This article was not reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) or any other relevant authorities.
After reading through the basics of investments, you might be thinking to yourself…. What’s next?
The logical next step then would be to actually start investing! And to do that, you would first have to open a brokerage account.
Before you open an account, it’s important to understand the concepts of a brokerage account, a CDP account, and a Custodian account, which has all been explained here!
This article covers the steps to open a CDP account.
1. Have a Local Bank Account
The following banks are eligible in Singapore:
- DBS/POSB
- OCBC
- UOB
- Citibank
- HSBC
- Maybank
- Standard Chartered Bank
It is important to note that you need to be at least 18 in age, and not an undischarged bankrupt in order to continue the registration process.
2. Filling Up an Application Form
Gone are the days where you have to manually fill up physical forms just to get accounts opened.
Since 2019, SGX has since allowed registration to be completely online, allowing you the option to utilise your SingPass information to fill up the forms automatically.
This definitely makes it wayyyyy easier and more convenient for potential investors!
3. Prepare Required Supporting Documents
As we all know, the finance industry in Singapore is heavily regulated, which is why SGX would require plenty of supporting documents from you before you are able to press that “submit” button at the end of the form.
Do get these ready before you start anything!
- Identification Card
- One of the following documents or e-statements (dated within the last 3 months)
- Bank statement from any Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) licensed banks, or
- Central Provident Fund (CPF) statement, or
- Latest Notice of Assessment for Income Tax
- Bank Account Information
- Digital Copy of Signature
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) for tax residency status outside Singapore and other relevant information, including the Country/Region of Tax Residency
- Completed Form-W9
4. Physical Applications
Yes, for those who are not “tech-savvy”, this option is still available. You can do so by either mailing the signed application form, or making your way down to SGX itself.
5. Application through a Brokerage
Approved brokerages should be able to help you with your CDP account application when you set up a brokerage account at the same time. The list of approved brokerages can be found here.
Once you are done with the above, you may then login through the SGX Investor Portal to view your current portfolio and statements.
Summary
There are many brokerages out there with competitive reach and prices. Some may include foreign markets, but are slightly more expensive, vice versa. It is important to take your time and read through the necessary information before making your best bet!
With that, I wish you all the best as you begin your investment journey, and remember, do not invest more than what you can afford to lose!
