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If you have been investing in Singapore-listed stocks for some time, there is a good chance you still have shares sitting in a CDP account linked to a broker you opened years ago.
You may since have moved to a cheaper, more user-friendly brokerage platform, while still holding older shares directly in your CDP account. At the same time, shares bought through custodian brokers including your US stocks, ETFs and other investments may be held across one or more brokerage platforms.
If you have ever struggled to track dividends across CDP and multiple brokerage accounts, or forgotten about a rights issue because the notice went to the wrong platform, you are not alone. Having investments spread across several accounts, making it harder to see your overall portfolio, monitor dividend payments and keep up with important corporate actions.
This arrangement is more common than many investors may realise. CDP has been the backbone of share custody in Singapore since the 1980s and remains a reliable way for investors to hold Singapore-listed shares directly.
Simplifying The Transfer Of Old CDP Holdings
Investors have long had the option of transferring shares from CDP to a broker custody account. However, the traditional process involved completing forms, scanning documents and waiting for manual processing.
Tiger Brokers has digitised this process, allowing eligible investors to submit a transfer request directly through the Tiger Trade app. Investors can now select ‘Full transfer’ to move their entire eligible CDP portfolio in one click, without needing to key in each stock symbol and quantity manually. Tiger Brokers does not charge a transfer-in fee and absorbs the cost of the CDP share transfer request.
After the transfer is completed, investors can view their Singapore-listed shares alongside their other investments within Tiger Trade. They can also receive corporate action notifications and manage their holdings without switching between CDP and different brokerage accounts.
For investors whose portfolios are spread across several platforms, consolidating more of their investments in one place can provide a clearer overview of their holdings and reduce the administrative work involved.
What SGX Is Changing From July 2026
Effective 14 July 2026, SGX’s new rules allow depository agents to hold SGX-listed securities in omnibus custody accounts on behalf of clients.
For investors, this means there is greater flexibility in how SGX-listed shares can be held, whether directly in a CDP account under their own name or through a broker’s custody account.
If you choose to transfer your shares from your CDP account to a broker’s custody account, you remain the beneficial owner of the shares. The transfer only changes how your shares are held and administered — it does not change your ownership.
Holding your shares in a broker’s custody account also allows you to enjoy the broker’s services, such as a more streamlined trading experience and support for administrative matters, while the broker handles the safekeeping of your shares on your behalf.
Broker custody accounts have already been growing in popularity. According to SGX, six broker custody accounts were opened for every direct CDP account between October 2024 and April 2026.
To strengthen investor protection, SGX has also introduced enhanced requirements for brokers acting as depository agents, including minimum service standards for handling corporate actions such as dividend payments, rights issues, and facilitating shareholder meeting attendance
What This Means If You Hold Shares Through CDP
If you currently hold SGX-listed shares in a CDP account, you do not need to take any action. Your holdings can remain in your CDP account, or you can transfer eligible shares to a broker’s custody account, depending on the broker’s transfer process and requirements.
This ultimately depends on your investing preferences.
Holding shares directly through CDP gives you direct registration of your shareholdings. This may appeal to investors who prefer to keep their Singapore-listed investments separate and hold them in their own names.
By contrast, investors who already use a broker such as Tiger Brokers to hold US stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other investments may find it more convenient to keep their Singapore-listed shares on the same platform.
This can also make it easier to track corporate actions. If your investments are spread across CDP and several brokerage accounts, you may need to check multiple platforms for dividend payments, rights issues and annual general meeting notices.
Do You Keep Your Shareholder Rights?
One concern investors may have is whether holding shares through a broker custody account affects their shareholder rights.
In general, investors remain entitled to benefits such as dividends and participation in corporate actions. They should also be able to vote at annual general meetings and attend shareholder meetings, although these rights may need to be exercised through the broker rather than directly through CDP.
Under SGX RegCo’s enhanced service standards, depository agents will be required to help clients exercise these rights. This includes handling corporate actions and assisting with shareholder meeting attendance.
However, the exact process may differ between brokers. Before transferring your shares, it is worth checking how your broker handles voting instructions, meeting attendance, dividends and other corporate actions.
For example, Tiger Brokers provides both in-app and email notifications for corporate action events. Where investor action is required, such as voting at shareholder meetings or subscribing to rights issues, instructions can be submitted directly through the Tiger Brokers app.
Tiger Brokers’ CDP Transfer-In Promotion
For investors who are considering consolidating their CDP holdings, Tiger Brokers is currently running a promotion that makes the switch even more compelling.
The rewards depend on the value of the shares transferred. The top reward tier includes an iPhone 17 Pro Max (512GB) and a S$1,000 Stock Cash Voucher. In addition to these transfer-in rewards, investors making a CDP transfer of at least S$10,000 are eligible for a S$100 Stock Cash Voucher and a 365-day SG Stock Commission-Free Card.
Tiger Brokers also offers reimbursement of up to S$200 for transfer-out fees charged by an investor’s existing broker. Investors must apply for the subsidy by email after the transfer is completed.
The platform also offers zero commission for Singapore stock trades. However, investors should still review any other applicable fees and charges, especially if they plan to trade actively rather than simply hold their existing positions.
Investors who are considering consolidating their CDP holdings can find out more about Tiger Brokers’ digital transfer process, available rewards and eligibility requirements here.
Before proceeding, review the full terms and conditions and consider whether broker custody suits how you prefer to hold and manage your investments.
Disclaimer:
The article herein is published by DollarsAndSense and is for general information only and should not be relied upon as financial advice. This article may not be reproduced, reposted or communicated to any other person without the prior written permission from DollarsAndSense.
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