySafeCard MasterCard
42 visited this site today

Editors Summary

It is clear to see that IQcent mean business and that their all-around offering to traders is making them a serious competitor in the digital options market place. From their easy to use trading platform to the fact that they offer such good withdrawal terms, you can't help but feel that this broker is going to capture the market, quickly. With a base in London, reputable licensing, an acceptance of US customers they tick all the boxes when it comes what traders want.

Risk Warning / Ad Disclosure

Risk Warning: The products offered by the companies listed on this website carry a high level of risk and can result in the loss of all your funds. You should never risk money that you cannot afford to lose.

Ad Disclosure: Some of the links that you will find on this website are advertisements for which we do receive financial gain for referring new customers.

Stocks Sites in Singapore

Singapore

MoneySense is a Singaporean government department tasked with advising citizens on all matters financial and regulating businesses which offer commercial opportunities, including stockbrokers. Its website contains a whole wealth of information for both potential and experienced stock traders alike, but there are some other aspects of trading we think are also important:

Mobile Trading

Almost everyone has a mobile device these days and for many of you, it is your lifeline and chief source of access to the Internet. That is why most modern stockbrokers have invested substantially into the development of either mobile-optimised website accessibility or advanced apps, suited to the majority of mainstream devices. If mobile trading is essential for your lifestyle, this is an area well worthy of further research when you come to select a stockbroker.

Deals And Incentives

The majority of incentives offered to stock traders tend to come in the form of loyalty rewards, rather than as ‘free money’. Stockbrokers in Singapore like to retain their client base and the incentives are mostly by way of lower fees, upgraded account facilities and free-to-use software, such as signals and indicators. No two brokers are alike though, so if you plan on trading regularly, look out for the deals that benefit you the most.

Diverse Asset Types

The assets accessible to you are another crucial matter to take into account. Some Singapore stockbrokers only offer investments on the SGX (Singapore Exchange) while others have US or UK stockmarket availability. There is no doubt that SGX options will cost you less in terms of trading costs, but you may find them limiting to your trading over time; certainly a factor to consider during your search for a broker.

Good Customer Support

As a Singapore resident, you will have experienced exposure to financial advice from the time you were at school, but support for a specific endeavour is a whole new subject. Some stockbrokers are more geared towards experienced traders, but others provide an entire ‘further education’ for those new to the world of stock trading. We always like to see brokers providing this type of overall help to clients, in addition to the customary points of contact in the event that you have a query or problem.

Broker Fees And Tax

Todays Top Traders
Trader Broker Asset Profit

In Singapore, there are two main options for your stock trading account, CDP or Custodial. A CDP (Central Depository Account) holds all of the stocks purchased in your name, even if you have multiple broker accounts. You own them outright, meaning you have an entitlement to voting rights and receipt of annual reports for each. Understandably, a CDP account attracts additional fees, including higher per trade costs and monthly admin charges for ‘housing’ your stocks in a guaranteed safe environment.

A custodial account means that your stocks are held by a ‘nominee’ rather than in your name, which means that you will lose any voting rights and other company information as you are not technically the owner of the stock. Fees for this type of account are considerably lower in terms of individual trade costs and maintenance fees. Brokers are still required to keep your investment separate from their business funding but were the broker to become insolvent; the onus is on you to prove ownership.

In Singapore, any profit you make on trading activity, including annual dividend payments, is considered as income when assessing your tax liability. It is therefore essential that you maintain accurate accounts showing profit, loss and expenses and declare all profit to the IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore). Failure to do so can result in hefty fines or even a prison sentence.

Singaporean Licencing

MAS, or ‘The Monetary Authority of Singapore’ to give it its full title, has overall control of the licensing, regulation and ongoing monitoring of all stockbrokers based in Singapore. It is governed by a board of directors, with Singapore’s Minister of Finance as its Chairman and strives for “commitment to professionalism, integrity and fairness” for all matters financial.

Singapore is one of the most financially organised countries in the world, which in turn leads to a great deal of what you will think of as ‘red tape’. However, it is essential to understand that all of the policies and procedures the Singaporean government enforces are there to protect you and your investment.

As well as brokers, stock traders must undergo a strictly controlled vetting procedure too and there are many things you must do, plus a list of essential documents to make available before you can open an account with a stockbroker:

  • A completed ‘Trading Application Form’
  • A completed ‘CDP Linkage Form’
  • Your NRIC card, or 11B and Passport for NSF applicants
  • Original documents verifying your name and current address

The quickest way is to visit the broker’s offices, if convenient. A personal visit means the entire process can be completed in around an hour. Alternatively, you can undertake the process online, but it is more than likely going to take a few weeks before you can begin trading.

The task of selecting suitable brokers for a particular country is challenging, but for residents of Singapore, it is more straightforward.

How we Recommend Brokers

The task of selecting suitable brokers for a particular country is challenging, but for residents of Singapore, it is more straightforward. You are legally allowed to trade with any offshore broker of your choice, but the financial authorities in your country offer sound advice, so that is a good starting point. Our team of expert reviewers will seek out the best MAS-licensed stockbrokers and assess them on many different factors.

Number one on the list is confirmation of licensing, which is easy for the MAS as the broker’s licence is displayed on the broker’s website and easily verified using the MAS website. We also ensure that the stockbroker has not incurred penalties for misdemeanours, or received warnings for misconduct. Security comes next; MAS licensed brokers are required to provide a safe website and have high-level encryption in place for sensitive data and financial transactions.

Now we get to the part that may interest you more: assets, mobile trading and customer support. We always like to see our recommended brokers offering diverse asset types with a realistic fee structure in place and we also place a lot of emphasis on the reliability and functionality of mobile apps. Lastly, we look for excellent customer support in every respect and a generally ‘friendly’ approach from the broker. After all, a great all-round experience is more likely to help you achieve success.

Our Review Rating System (More Info)

10% 10% 10% 15% 15% 20% 20% Pie Core
  • Account Types
  • Banking & Payouts
  • Bonuses & Promotions
  • Mobile Trading
  • Trade Types
  • Special Features
  • Customer Support
Expert Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Is stock trading in Singapore legal and safe?

Stock trading is legal in Singapore and entirely safe with the right stockbroker – ideally one that is regulated by the MAS. Trading with an offshore brokerage does not give you the same level of financial protection.

Do I need to pay fees and taxes on my profits?

Stockbrokers operate as a business and generate their income by charging fees, which do vary from broker to broker. All stock trading profit is considered an income for tax purposes, so you must keep accurate accounts and declare your profit, or you may face harsh penalties.

Can I test brokers before trading with real money?

The opportunities for opening demo accounts in this market are quite limited. Some stockbrokers do offer them, but often on a relatively short-term basis, or with fewer assets than a live account has available.

Is it easy to make deposits and withdrawals?

There are relatively stringent guidelines which you must adhere to when setting up your brokerage account. Once the information you provide is verified, depositing and withdrawing funds is a very straightforward process.

Can I trade using my mobile or tablet device?

Provided you have an up to date smartphone or tablet and a reliable WiFi connection, you can access your stock trading device from almost any location. If this is important to you, always check that your broker has a fully functional app available.

Top Rated Stocks Site

#1 - Pocket Option: Best Overall

Pocket Option Logo
9.8
Superb
Bonus Up-to $2000 Assets 130+
Min. Trade $1 *Payout % 92.76%
Over 130+ assets to trade now
Instant access to social trading
Single account option, for everyone
Tournament with prize of $50,000
IFMRRC is not an official regulator
Limited account funding methods
Deposit Methods
AMEX Bitcoin Klarna MasterCard
136 visited this site today
Pocket Option Review
Risk Warning / Ad Disclosure

Risk Warning: The products offered by the companies listed on this website carry a high level of risk and can result in the loss of all your funds. You should never risk money that you cannot afford to lose.

Ad Disclosure: Some of the links that you will find on this website are advertisements for which we do receive financial gain for referring new customers.

Meet The Author
Alan Applegate
Alan Applegate
Investment Broker

Alan has worked as an investment broker who helps businesses find investors to fund their projects and operations. He’s now joined our team as an author for the site, and we believe his 25 years experience will be priceless to our readers.

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