Best Online Brokerages and Trading Platforms in Singapore: A 2025 Guide

In the bustling financial hub of Singapore, the array of online brokerage options can seem endless, presenting a challenging landscape for both novice and seasoned investors alike. To streamline this complex decision-making process, we have looked into the finest trading platforms across, helping you dissect the fee structures, global market access, and favorable exchange rates.

The investment world has been profoundly transformed by the unexpected developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, catalyzing a remarkable uptick in market participation. A telling example of this shift can be seen in the notable rise of retail investment globally. In an era marked by unpredictability, individuals across the globe are gravitating towards the stock market, driven by the desire to take control of their financial destinies.

This newfound enthusiasm for investing has resonated deeply within Singapore. Confronted with the realities of inflation and the erosive impact on savings, Singaporeans are increasingly looking towards investments as a means to safeguard and potentially grow their wealth. 

Getting started with stock investing in Singapore

It's essential to understand the foundational steps required to get started. Two key components in this process are setting up a brokerage account and a Central Depository (CDP) account. 

What is a Brokerage Account and CDP Account?

• Brokerage Account: This is your gateway to buying and selling stocks, bonds, ETFs, and other securities. A brokerage account is held by a financial institution or brokerage firm, acting as a middleman between you and the stock exchanges. Through this account, you can place trades, monitor your investments, and manage your portfolio according to your financial goals.
• Central Depository (CDP) Account: Specifically unique to Singapore, a CDP account is operated by the Singapore Exchange (SGX) and helps you hold the shares you own. It's essentially a safekeeping account for all the securities you purchase through the local stock market, ensuring that your assets are securely held and accurately recorded.

CDP-linked vs Custodian Account

When you open a brokerage account in Singapore, you'll have to choose between linking it to a CDP account or opting for a custodian account. Understanding the difference between these two is crucial:

CDP-linked Account: 

• The shares you buy are directly registered under your name and stored in your personal CDP account. This direct ownership grants you all the rights associated with the shares, including voting rights in company meetings and receiving dividends directly. 
• A CDP-linked account offers greater transparency and control over your investments.
• However, it also means a higher brokerage fees and higher minimum commission amount.

Custodian Account: 

• The shares you purchase are held by the brokerage firm on your behalf. The shares are registered under the brokerage's name, and the firm acts as a custodian for your investments. While you still own the shares and are entitled to dividends, you may not have the same voting rights as with a CDP-linked account. 
• Custodian accounts often come with lower fees and may provide access to a wider range of international markets compared to CDP-linked accounts.

Choosing between a CDP-linked and custodian account depends on your investment strategy, preferences for control and ownership, and your goals as an investor. Each option has its advantages and considerations, so it's vital to assess your needs and understand these fundamental aspects before embarking on your investment journey in Singapore.

Comparing best online brokerages and trading platforms

Before we look into the online brokerages and their fees. It's essential to understand the fees associated with the investment in Singapore stocks.

The only cost component that may vary is the commission fees charged by the brokerage firm we use. It is also the largest cost component when we buy and sell stocks. If we buy stocks listed on overseas exchanges, we may incur different fees associated with our trades.

CDP-linked online brokerage accounts

Traditional brokerages that link directly to a CDP account often apply a commission rate of 0.28% per transaction, subject to a minimum fee of $25. This structure means that the impact of commission fees can significantly affect the returns on smaller trades. For instance, consider making a trade worth $1,000, while the 0.28% commission on such a trade should technically be only $2,80, the minimum fee of $25 is enforced instead. As a result, the actual commission rate on this transaction escalates to 2.5% — effectively tripling the cost to four times the expected rate of 0.28%. 

Some of the online brokerages that offer service include:

• CGS-CIMB Securities
• DBS Vickers
• FSMOne
• KGI Securities
• Lim & Tan Securities
• Maybank
• Kim Eng Securities
• OCBC Securities
• Phillip Securities (POEMS)
• RHB Securities
• UOB Kay Hian

 Custodian accounts (based on SG stocks)

Custodian accounts (based on US stocks)

Overview of Online Brokerages in Singapore and Their Offerings

Singapore is home to a diverse range of MAS-regulated online brokerages that cater to both local and international investors. From long-established banks and full-service brokers to newer digital-first platforms, each brokerage provides a unique combination of market access, product coverage, trading tools, and account types. 

Whether you’re investing in SGX-listed stocks or accessing global markets like the U.S., Hong Kong, or China, understanding the background and capabilities of each brokerage is key to finding one that aligns with your investment needs. Below offers a side-by-side view of what each broker offers in terms of platform features, regulatory standing, and supported markets.

POEMS (Phillip Securities)

Phillip Securities’ POEMS (Phillip’s Online Electronic Mart System) is the flagship online trading platform of the PhillipCapital Group, headquartered in Singapore since 1975. Launched in 1996 as one of Singapore’s first internet trading platforms, POEMS offers both CDP-linked and custodian accounts, allowing investors flexibility in how their SGX-listed shares are held. 

The platform provides access to a broad range of investment products including stocks, ETFs, bonds, futures, and options. Clients can trade on 18 global exchanges through a single account. 

Phillip Securities is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Tiger Brokers

Tiger Brokers is a technology-driven online brokerage founded in 2014 under the parent company UP Fintech Holding (Nasdaq: TIGR). It has expanded globally with offices in Singapore, New York, Beijing, Auckland, and Sydney. In Singapore, Tiger Brokers (Singapore) Pte Ltd is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and offers both custodian and CDP-linked trading accounts for Singapore stocks. 

Through its Tiger Trade mobile app, investors can access multiple markets, including the Singapore Exchange, U.S. exchanges (NYSE/NASDAQ), Hong Kong Exchange, China A-shares (via Stock Connect), and the Australian Securities Exchange. The platform supports a wide range of investment products such as stocks, ETFs, options, futures, and funds, all within a single account

*Up to 6 months commission-free for SG/US trades

moomoo SG

moomoo is a global trading platform launched in 2018 by Futu Holdings, a fintech firm based in Hong Kong. Operated in Singapore by Moomoo Financial Singapore Pte. Ltd., the platform is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). moomoo SG offers custodian accounts, meaning investors do not require a CDP account, as stocks are held under the broker’s custody. 

The platform provides access to multiple markets including U.S., Singapore, Hong Kong, and China A-shares, and supports trading in stocks, ETFs, stock options, CFDs, and select cryptocurrencies. moomoo’s mobile app includes features such as real-time market data, advanced charting tools, and a social investor community. 

In 2022, it received full SGX trading and clearing memberships, positioning it as a full-service digital broker in Singapore.

*1-year free commission for SG stocks; 0% commission for US stocks forever 

SAXO

Saxo Markets is the online trading platform of Saxo Bank, a Danish investment bank founded in 1992 and headquartered in Copenhagen. Its Singapore entity, Saxo Capital Markets Pte Ltd, has been operating since the early 2000s and is authorised and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). 

Saxo offers multi-asset trading through a single account, giving clients access to over 71,000 instruments across global markets, including stocks, ETFs, bonds, commodities, foreign exchange (FX), CFDs, futures, and options. The broker operates on a custodian model, where Singapore and other securities are held in custody with Saxo. 

Its platforms—SaxoInvestor, SaxoTraderGO, and SaxoTraderPRO—provide advanced trading technology and competitive pricing tiers tailored to different investor needs.

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers (IB) is a U.S.-headquartered brokerage firm founded in 1978, with its main office in Greenwich, Connecticut, and a presence in major financial centres worldwide. Its Singapore entity, Interactive Brokers Singapore Pte Ltd, is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The platform operates exclusively on a custodian model, with no CDP linkage—securities are held in nominee custody. IB offers direct market access to over 150 exchanges globally, including those in Singapore, the U.S., Hong Kong, Japan, and more. 

Clients can trade a wide range of products such as stocks, ETFs, options, futures, currencies (FX), bonds, and mutual funds through a single integrated account. Interactive Brokers is known for its low trading fees, competitive margin rates, and global regulatory compliance, including supervision by MAS in Singapore.

uSMART

uSMART is a digital brokerage founded in 2018 in Hong Kong and backed by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises. It launched its Singapore operations in 2022 after receiving a Capital Markets Services licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Operated by uSMART Securities (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., the firm has positioned Singapore as its global headquarters. uSMART offers custodian accounts and focuses on keeping costs low by not using CDP for trade settlement. 

Investors can trade a range of assets including U.S. and Hong Kong stocks, ETFs, options, and CFDs through the uSMART mobile app. The platform highlights zero commission on U.S. stock trades and low fees on options and CFDs, and also offers features such as high interest on idle cash and AI-driven trading tools. 

uSMART is regulated by MAS and aims to serve tech-savvy investors through a modern, data-driven user experience.

*Earn up to US$200 in welcome rewards

WeBull

Webull is a U.S.-based trading platform founded in 2016, with global headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida. Its holding company originated in China, and the platform has expanded into the Asia-Pacific region, launching in Singapore in 2022. Webull Securities (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). 

The platform operates on a custodian model, where client securities are held by the broker. Webull initially did not support CDP accounts, but as of 2024, it introduced trading access to SGX-listed stocks. 

The platform offers commission-free trading on U.S. stocks and ETFs, along with options trading, fractional shares, and cryptocurrency trading via affiliated services. In Singapore, investors can trade across multiple markets including the U.S., Hong Kong, China A-shares, and the Singapore Exchange, all through a single app. 

With extended-hours trading, real-time data, and advanced analytics tools, Webull aims to serve both beginner and experienced investors, while maintaining compliance with MAS regulations.

*0% commission on US stocks; deposit rewards up to US$600

FSMOne (Fundsupermart)

FSMOne, formerly known as Fundsupermart, is the retail investment platform of iFAST Corporation, a Singapore-based fintech company founded in 2000 and listed on the SGX. FSMOne offers both CDP-linked and custodian accounts for Singapore stock trading, giving investors the flexibility to settle trades either into their personal CDP account or through FSMOne’s nominee custody. 

The platform provides a wide range of investment products, including unit trusts, stocks, ETFs, bonds (such as Singapore Government Securities and corporate bonds), insurance, and cash management tools. With a single account, investors can access markets in Singapore, the U.S., Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, and the UK. FSMOne features a flat fee structure for SGX stock trading and competitive rates for overseas markets. 

Operated by iFAST Financial Pte Ltd and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), FSMOne places a strong focus on transparency and investor education.

ProsperUs (by CGS-CIMB)

ProsperUs is a digital investment platform launched in 2021 by CGS-CIMB Securities, a joint venture between China Galaxy Securities and CIMB Group. Headquartered in Singapore, the platform was designed to serve millennial and next-generation investors through a modern, all-in-one trading app. ProsperUs operates solely on a custodian model, where client securities are held in nominee custody. 

It offers access to eight asset classes across 30 exchanges in 25 countries, covering over 30,000 instruments. Investors can trade stocks, ETFs, bonds, foreign exchange, options, futures, and CFDs, and also invest in managed funds and thematic portfolios. The platform supports both active and passive investment strategies and provides access to global markets including the U.S., Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and Europe. Backed by CGS-CIMB’s research capabilities and regional expertise, ProsperUs delivers competitively priced trades along with market insights. 

It is operated by CGS-CIMB Securities (Singapore) and is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

*SGX market depth fee waived; promotional commission rates for SG stocks

Standard Chartered Online Trading

Standard Chartered Online Trading is the brokerage service offered by Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore), a subsidiary of the UK-headquartered multinational bank, Standard Chartered plc. Launched in Singapore in 2011, the platform was among the first to offer online equity trading with no minimum commission. 

It provides access to 14 major stock exchanges across 10 countries, including Singapore, the U.S., Hong Kong, and Japan. The platform supports trading in stocks and ETFs across Asia, the U.S., and Europe within a single account. Standard Chartered’s brokerage operates on a custodian model, where shares are held in the bank’s nominee account rather than the client’s CDP. The platform integrates with the bank’s financial services, offering features like seamless fund transfers and multi-currency settlement. 

Standard Chartered Bank Singapore is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and its trading services fall under the bank’s capital markets services licence. This platform is suited for investors who prefer to consolidate their banking and investing with a single institution.

*Free INTC and BRK.B shares for new users

CMC Invest (Invest)

CMC Invest is the retail stockbroking platform of CMC Markets, a UK-based brokerage founded in 1989 and historically known for its CFD and forex trading services. CMC Markets has operated in Singapore since 2006 and launched CMC Markets Singapore Invest Pte. Ltd. in 2023 to offer zero-commission stock trading and long-term investment products. 

The platform operates on a custodian model, where shares are held on behalf of clients, and initially offered access to Singapore and U.S. equities and ETFs, with plans to expand to more markets. CMC Invest features a transparent pricing model, real-time market data, and supports multi-currency accounts with no custody or inactivity fees. Investors can trade SGX-listed stocks with a number of free trades per month and access U.S. markets through its mobile and web platforms. 

Licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), CMC Invest leverages over 30 years of CMC Markets’ experience and global regulatory coverage to provide a modern, cost-efficient trading experience for Singapore investors.

*5 commission-free SG trades per month, 10 commission-free US trades per month

City Index

City Index is a global forex and Contracts-for-Difference (CFD) broker founded in 1983 in London. It operates under the trading brand of StoneX Group Inc., a NASDAQ-listed financial services company. In Singapore, City Index is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) through its local entity. The platform offers only custodian accounts, as it specialises in margin trading products such as CFDs and does not support CDP shareholding.

City Index provides access to over 6,000 markets, including forex pairs, stock indices, individual equities, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Clients can trade global instruments with leverage via CFDs and spread bets. 

With more than 40 years of industry experience, City Index is regulated by top-tier authorities including the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Australia’s ASIC, and MAS in Singapore, ensuring strong regulatory compliance and client fund protection.

Phillip Nova

Phillip Nova, formerly known as Phillip Futures, is the derivatives and forex brokerage arm of the PhillipCapital Group. Established in 1983, it was one of the founding clearing members of Singapore’s derivatives exchange. Headquartered in Singapore, Phillip Nova offers custodian trading accounts focused on futures, commodities, and leveraged products, with no CDP linkage due to the nature of these instruments. 

Investors can trade a wide range of asset classes including global futures contracts (such as equity index and commodity futures), spot forex, forex forwards, CFDs, and bullion products. The platform provides access to major international exchanges across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, including CME and SGX derivatives markets.

Licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Phillip Nova benefits from the broader PhillipCapital Group’s established presence and reputation in Singapore’s financial industry.

CGS-CIMB iTrade

CGS-CIMB iTrade is the online trading platform of CGS-CIMB Securities, a regional brokerage formed in 2017 through a joint venture between China Galaxy Securities and CIMB Group. CGS-CIMB Securities (Singapore) is headquartered in Singapore and is part of one of Asia’s prominent brokerage networks. The iTrade platform supports both CDP-linked and custodian accounts, allowing Singapore investors to settle local equities into their CDP account while holding foreign stocks in custody. CDP sub-account maintenance fees are waived, and corporate actions are managed on behalf of clients.

The platform provides online access to seven major markets—Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, China, and the U.S.—with additional access available through offline trading desks. CGS-CIMB also offers ETFs, forex trading, contracts for difference (CFDs), and margin financing. Clients benefit from the firm’s broad research coverage, which includes insights on over 800 Asian stocks. 

CGS-CIMB Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), ensuring robust compliance and investor protection.

*SEC fees waived for US sell trades

Maybank Kim Eng

Maybank Kim Eng is the brokerage arm of Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank), Malaysia’s largest bank. The business traces its origins to Kim Eng Securities, founded in Singapore in 1972, and was integrated into Maybank’s investment banking operations following its acquisition in 2011. Now operating in Singapore as Maybank Securities Pte. Ltd., the brokerage offers both CDP-linked and custodian accounts, allowing investors to choose between holding local shares in their CDP or via nominee custody. 

Through its KE Trade or Maybank Trade platforms, clients can access multiple markets including Singapore, Hong Kong, the U.S., the UK, Malaysia, and Thailand, with dealer-assisted trades extending to other regional exchanges. The product offering spans stocks, REITs, ETFs, bonds, CFDs, and foreign exchange trading. In addition to retail services, Maybank Kim Eng provides research and corporate finance support. 

The brokerage is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), as well as securities regulators in Malaysia and other jurisdictions, and benefits from the regional reach and credibility of the Maybank Group.

*Data as of 23 May 2025. Please note that promotions are subject to terms and conditions, and it is advisable to visit the respective brokerage websites for the most up-to-date information.

Do you know you can also invest with wealth management platforms like StashAway?

Exploring the best online brokerages in Singapore opens up various investment avenues. StashAway, a distinguished wealth management platform, offers a straightforward, low-fee option for both novice and seasoned investors seeking to diversify their portfolios effortlessly. Why consider Stashaway as another investment option?

Transparent, Low Fees:

Invest with clarity as StashAway charges a competitive management fees of only 0.2% to 0.8% annually, significantly lower than traditional investment channels, with no hidden costs.

Three Distinctive Stashaway General Investing Portfolios:

• General Investing by StashAway: Focuses on maintaining a consistent risk level while optimizing for returns. Designed to outperform in the long term, it occasionally deviates from immediate market trends to ensure risk consistency. The portfolio comprises 7 to 13 underlying funds, strategically selected to balance performance and risk management effectively.

• General Investing Powered by BlackRock®: Managed by BlackRock, one of the world's largest asset managers, this strategy is designed to navigate both the ups and downs of the market, aiming for long-term outperformance. It includes a broad array of 15 to 25 underlying funds, providing extensive market exposure and diversification.

• Responsible Investing (ESG): Allows you to invest for both profit and purpose with a diversified, ESG-focused approach. The portfolio includes 7 to 13 underlying funds, each selected based on strict environmental, social, and governance criteria.

Selecting the ideal brokerage account 

Choosing a brokerage account that aligns with your investment strategy can be a daunting task given the plethora of options available. To navigate this decision, several critical factors need to be weighed.

• Understanding Fees: A significant consideration is the impact of fees on your investment returns. While many brokerage firms enforce a minimum commission fee, it's worth considering larger trades to minimise the proportional impact of these fees on your returns. Additionally, be cautious of offerings that advertise zero-commission trades; they might not account for other hidden charges, such as per-share settlement fees, which can surprisingly escalate costs.
• Promotional Perks: Brokerages frequently offer promotions, including fee waivers or cash rebates, which can enhance your trading experience. Leveraging these promotions for more frequent trading during the promotional period can offer substantial savings.
• Diverse Product Offerings: It's crucial to match your intended investment products with what's available through the brokerage. This includes everything from stocks and bonds to more complex instruments like Contracts for Difference (CFD) and futures.
• Analytical Tools: The quality and range of tools provided can significantly impact your trading effectiveness. Whether you need advanced charting tools, stock screeners, or technical indicators, ensure the brokerage platform supports these functionalities.
• Global Market Access: For investors aiming to diversify internationally, the range of accessible global markets is a key factor. Whether your interest lies in major markets like the U.S., China, and Hong Kong or more niche exchanges, the brokerage should facilitate these investments.
• Platform Usability: The design and responsiveness of the brokerage's platform can greatly affect your trading efficiency, especially for those operating on tighter time frames. A platform's ease of use, speed, and reliability in executing trades are paramount considerations.
• Investment Insights: Many brokerages offer value-added services like investment insights, market analysis, and research reports, which can be instrumental in making informed decisions.
• Experience It First: Utilizing demo accounts offered by brokerages can provide a hands-on way to assess if a platform's interface and features suit your needs without committing real funds.
• More Than Just Fees: While low commission fees are attractive, the "best" brokerage account offers a blend of convenience, tools, and value that aligns with your investment goals. Factors such as access to international markets, user-friendly interfaces, comprehensive analytical tools, and the availability of investment insights should influence your choice.

Ultimately, you're not limited to a single brokerage, and experimenting with multiple platforms could lead to finding the one that best suits your investment style. Taking the time to evaluate these factors can ensure that your chosen brokerage not only meets your financial objectives but also enhances your investing journey.