Renewed interest in S’pore stocks: How zero custody fees and CPF linkage are changing access
With its new localised features, Tiger Brokers is simplifying access to SGX-listed securities
SINGAPORE’S stock market is having a moment not seen in years – posting record trading activity as investors turn to Singapore Exchange (SGX)-listed equities in anticipation of better returns.
In August, retail investors’ net purchases surged to a 10-month high of $685 million, led by increased interest in index stocks and small-to-mid cap counters amid heightened global market volatility.
SGX posted a 27.3 per cent increase in adjusted net profit for the first six months of 2025, hitting $320.1 million, with revenue growth across all segments.
SGX volumes have risen 50 per cent year on year in 2024, and the bullish momentum continues into 2025.
In May, SGX posted its highest monthly trading volume in over four years, with the daily average traded value of securities reaching $1.3 billion, outperforming regional peers.
Why investors are looking to Singapore stocks again
According to Tiger Brokers Singapore’s market strategist James Ooi, the renewed interest in Singapore equities reflects investors diversifying across asset classes amid greater global market uncertainty and lower interest rate expectations.
He expects the local market to continue benefiting from broader market participation, with investor sentiments to be lifted by resilient corporate earnings, especially as the tariff situation could de-escalate.
Another factor for the renewed interest in Singapore stocks – in February, the Monetary Authority of Singapore announced the plan to revitalise the local stock market via the $5 billion Equity Market Development Programme.
The first $1.1 billion tranche has already been allocated to three asset managers – Avanda Investment Management, Fullerton Fund Management and JP Morgan Asset Management – with more appointments expected later in 2025.
Ooi says the recent move by the government could increase investors’ willingness to engage in equities, especially new listings and small- to mid-cap stocks.
He adds that investors accustomed to the volatility of global markets will find that Singapore offers a different proposition: it has resilience, dividends and regulatory stability.
As the shift to Singapore stocks gathers momentum, Tiger Brokers is positioning itself as a natural bridge that combines global-grade trading tools with features designed specifically for the local market.
The brokerage platform offers the ease and accessibility experienced investors look for: cost-efficient access to Singapore equities without hidden charges, liquidity in a growing yet regulated market, as well as tools that match different trading styles, from high-frequency trading to long-term trades.
CPF and SRS account linkage makes investing seamless
Perhaps the most meaningful addition is the new Tiger Brokers’ Central Provident Fund (CPF) Investment Account linkage on the Tiger Trade app, which launched on Aug 11.
This will allow investors to purchase CPF-approved SGX stocks directly through the platform. Users can allocate CPF funds into selected equities without leaving the app.
Currently, CPF-approved stock investments sit within the same platform as the cash and Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) trades.
With the new Tiger Brokers feature, investors will be able to manage their CPF accounts alongside their cash and SRS portfolios in one place.
Users will be able to plan their wealth directly from the app instead of juggling multiple platforms, which will help them align their investing with long-term retirement planning.
Not all global brokers can offer this combination. The integration reflects Tiger Brokers’ tailoring of its trading tools to Singapore’s unique investment landscape.
Tiger Brokers’ appeal lies not only in how it tailors to the local market but also in the breadth of features familiar to those who trade globally.
For instance, the brokerage has the Cash Boost feature, where investors can trade instantly without waiting for funds to clear. While this provides added flexibility similar to leveraged trading, it does so in a simpler way – though investors should still be mindful of the risks involved.
For active traders, Tiger Brokers’ advanced data-rich analytics, intuitive design, and global product access make it easier to track opportunities across markets in the US, Hong Kong, China, alongside Singapore without having to use multiple platforms.
For investors looking to re-engage with SGX while maintaining access to global markets and swift execution, Tiger Brokers offers a platform that supports both.
Fee waivers and smart tools support long-term investors
Separately, even though SGX’s historical $2 custody fee is negligible for large portfolios, the charge can be a recurring cost for disciplined buy-and-hold investors.
Tiger Brokers has waived such fees for active investors since 2022 and is now extending it universally, to both active and low-activity investors, to make it easier for them.
Doing so supports the long-term dividend and retirement strategies of sophisticated investors, who have more wiggle room to invest at their own pace or apply their buy-and-hold strategies without being penalised for having patience.
With Singapore increasingly seen as a “safe harbour” in Asia, Ooi says investors accustomed to the US, Hong Kong or China markets will move to integrate the Singapore stability into their broader portfolios.
The question for many investors is how to achieve this. For Ooi, the answer is clear: Tiger Brokers lets you invest globally, plan locally and build wealth at your own pace.
Disclaimer
*T&Cs apply. For more info on Cash Boost Account and other applicable Fees: https://www.tigerbrokers.com.sg/commissions/fees. Not financial advice. Investment involves risk. Cash Boost Account enables you to make purchases using credit limit, allowing you to buy beyond your current available funds and may potentially incur losses exceeding your account balance. Please make decisions according to your own risk tolerance.
This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
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