Fee waivers, CPF linkage: What these changes mean for retail investors

Singapore’s stock market has been gaining momentum, powered by investors’ return to resilient home-grown stocks. 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. 

In May, the Singapore Exchange (SGX) posted its highest monthly trading volume in over four years, with securities’ daily average traded value reaching $1.3 billion, outperforming regional peers. 

Online trading platform Tiger Brokers Singapore’s market strategist James Ooi says analysts are bullish, and retail investors are back. He adds that they are not just looking for quick trades but also want to build long-term portfolios. 

Mr Ooi also expects Singapore’s equity market to continue to benefit from broader market participation. On the global front, he says tougher United States tariffs will hurt near-term investor sentiment as the long-term economic and earnings impact remains unclear. 

Renewed interest in Singapore stocks comes as investors diversify risks, he says, so they turn to Singapore as it offers stability, reliable dividends and access to sectors aligned with Asia’s growth.

Tiger Brokers is riding this wave and doubling down on its support for local investors. Its latest move: waiving* the $2 quarterly custody fee for SGX-listed stocks. It may be a small sum, but for beginners and long-term holders, removing this cost means one fewer barrier to investing. 

Here are some other reasons why Tiger Brokers has become an attractive brokerage for Singapore investors.

1. No more custody fees

The $2 quarterly custody fee may sound small, but it adds up. Low-activity investors used to be pressured to trade just to avoid this fee, which is separate from other charges. 

To make it more convenient for investors, Tiger Brokers has now removed this fee for everyone – after first doing so for active traders back in 2022. 

The move means investors will be able to hold SGX-listed stocks over the long term, cost-free. Investors will also be able to invest at their own pace, without the pressure of having to trade every quarter.  

In doing so, the brokerage supports the long-term dividend and retirement strategies of both short-term and long-term investors, who have more wiggle room.

2. Riding Singapore’s market growth

Tiger Brokers’ own numbers show the renewed retail interest in stocks listed on SGX, which has gained momentum over the past 18 months.

For the full year 2024, SGX’s stock trading volume rose 50 per cent year on year. In the fourth quarter of 2024, trading volume surged 81 per cent year on year.

And in the second quarter of 2025, Singapore orders jumped 50 per cent year on year, with trade value up 133 per cent year on year.

3. Making retirement investing smarter: Tiger Brokers adds CPF and SRS access

Tiger Brokers has rolled out a new feature designed to make retirement investing easier and more accessible for Singapore investors.

Users can now link their Central Provident Fund Investment Account (CPFIA) and Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) account directly to the Tiger Trade app, enabling them to trade approved SGX-listed stocks conveniently in one place using CPF funds, SRS funds or cash.

This integration removes the need to switch between channels or platforms, giving investors a seamless way to manage CPF, SRS and cash trades from one place.

Industry observers see this as a significant step toward simplifying long-term investing, empowering more investors to actively manage their retirement portfolios with greater efficiency and confidence.

4. Tools for every kind of investor

Beyond low fees, Tiger Brokers offers tools and features for all investors. 

For instance, there is Tiger AI, which helps investors make more informed trading decisions by allowing them to access stock research at a glance and capture market movement summaries and earnings highlights quickly. Financial jargon is also simplified, and investors have round-the-clock access to the app. 

Besides data, the brokerage provides access to stocks listed on SGX, global equities, exchange-traded funds, options and futures from one app.

For beginners, the user-friendly design makes it straightforward and guides you through your first trades, while for seasoned investors, it offers the advanced data and range you expect.

5. Fewer barriers to entry

Every dollar counts, especially for beginners. Savings on custody fees may mean another share purchased or dividends reinvested. 

Knowing there are fewer costs and no hidden charges also gives new investors confidence to stay invested. 

Combined with competitive commissions, Tiger Brokers makes investing affordable and accessible.

The bottom line

The Singapore Exchange is poised for a revival, and Tiger Brokers Singapore is meeting the moment by:

• Eliminating custody fees
  Removes a small but recurring cost, easing the pressure to trade and giving beginners confidence to start with smaller amounts.

• CPF/SRS linkage for seamless settlement
  Empowers investors to trade using CPF, SRS, and cash within a single app, creating a seamless and integrated experience that helps them take control of their long-term planning.

• Offering tools for different investors
  From instant trades with the help of Tiger AI to a wide product range and simple app design, the platform caters to both first-timers and seasoned traders.

Find out how Tiger Brokers can help make investing in Singapore’s growth easier for you.

Disclaimer  

*Terms and conditions apply. Please refer to Tiger Brokers Singapore’s website at

https://www.itiger.com/sg/commissions

This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.