How to Buy ETF in Singapore: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026
To buy an ETF in Singapore, you need a brokerage account and a Central Depository (CDP) account or custodian account. You can purchase SGX-listed ETFs (like ES3 or CLR) through local brokers, or LSE-listed ETFs (like CSPX or VWRA) through international platforms.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult a licensed financial adviser before making investment decisions.
How to Buy ETF in Singapore: Overview
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) are one of the most popular investment vehicles for Singapore retail investors — they offer broad diversification, low cost, and the simplicity of buying and selling like a stock. But the process of actually buying an ETF depends on which ETF you want and which exchange it is listed on.
There are two broad categories of ETFs available to Singapore investors:
- SGX-listed ETFs — including the SPDR STI ETF (ES3), Nikko AM STI ETF (G3B), Lion-Phillip S-REIT ETF (CLR), and others. These are traded directly on the Singapore Exchange.
- International ETFs — particularly LSE-listed ETFs like CSPX (iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF) and VWRA (Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF). These are accessible via brokers with international market access.
Step 1: Open a Brokerage Account
To buy ETFs in Singapore, you need a brokerage account. The type of account depends on your needs:
For SGX ETFs (and also LSE ETFs): Most Singapore brokerages work. Popular options include:
- FSMOne — Low-cost, good for regular savings plans (RSP), SRS-eligible, SGX and LSE access (FSMOne referral)
- moomoo — Competitive commissions, US and HK market access, good app
- Interactive Brokers (IBKR) — Best for advanced investors buying LSE ETFs — low FX conversion fees, access to most global exchanges
- DBS Vickers / OCBC Securities / UOB Kay Hian — Bank-integrated, convenient for existing bank customers
For SRS-invested ETFs, your options are more limited: SRS funds can be invested in SGX-listed ETFs through most brokers, but for LSE ETFs, only IBKR and a few platforms support SRS-funded purchases directly.
Step 2: CDP Account or Custodian?
For SGX-listed securities, you need to decide whether to hold via CDP (Central Depository) or a broker custodian account:
| Feature | CDP Account | Custodian Account |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Direct (your name) | Held by broker on your behalf |
| Annual fee | No annual fee | Some brokers charge S$2–S$5/mo |
| Broker risk | Low (assets in your name) | Slightly higher (assets with broker) |
| DRP elections | Available (via CDP/paper) | Via broker platform |
| LSE ETF support | No (CDP is SGX only) | Yes (via custodian brokers like IBKR) |
Most Singapore retail investors hold SGX ETFs via CDP for security, and international ETFs via custodian at IBKR or a similar multi-exchange broker.
Which ETFs Should Singapore Investors Consider?
This is not financial advice — always do your own research. That said, ETFs commonly discussed among Singapore retail investors include:
SGX-listed ETFs:
- ES3 / G3B — STI ETF tracking 30 largest SGX companies (DBS, OCBC, UOB, etc.). ~5% dividend yield, TER ~0.3%
- CLR — Lion-Phillip S-REIT ETF tracking SGX REIT index. ~5.5–6.5% yield
LSE-listed ETFs (accessed via international brokers):
- CSPX — iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF (USD-hedged, IE-domiciled). 15% WHT on dividends vs 30% for US-domiciled equivalents. TER 0.07%
- VWRA — Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (accumulating). Global equity exposure, TER 0.22%
- IWDA — iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF. Developed markets, TER 0.20%
For detailed comparisons, see the CSPX ETF Guide and VWRA ETF Guide.
Buying ETFs with CPF OA or SRS
CPF OA (via CPFIS-OA): You can invest CPF OA savings (above S$20,000) in SGX-listed ETFs. Approved CPFIS-OA ETFs include the STI ETF (ES3, G3B) and selected others. LSE ETFs are not accessible via CPF.
SRS: SRS funds can be invested in SGX-listed ETFs through most SRS operator banks and third-party platforms like Endowus. Some platforms also allow SRS investment in unit trusts that replicate global ETF exposures.
The CPF OA pathway is attractive for long-term investors who want market exposure on their CPF savings — though any losses will mean you receive less back on CPF OA at 2.5%. For most retail investors, leaving CPF OA at the risk-free 2.5% (or 3.5%) and investing cash savings via SRS or brokerage is often the simpler and lower-risk approach.