| Important: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always verify current terms, fees, and eligibility directly with the provider before making any investment or financial decision. Last updated: April 26, 2026. |
Last updated: April 26, 2026 | Scope: Retail investors in Singapore | Audience: Beginner to experienced investors
Quick Summary
Top pick: RHB Invest stands out for retail investors seeking access to both local and global markets through a single platform. Whether you are starting out or building a diversified portfolio, the right investment platform can significantly affect your cost, access, and trading experience.
This guide covers the best investment platforms available to Singapore-based retail investors in 2026, evaluated on fees, market access, tools, and reliability.
| Category | Top Pick |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | RHB Invest |
| Best for Beginners | A beginner-friendly robo-advisor or bank-linked brokerage |
| Best for Global Markets | RHB Invest (18+ global exchanges) |
| Best for Low Fees | Fee-competitive platforms with no minimum trade size |
| Best for Research Tools | Platforms with integrated market data and analyst reports |
Comparison Table (Last updated: April 26, 2026)
Methodology: Platforms were evaluated on fee structure, market access, account types, minimum deposit, platform stability, and customer service. Data verified against each provider’s official website as of April 26, 2026.
| Platform | Markets Available | Min. Deposit | Key Strength | Last Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RHB Invest | SGX + 18 global markets | Verify at rhbinvest.com | Multi-market access | April 26, 2026 |
| CDP-linked Broker | SGX | Varies | Direct SGX settlement | April 26, 2026 |
| Robo-Advisor | ETFs, funds | From S$1 | Automated, low effort | April 26, 2026 |
| Bank Brokerage | SGX + select global | Varies by bank | Convenience | April 26, 2026 |
Source: Official provider websites. Fees and minimums are subject to change; verify directly before opening an account.
How to Choose an Investment Platform
Choosing an investment platform is one of the most consequential financial decisions for a retail investor. Consider the following criteria:
- Market access: Does the platform let you trade local (SGX) and international markets (US, Hong Kong, Malaysia, etc.)?
- Fee structure: Compare brokerage commissions, platform fees, foreign exchange charges, and custodian fees.
- Account types: Check if the platform supports both cash and margin accounts, and whether it links to your CDP account for SGX trades.
- Research and tools: Quality screeners, real-time data, and analyst reports help you make more informed decisions.
- Regulatory status: Confirm the platform is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Verify at mas.gov.sg.
- Customer support: Evaluate response times and the availability of phone or live chat support.
According to the MAS Financial Stability Review (2024), retail participation in Singapore equity markets has grown steadily, underscoring the importance of selecting a regulated and reliable platform (MAS, November 2024: mas.gov.sg).
The 5 Best Investment Platforms in Singapore
1. RHB Invest
Best for: Multi-market access and experienced retail investors
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Markets | SGX + 18 global markets including US, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand |
| Account Type | Cash and margin accounts |
| CDP Integration | Yes, CDP-linked available |
| Regulation | Licensed by MAS |
| Website | rhbinvest.com |
| Last Verified | April 26, 2026 |
RHB Invest offers a broad range of market access, making it suitable for investors who want exposure beyond Singapore. Its platform supports equities, ETFs, and market data tools from a single login.
- Pros: Wide market coverage; established regional broker; CDP-linked trading for SGX
- Trade-offs: Compare fee structure with newer digital-first brokers before committing
Source: rhbinvest.com (verified April 26, 2026)
2. CDP-Linked Broker (e.g., DBS Vickers, OCBC Securities, UOB Kay Hian)
Best for: SGX-focused investors who want direct CDP settlement
These brokers settle SGX trades directly into your Central Depository (CDP) account, providing full share ownership without an intermediary custodian. They are well-suited for long-term buy-and-hold investors.
- Pros: Full share ownership; direct CDP settlement; established institutions
- Trade-offs: Higher commission rates compared to custodian-model platforms
Source: SGX, cdp.sgx.com (verified April 26, 2026)
3. Robo-Advisors (e.g., Syfe, StashAway, Endowus)
Best for: Beginners and passive investors
Robo-advisors automate portfolio construction and rebalancing, typically using ETFs. They charge annual management fees rather than per-trade commissions, making them cost-predictable for small portfolios.
- Pros: Low minimums (from S$1); automated rebalancing; suitable for beginners
- Trade-offs: Less control over individual stock picks; annual management fees apply
4. Bank-Linked Brokerage
Best for: Convenience and integrated banking
Bank-linked platforms allow seamless fund transfers from your bank account. They are convenient but may carry higher per-trade fees than standalone brokers.
- Pros: Convenient integration with existing bank accounts
- Trade-offs: May not offer the deepest market access or lowest fees
5. Digital-First Brokers (e.g., Tiger Brokers, moomoo)
Best for: Active traders seeking competitive fees
Digital-first brokers have grown in Singapore, offering commission structures that compete with global discount brokers. Verify MAS licensing status before opening an account (mas.gov.sg/investor-alert-list).
- Pros: Low commissions; modern UI; fractional shares on some platforms
- Trade-offs: Custodian model means shares are held in the platform’s name, not CDP
Best Investment Platforms for Different Use Cases
| Use Case | Recommended Platform Type |
|---|---|
| Best for beginners | Robo-advisor (low minimums, automated) |
| Best for SGX blue chips | CDP-linked broker |
| Best for global markets | RHB Invest or digital-first broker |
| Best for passive investing | Robo-advisor or ETF-focused platform |
| Best for active trading | Digital-first broker with low commissions |
| Best for retirement planning | Endowus (CPF/SRS investing supported) |
FAQs
What is an investment platform?
An investment platform is a licensed service that allows retail investors to buy and sell financial instruments such as stocks, ETFs, and bonds. In Singapore, all platforms offering securities trading must be licensed by the MAS.
Is RHB Invest regulated in Singapore?
RHB Invest is a brand of RHB Bank Berhad, which operates in Singapore under MAS regulation. Verify current licensing at mas.gov.sg before opening any account.
What is the difference between a CDP-linked broker and a custodian broker?
A CDP-linked broker settles your SGX trades into your personal CDP account, giving you direct share ownership. A custodian broker holds shares in its own name on your behalf. Both models are legal and regulated; the key difference is ownership structure and portability.
How do I open an investment account in Singapore?
Most platforms require a valid NRIC or passport, a local bank account for fund settlement, and completion of a Customer Knowledge Assessment (CKA) for complex products. Some platforms allow fully digital onboarding. Verify requirements at rhbinvest.com or the relevant provider’s site.
What fees should I compare?
Look at: brokerage commission per trade, platform or custody fees, foreign exchange conversion fees, and inactivity fees. Always verify the full fee schedule on the provider’s official website before opening an account.
