How to choose a trading platform in Singapore
Singapore investors should compare trading platforms based on total trading cost, market access, account structure, CPF/SRS eligibility, product range, investor tools, and customer support. The right platform should match both your investment goals and your comfort level with self-directed investing.
1. Compare total trading costs
The headline commission rate is only one part of the total cost of using a trading platform. Investors should compare the full cost of each trade, especially when trading overseas stocks or making frequent transactions.
Common brokerage fees include:
- Commission fees: Transaction charges applied when buying or selling securities.
- Platform fees: Charges imposed by some brokerages for using the trading platform or placing an order.
- Settlement fees: Fees that may apply when trades are processed or settled.
- Custody fees: Charges that may apply when securities are held by the broker or custodian.
- Currency conversion fees: FX costs that apply when investors trade foreign-listed securities, such as US or Hong Kong stocks.
- Withdrawal fees: Fees that may apply when transferring funds out of the brokerage account.
- Inactivity fees: Charges that may apply if an investor does not make trades for a certain period.
These fees can reduce net returns over time. Frequent traders may prioritise low minimum commissions and low per-trade fees, while long-term investors may focus more on custody structure, FX costs, platform reliability, and access to diversified investment products.
2. Check market access
Market access determines where investors can buy and sell securities. Some platforms focus mainly on Singapore, US, and Hong Kong markets, while others provide access to a broader range of global exchanges.
Singapore investors may want to compare access to:
- Singapore stocks and REITs
- US stocks and ETFs
- Hong Kong-listed securities
- China A-shares
- London-listed ETFs
- Global bonds and funds
- Options, futures, and other advanced products
A platform with broad market access may be useful for investors who want international diversification. However, broad access does not automatically make a platform suitable. Investors should still consider their risk tolerance, investment knowledge, currency exposure, and long-term financial goals.
3. Review product range
Trading platforms can offer different types of investment products. Common products include stocks, ETFs, REITs, bonds, mutual funds, options, futures, foreign exchange, and structured products.
A broader product range may be useful for experienced investors who want to build diversified portfolios or use advanced strategies. Beginner investors may prefer simpler platforms that focus on stocks, ETFs, and basic research tools.
Investors should avoid choosing products based only on availability. Each product should match their investment objective, risk profile, time horizon, and understanding of the product’s potential losses.
4. Understand CDP-linked vs custodian account
Singapore investors should understand whether a trading platform uses a CDP-linked account or a custodian account.
A CDP-linked account means eligible Singapore securities are held directly in the investor’s Central Depository account. This structure is commonly associated with SGX-listed securities and may appeal to investors who prefer direct ownership records for Singapore shares.
A custodian account means the brokerage or its custodian holds the securities on behalf of the investor. Custodian accounts are common for overseas stocks and many online brokerages. They may offer lower trading costs, wider market access, or easier access to international securities.
Neither structure is automatically better for every investor. The right option depends on the investor’s priorities, including cost, ownership structure, corporate action handling, dividend processing, market access, and platform convenience.
5. Check CPF and SRS investment options
CPF and SRS investing may be relevant for Singapore investors who want to invest eligible funds instead of using only cash.
Not every trading platform supports CPF or SRS investments. Platforms such as FSMOne and POEMS may be relevant for investors who want access to CPF/SRS-eligible products. However, CPF and SRS investments have product restrictions, account requirements, and long-term planning implications.
Investors should confirm whether their chosen platform supports the specific CPF or SRS investment products they want before opening an account.
6. Compare research tools and platform features
Trading platforms may offer research tools that help investors assess securities, markets, and portfolio performance. These tools may include stock screeners, analyst reports, valuation metrics, technical charts, market news, paper trading simulators, portfolio trackers, and AI-assisted research features.
Beginner investors may benefit from educational content, simple dashboards, and paper trading tools. Experienced investors may prefer advanced charting, options analytics, algorithmic tools, and deeper market data.
Platform features should support better decision-making, but they should not replace independent research or proper risk management.
7. Review customer support and platform reliability
Customer support is important when investors need help with account opening, deposits, withdrawals, corporate actions, dividend issues, platform errors, or trade execution concerns.
Singapore investors should consider whether the platform offers local support, live chat, phone assistance, email response, help centre resources, or in-app support. Platform reliability is also important, especially for active investors who may need timely order execution during market hours.
Read more: Investment Portfolio Basics: What is it, and How to Build One?
Best trading platforms in Singapore (2026)
Use this section to identify the best trading platforms in Singapore based on fees, market access, product range, CPF/SRS eligibility and trading tools.
Best trading platforms by feature
Best for beginners: moomoo
Lowest fees for SG and US stocks: Interactive Brokers (IBKR), moomoo, POEMS, Webull
Best for widest range of products: Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
For CPF/SRS investing: FSMOne and POEMS
Longest operational period in Singapore: Fidelity
Most trading tools & resources: Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
Cost comparison of trading platforms in Singapore
The comparison below outlines key differences across major trading platforms, including commission fees, platform fees, market access, investment products, trading tools, and account structure (CDP-linked vs custodian).
| Platform and year launched in Singapore | Market access | Commission fees | Platform fees | Tools for investors | Account type (CDP-linked vs Custodian) |
FSMOne Since 2000 | Exchanges: US, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Malaysia and London Products: Bonds, Funds, Stocks, ETFs | SG Stocks: $8.80 US Stocks: 0.08% (min. $3.80) HK Stocks: 0.08% (min. $50) SG ETFs: S$3.80 US ETFs: $3.80 HK ETFs: $38 | None | Screeners, ETF lists, model portfolios | Custodian (CDP linkage available for selling SGX holdings) |
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) Officially entered Singapore in 2020 although have been well-known and active in Singapore for many years before this | Exchanges: G10 countries, Central & Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America market Products: Stocks, ETFs, Options, Futures, Currencies, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CFDs | SG Stocks: 0.08% trade value (min. S$2.50) US Stocks: $0.005 per share (min. $1) HK Stocks: 0.08% (min. $18) | None | Paper trading simulator, professional-grade analytics | Custodian |
moomoo (by FUTU) Since 2021 | Exchanges: US, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan Products: Stocks, ETFs, REITs, Funds, Crypto, Options | SG Stocks: 0.03% of transaction amount (min. S$0.99 per order) US Stocks: $0 HK Stocks: 0.03% of transaction amount (min $3 per order) | SG Stocks: 0.03% of transaction amount (min. S$0.99 per order) US Stocks: $0.99 per order HK Stocks: $15 per order | Paper trading simulator, stock analysis charts, screeners | Custodian |
POEMS Since 1996 | Exchanges: Singapore, US, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, European, and more markets Products: Stocks, ETFs, CFDs, Bonds, Unit Trusts, Forex and Futures | Cash Plus: SG Stocks: 0.06–0.08% (no min.) US Stocks: $0 (lifetime) HK Stocks: 0.05–0.08% (min. $15–$30) Cash Management: SG Stocks up to 0.28%, min. S$25 | None | Research reports, screeners | Custodian |
Saxo Markets Since 2006 | Exchanges: Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific and America markets Products: Stocks, ETFs, Options, CFDs, Forex, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Crypto, Futures, Commodities | SG Stocks and ETFs: 0.08% (min. S$3) US Stocks and ETFs: 0.08% (min. $1) HK Stocks and ETFs: 0.08% (min. $15) Other markets: Often 0.08% with specific local min. | None | Advanced charting tool | Custodian |
Tiger Brokers Since 2020 | Exchanges: US, Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Australia Products: Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Commodities, Options, Futures, Funds, Forex | SG Stocks: 0.10% (min. S$4.99) US Stocks: $0.005 / share (min. $0.99) HK Stocks: 0.03% (min. $7) | $0.005 per share, with a min. of USD1 and a max. of 0.5% of the trade value per order | AI assistant, options screeners | Custodian (SGX custody fee S$2 / quarter, waived) |
WeBull Since 2021 | Exchanges: Singapore, China, Hong Kong, US Products: Stocks, ETFs, ADRs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds | SG Stocks: 0.025% of trade value (min. S$0.80) US Stocks: $0 HK Stocks: 0.03% (min. $12) | SG Stocks: 0.025% of trade value (min. S$0.80) US Stocks: $0 HK Stocks: $0 | Paper trading simulator, screeners, AI assistant | Custodian |
Fees and platform features can change. All information in this comparison is accurate as of June 2026 based on publicly available sources at the time of writing. Investors should check each platform’s official fee schedule and product information before making a decision.
Read more: CDP vs Custodian Account? Which Should You Choose and Why
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Trading platforms vs robo-advisors
Trading platforms are designed for self-directed investors who want direct control over investment decisions. Robo-advisors, on the other hand, provide automated portfolio management based on an investor’s risk profile and goals.
Some investors may choose to use both, combining a robo-advisor for long-term diversified investing with a trading platform for individual stock or ETF investments.
Should you use trading platforms?
Trading platforms may be suitable for investors who want direct control over their portfolios and are comfortable making their own investment decisions. They require more research, monitoring, and market knowledge than robo-advisors because investors must choose what to buy, when to sell, and how to manage risk.
Compared with robo-advisors and financial advisors, trading platforms offer higher portfolio control but also place more responsibility on the investor. They can be a good fit for self-directed investors who understand fees, market volatility, and the risks of investing.
| Method/Factors | Time & effort | Market knowledge | Control of portfolio | Cost | Personalisation / customisation level |
| Trading platforms | High | High | High | Low | High |
| Robo-advisors | Low | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Financial advisor | Medium | Medium | Medium | High | High |
Before using a trading platform, investors should first ensure they have an emergency fund, adequate insurance coverage, and a clear investment objective. These financial foundations reduce the risk of needing to sell investments during emergencies, illness, income disruption, or market downturns. Read more about the basics of personal finance.
Read more: Best Robo-advisors in Singapore
Conclusion
The best trading platform in Singapore ultimately depends on your investing goals, preferred markets, trading frequency, and level of experience. Before opening an account, compare the total cost of investing, including commissions, FX charges, custody fees, and withdrawal fees. It is also important to understand whether the platform uses a CDP-linked or custodian structure and whether it offers the products and markets you intend to invest in.
Building an emergency fund, maintaining adequate insurance coverage, and investing according to your risk tolerance can help create a stronger foundation for long-term wealth building.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a CDP-linked account and a custodian account?
A CDP-linked account holds eligible Singapore-listed shares directly under your name through the Central Depository (CDP). A custodian account holds securities on your behalf through the brokerage or its appointed custodian. Custodian accounts are common among online brokerages and often provide access to a wider range of overseas markets.
Can I invest using CPF or SRS funds through a trading platform?
Yes, some platforms support CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS) and Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) investing. FSMOne and POEMS are among the platforms commonly used by investors seeking CPF/SRS investment options.
Are trading platforms safe in Singapore?
Trading platforms operating in Singapore are generally regulated and subject to applicable regulatory requirements. However, investors should still verify the platform’s regulatory status, understand how assets are held, and review the risks associated with investing before opening an account.
Should I use a trading platform or a robo-advisor?
A trading platform may be suitable if you want direct control over your investment decisions and portfolio construction. A robo-advisor may be more suitable if you prefer automated investing and portfolio management. Some investors use both approaches as part of a diversified investment strategy.
What fees should I look out for when comparing trading platforms?
Besides commission fees, investors should compare platform fees, custody fees, settlement fees, currency conversion charges, withdrawal fees, and inactivity fees. These costs can affect overall investment returns over time.
Can I buy US stocks through a Singapore trading platform?
Yes. Most major trading platforms available in Singapore provide access to US stock exchanges, allowing investors to buy and sell US-listed stocks and ETFs. Investors should also consider currency conversion costs when investing in overseas markets.
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