Best Brokers in Singapore (2026)

Best international online brokers in Singapore in 2026

Investors in Singapore can choose from local securities brokers and international trading platforms offering access to SGX-listed shares, Singapore REITs, US stocks, ETFs, forex and derivatives. The right broker depends on whether you mainly invest in Singapore-dollar assets, buy overseas securities or trade currencies actively. An account that works well for purchasing DBS or OCBC shares may not offer the same pricing or trading tools as a platform focused on US equities or forex.

For Singapore residents, important differences include MAS regulatory status, SGD funding, foreign-exchange conversion, SGX trading charges and how securities are held. Some brokers support holdings in an investor's own Central Depository (CDP) account, while others use custodian or nominee arrangements. Tax treatment is another consideration: Singapore generally does not tax gains from shares and financial instruments held as personal investments, but not every form of trading income receives the same treatment. Comparing these details can be more useful than focusing on headline commissions alone.

How to choose a broker in Singapore

Before opening an account, compare the conditions available specifically to Singapore residents. A broker's global website may advertise markets, products or fees that do not apply to every customer. These six areas are especially relevant when comparing local and international platforms.

How can I check whether an international broker is authorised in Singapore?

Singapore's financial sector is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Firms carrying out regulated capital markets activities generally need the appropriate Capital Markets Services (CMS) licence or a relevant exemption. Before opening an account, identify the exact legal entity named in the customer agreement and search the MAS Financial Institutions Directory. Check the activities listed for that entity rather than assuming a licence covers every financial product.

MAS also maintains an Investor Alert List of certain entities that may have been wrongly perceived as authorised or regulated. The list is not exhaustive, so absence from it does not establish that a firm is safe. Also check how client cash and securities are held. Singapore's deposit insurance scheme protects qualifying SGD bank deposits at participating institutions, but shares, ETFs, foreign-currency deposits and other investment products are not covered. A broker's insolvency arrangements and client-asset safeguards should be assessed separately.

What can I trade through an international broker in Singapore?

International brokers serving Singapore offer different combinations of local and overseas markets. Before comparing prices, confirm that the account supports the instruments you need and whether you are buying the underlying asset or trading a derivative.

• Singapore & Global Shares: Depending on the broker, you may be able to trade SGX-listed companies such as DBS, OCBC, UOB and Singtel, alongside shares listed in the United States, Hong Kong and other markets. Compare local exchange access, minimum commissions and foreign-exchange charges.
• ETFs & Singapore REITs: Some brokers provide access to SGX-listed ETFs, Singapore real estate investment trusts (S-REITs) and overseas ETFs. Check the fund's trading currency, domicile, distribution policy and any foreign withholding taxes. Overseas securities may be held through a custodian rather than a personal CDP account.
• Forex & Derivatives: Trading platforms may offer currency pairs such as USD/SGD, EUR/USD and USD/JPY, along with futures, options or CFDs. Availability and leverage conditions depend on the provider and product. Derivatives can involve margin requirements, financing charges and significant losses.

Frequently Asked Questions