Best CFD Trading Platforms and Brokers in Singapore 2024
CFD trading is popular in Singapore, allowing investors to make short-term trades without incurring stamp duty from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). CFDs are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which also authorizes online brokers and trading platforms.
Explore the best CFD trading platforms in Singapore, tested, evaluated and compared by our experts. Every CFD broker recommended is trusted and accepts traders from Singapore.
Top 10 CFD Trading Platforms in Singapore
These 10 brokers stand out as the best for CFD traders in Singapore:
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1IC Markets
Ratings
$2000.01 Lots1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMACFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, CryptoMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTradePayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Klarna, Swift, SafeChargeUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
2IGSpread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread BettingWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentralPayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD -
3AvaTrade20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, FuturesWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTradeSkrill, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Swift, MoneyGram, Credit Card, WebMoney, JCB Card, Debit Card, Neteller, BoletoUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD -
4CityIndexAll trading involves risk and losses can exceed deposits.
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:50 (Accredited Investor), 1:200 (Sophisticated Investor), 1:300 (Wholesale Investor), 1:400 (Professional Trader). Varies with jurisdiction.ASIC, FCA, MASCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities, BondsMT4, TradingView, TradingCentralPayNow, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, BPAY, Credit Card, PayID, Debit Card, Visa, PayPalUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CZK -
5Deriv.com
Ratings
$50.01 Lots1:1000MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSCCFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, CommoditiesDeriv Trader, Deriv X, MT5, TradingViewNeteller, Visa, Skrill, WebMoney, FasaPay, Perfect Money, Diners Club, Banxa, Paytrust, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, JCB Card, Sticpay, Trustly, Volet, Paysafecard, AstroPay, Maestro, Airtm, Boleto, JetonCash, Przelewy24USD, EUR, GBP, AUD -
6Exness
Ratings
$100.01 Lots1:2000FSA, CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSC, CBCS, CNMV, KNF, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptoExness Trade App, MT4, MT5, TradingCentralWire Transfer, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin Payments, Boleto, AirtelUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR, KRW, MXN, KES, CNY -
7PepperstoneCFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCBCFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread BettingMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTradeVisa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, SkrillUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
8XM$30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
Ratings
$50.01 Lots1:1000ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA, CNMV, AMF, KNFForex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, FuturesMT4, MT5Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TransferWise, Visa, M-PesaUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, SGD, PLN, HUF -
9Eightcap
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:500ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMVCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptoMT4, MT5, TradingViewNeteller, Skrill, Visa, UnionPay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, BPAY, PayPal, Dragonpay, PIX PaymentUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD -
10RoboForex$30 No Deposit BonusRoboForex Ltd and its affiliates do not target EU/EEA/UK clients. Please be aware that you are able to receive investment services from a third-country firm at your own exclusive initiative only, taking all the risks involved.
Ratings
$100.01 Lots1:2000IFSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, FuturesR StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingViewVisa, iDeal, Trustly, Neteller, Skrill, Giropay, Sofort, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Alipay, POLi, Perfect Money, MoneyGram, Cashu, SafeCharge, WeChat Pay, Vietcombank Transfer, Volet, ecoPayz, AstroPayUSD, EUR
Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:
- IC Markets - You gain access to over 2,250 CFDs, available for trading 24/5 across popular markets such as forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and bonds. Utilizing deep liquidity and advanced bridge technology, IC Markets ensures optimal conditions for scalpers, hedgers, and algo traders alike.
- IG - IG offers a huge selection of 17,000+ CFDs, providing more trading opportunities than most CFD brokers. Traders can go long or short on popular markets like stocks, currencies, commodities and cryptos, while custom price alerts and the IG Academy continue to enhance the trading experience.
- AvaTrade - AvaTrade's 1250+ leveraged CFD products span a wide range of asset classes including stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, crypto, and ETFs. You can speculate on underlying assets in the broker’s feature-rich web and mobile platforms with market-leading research tools to help discover opportunities.
- CityIndex - Trade 5,000+ CFDs from a single account with no hidden fees and free live market data. The suite of markets is impressive vs alternatives, including access to shares, indices, commodities and bonds.
- Deriv.com - You can trade CFDs on popular markets, including the broker's exclusive synthetic indices which are available 24/7. There are plenty of charting tools available for technical traders, including over 20 indicators in the Deriv Trader platform. New users can also open an account and start trading CFDs instantly.
- Exness - Exness offers a selection of CFDs covering forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptos, with leverage up to 1:200. Accounts are geared mainly towards experienced day traders, with over 100 technical indicators available in the broker’s proprietary terminal.
- Pepperstone - Pepperstone maintains its position as one of the fastest and most dependable CFD brokers during our latest round of testing. With execution speeds averaging around 30ms and an outstanding fill rate of 99.90%, the broker ensures a seamless trading experience without requotes or dealing desk interference. It also provides ample trading opportunities across over 1,300 assets.
- XM - Day traders can speculate on leveraged CFDs with zero commissions, spanning popular markets including currencies, equities and commodities. Additionally, the MetaTrader platforms collectively offer dozens of advanced technical indicators built for short-term strategies.
- Eightcap - Eightcap offers a wide range of trading options with 800+ CFDs across stocks, indices, bonds, commodities, and cryptocurrencies (depending on location), with leverage up to 1:30/1:500. It excels in its tools, notably the AI-enabled economic calendar covering 25+ countries with impact filters (high, medium, low). However, its commodities offering, particularly in softs like cotton and wheat, as well as the limited precious metal and energy assets, is its weakest area.
- RoboForex - RoboForex offers a growing suite of over 12,000 CFDs, encompassing forex, stocks, indices, commodities, futures and ETFs. With an initial deposit of $10 and micro lot trading through to very high leverage up to 1:2000, RoboForex caters to a broad range of derivative traders. On the downside, analysis reveals execution speeds of 1-3 seconds, noticeably slower than IC Markets at 0.35 seconds, and suboptimal for fast-paced strategies like scalping.
Best CFD Trading Platforms and Brokers in Singapore 2024 Comparison
IC Markets
"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IC Markets Quick Facts
FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 0.23 |
Stocks Spread | 0.02 |
Leverage | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
- IC Markets offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
- You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
Cons
- While IC Markets offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
- Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
- The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
IG
"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IG Quick Facts
FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 0.9 |
Stocks Spread | 0.02 |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM |
Platforms | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis
- IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, plus recently added US-listed futures and options, providing ample diversification opportunities
- The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met
Cons
- While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients
- Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests
- IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders
AvaTrade
"AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit."
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
AvaTrade Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000 |
---|---|
FTSE Spread | 0.5 |
GBPUSD Spread | 1.5 |
Stocks Spread | 0.13 |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM |
Platforms | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD |
Pros
- Recently introduced AvaFutures offers an alternative vehicle to speculate on over 35 markets with low day trading margins
- AvaTrade is a heavily regulated and trustworthy broker with licenses from the ASIC, CySEC and more
- There's a great range of fee-free deposit methods, including bank wire, credit cards and popular e-wallets like Skrill
Cons
- There is no ECN account with raw spreads
- Traders from the US are not accepted
- There’s an above-average $50 inactivity fee after three months, though this won't impact active day traders
CityIndex
"City Index is best for new and intermediate traders looking for a wide selection of assets on user-friendly platforms."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
CityIndex Quick Facts
FTSE Spread | 1 pt |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 0.8 pips |
Stocks Spread | Variable |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:50 (Accredited Investor), 1:200 (Sophisticated Investor), 1:300 (Wholesale Investor), 1:400 (Professional Trader). Varies with jurisdiction. |
Regulator | ASIC, FCA, MAS |
Platforms | MT4, TradingView, TradingCentral |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CZK |
Pros
- A free demo account with unrestricted access to all markets and trading tools
- Excellent reputation with over 1 million account holders and tier-one regulatory oversight
- Industry-leading platforms including MT4, plus access to cutting-edge third-party tools like TradingView
Cons
- Cryptocurrency trading not available in all locations
- No Islamic account for Muslim traders
- $15 monthly inactivity fee
Deriv.com
"Deriv.com will suit day traders looking to make fast-paced trades using CFDs and multipliers with high leverage up to 1:1000. The broker is also the industry leader in synthetic indices, which simulate real market movements and are available around the clock. "
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
Deriv.com Quick Facts
FTSE Spread | 0.5 |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 0.5 |
Stocks Spread | 0.07 |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Regulator | MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSC |
Platforms | Deriv Trader, Deriv X, MT5, TradingView |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD |
Pros
- Traders can use multipliers between 1 and 30, with take profit, stop loss and deal cancellation parameters
- Deriv X now features TradingView integration for a modern trading experience with a superior charting package
- The free demo account is ideal for practicing short-term trading strategies and no registration is required
Cons
- The range of 100+ assets trails some competitors such as Quotex which offers 400+
- There are limited copy trading tools and analysis features compared to alternatives like IQ Cent
- There's no loyalty program or rebate scheme for high volume traders
Exness
"Exness remains an accessible broker for all experience levels, though experienced day traders will particularly appreciate the ultra-low commission rates, fast withdrawals and high-quality charting software."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
Exness Quick Facts
FTSE Spread | 15.1 |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 0.1 |
Stocks Spread | 0.7 |
Leverage | 1:2000 |
Regulator | FSA, CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSC, CBCS, CNMV, KNF, AFM |
Platforms | Exness Trade App, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR, KRW, MXN, KES, CNY |
Pros
- The broker offers fast execution speeds for short-term traders, averaging under 25ms
- The broker is accessible for beginners with low minimum deposits from $10 and flexible payment methods
- Highly competitive spreads, reduced for USOIL and BTCUSD in 2024, are available from 0 pips and low commissions from $2 per side
Cons
- There are several regional restrictions for retail traders including the USA, Europe and the UK
- Unlike most competitors, Exness doesn't provide its own education section
- There are no promotional deals or loyalty schemes for high-volume day traders
Pepperstone
"Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/7 support."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Pepperstone Quick Facts
FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 0.4 |
Stocks Spread | 0.02 |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
- Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates of 25%+ through the Active Trader program.
- There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.
Cons
- There’s no simplified proprietary trading platform, nor are there any social trading features, which could be a disadvantage if you are new to day trading.
- Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.
- Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets.
XM
"XM is one of the best forex and CFD brokers we have tested. The flexible account types will suit a variety of short-term trading styles while the $5 minimum deposit and smooth sign-up process make it easy to start trading."
William Berg, Reviewer
XM Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account |
---|---|
FTSE Spread | 1.5 pts |
GBPUSD Spread | 1.9 |
Stocks Spread | 0.002 |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA, CNMV, AMF, KNF |
Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, SGD, PLN, HUF |
Pros
- Transparent and low fees with spreads from 0.0 pips that will help protect day trading profit margins
- Accessible trading accounts with a $5 minimum deposit and fast account opening
- 1000+ instruments are available, including recently added thematic indices, providing exposure to emerging industries
Cons
- There is weak regulatory oversight through the global entity
- PayPal deposits are not supported
- There's $5 inactivity fee after only 3 months, though this won't affect active traders
Eightcap
"Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms, education via Labs, and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 120+ crypto CFDs, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Eightcap Quick Facts
FTSE Spread | 1.2 |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 0.1 |
Stocks Spread | 0.03 (Apple Inc) |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Regulator | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD |
Pros
- With tight spreads from 0 pips, low commission fees, and high leverage up to 1:500 for certain clients, Eightcap provides cost-effective and flexible trading conditions that can accommodate an array of strategies, including day trading and scalping.
- After bolstering its roster in 2021, Eightcap offers one of the most extensive selections of cryptocurrency CFDs in the market, with crypto/fiat pairs, crypto/crypto pairs, plus crypto indices for broader exposure to the market.
- Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed every competitor to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title.
Cons
- Eightcap needs to continue bolstering its suite of instruments to match category leaders like Blackbull Markets with its 26,000+ assets, featuring a particularly weak selection of commodities.
- Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.
- In spite of an increasing variety of tools, Eightcap doesn't offer industry favorites like Autochartist or Trading Central, which offer cutting-edge charting analytics, live news, and market insights for short-term traders.
RoboForex
"RoboForex is great if you want a vast range of 12,000+ day trading markets with ECN accounts, powerful charting and loyalty promotions. It also stands out for stock traders with its user-friendly R StocksTrader platform, featuring 3,000+ shares, fees from $0.01 and sophisticated watchlists."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
RoboForex Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | $30 No Deposit Bonus |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 0.4 |
Stocks Spread | 0.01 |
Leverage | 1:2000 |
Regulator | IFSC |
Platforms | R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- The broker offers two commission-free withdrawals each month in the Free Funds Withdrawal program, helping day traders to minimize transaction costs.
- The R Stocks Trader platform rivals leading solutions like MT4, with netting and hedging capabilities, comprehensive backtesting, Level II pricing, and a flexible workspace.
- The broker offers leverage up to 1:2000 for certain account types, which is among the highest in the industry. This high leverage allows day traders to maximize their trading potential, albeit with a corresponding increase in risk.
Cons
- While RoboForex offers competitive spreads, some of its account types come with high trading commissions up to $20 per lot, trailing the cheapest brokers, such as IC Markets.
- Despite 15+ years in the industry and registering with the Financial Commission, RoboForex is authorized by one ‘Red-Tier’ regulator – the IFSC in Belize, lowering the level of regulatory protections for traders.
- RoboForex provides a variety of account types, which, while offering flexibility, can be overwhelming for newer traders trying to choose the most suitable option for their trading style. Alternatives, notably eToro, provide a smoother entry into online trading with one retail account.
How We Chose The Best CFD Trading Platforms In Singapore
To find the best CFD trading platforms in Singapore, we took our extensive database of 267 brokers, identified those that accept traders from Singapore and then ranked them based on their overall rating, which takes into account the following key criteria.
We Chose Platforms Licensed By A Trusted Regulator
CFD traders will receive the best safeguards by opening an account with a brokerage authorized by a ‘Green Tier’ regulator, such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore, which is responsible for ensuring licensed brokers operate responsibly.
City Index, for example, has earned our trust over the years for its secure trading environment and authorization from the MAS. It’s also one of a select few CFD providers listed on a stock exchange (through its parent company StoneX Group), underscoring its reliability.
If not the MAS, we selected CFD trading platforms that are regulated in other respected jurisdictions, such as the US, UK, Australia or Europe, as these are promising signs of a trustworthy operation.
We prioritize well-regulated CFD brokers because this will help protect traders from scams and fraudulent trading platforms, which the Singapore Police Force has warned are promising “lucrative investment opportunities” that have cost victims over 25.5 million SGD since June 2023.
You can check whether a CFD broker is regulated in Singapore by searching for their name in theWe Chose Platforms With Leverage Trading And Clear Margin Requirements
One of the draws of CFD trading is the availability of leverage, which allows investors to amplify their buying power and trading results for a small outlay, known as margin.
Let’s say you want to speculate that the share price of Singapore Airlines (SGX: SIA) is going to rise today following an earnings announcement. A CFD broker with 1:5 leverage, such as AvaTrade, would multiply your trading power, and potential returns, by 5x.
Importantly, the maximum leverage available to retail investors at Singapore-regulated CFD trading platforms is 1:20. There are brokers with higher leverage, but these are often based in offshore jurisdictions and not suitable for beginners.
I recommend using risk management tools like stop-loss orders when trading CFDs with leverage. This can protect against large losses by automatically closing positions when prices hit a pre-set level.
We Chose Platforms With A Great Investment Offering
CFD traders of all levels will have access to diverse trading opportunities by picking a broker with a wide range of markets.
Therefore, we prioritized CFD trading platforms that provide access to the most popular asset classes, notably stocks, indices, forex, commodities and cryptos.
Some CFD trading platforms also excelled during our tests by offering key assets that will be of interest to traders in Singapore. IG, for instance, offers CFD trading on shares from the Singapore Exchange, the Straits Times Index (STI), and currency pairs with the SGD, including AUD/SGD, EUR/SGD and SGD/JPY.
Our experts have also been trading at IG for years with real money and consistently praise the excellent CFD trading conditions.
We Chose Platforms With Excellent Pricing
CFD trading is popular with short-term traders where frequent transaction costs can eat into profits. Consequently, choosing a brokerage with tight spreads and low/no commissions is critical.
As part of our personal tests and in-depth analysis, we also weigh fees with the quality of the platforms and tools, such as analyst insights into central bank decisions or economic reports that could impact shares listed on the Singapore Exchange.
Additionally, we factor in non-trading fees, such as conversion costs if depositing Singapore Dollars (SGD) to a live account denominated in another currency, such as the US Dollar (USD). This analysis allows us to identify the lowest-cost CFD brokers that provide a first-rate trading environment.
Our extensive real-money testing shows IC Markets leads the pack here, especially for serious day traders, featuring ultra-tight spreads from 0.0 pips, cash rebates, plus reliable order executions, ensuring you can secure optimal prices in fast-moving CFD markets.
We Chose Platforms With Superb Charting Tools
After years of evaluating hundreds of CFD providers in Singapore, we’ve learnt that a user-friendly and powerful charting platform is essential for an effective trading experience.
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 remain the most widely available third-party platform despite an outdated interface we don’t enjoy using. Nonetheless, for experienced traders wanting sophisticated charting tools and algo trading, they’re a solid choice.
For newer CFD traders, the in-house platforms developed by brokers like Forex.com have come a long way, now sporting a genuinely intuitive interface with superior charting tools, including 80+ indicators, 50+ drawing tools and 14 timeframes.
We Chose Platforms With Convenient Account Funding In Singapore
We know from first-hand experience trading CFDs that picking a brokerage with secure and hassle-free payment methods can make for a smooth experience.
The most popular payment methods in Singapore are credit and debit cards, accounting for 53% of transactions according to Commission Factory, while alternative solutions like PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely used.
Every one of our top-rated CFD brokers in Singapore offers at least one of these methods, while Pepperstone excels by providing credit and debit cards, plus PayPal. It also offers no minimum deposit, making it a stand-out option for budget traders.
FAQ
Who Regulates CFD Trading Platforms And Brokers In Singapore?
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) regulates CFD trading platforms and online brokers operating in the country.
The MAS is a ‘Green-Tier’ regulator in line with our ‘Regulation & Trust’ rating methodology, meaning it offers the highest level of trader safeguards.
How Much Money Do I Need To Open A CFD Trading Account In Singapore?
Our analysis of 267 brokers shows that you normally need 0 to 250 USD, around 0 to 330 SGD, to start trading CFDs in Singapore.
That said, some CFD trading platforms have no minimum deposit, with Pepperstone achieving the highest rating following our exhaustive tests.
Recommended Reading
Article Sources
- Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
- Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)
- Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX)
- Straits Times Index (STI)
- Financial Institutions Directory - MAS
- Singapore Airlines - Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX:SIA)
- Warning On Trading Scams - Singapore Police Force
- Most Popular Payment Methods In Singapore - Commission Factory
- A Look At The Rise And Continuing Influence Of CFD Trading In Singapore - California Business Journal
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