| Summary Table | |
|---|---|
| ⚖️Regulator | Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) |
| 💰Negative Balance Protection | No |
| 💰Compensation Scheme | No |
| 🎮Is it Safe to Trade? | Yes |
| 💱Leverage Allowed | 1:20 |
As with most countries in South East Asia, forex trading has seen a significant increase in popularity across Singapore over the past few years. Although forex trading is not illegal in Singapore, it is considered a grey area, and local residents are advised to trade with a broker who is authorized by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) – https://www.mas.gov.sg/
If you want to learn more about forex trading and how it works, click here to visit our Beginners Guide to Forex.
Forex Regulation in Singapore
The Monetary Authority of Singapore(MAS) is the regulatory body for all financial services and activities in Singapore.
It was established in 1971 to operate as the local government’s banker. Nevertheless, it is not required to get authorization from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, in order to offer financial services and forex trading to the residents of Singapore.
However, it is advised to choose a regulated broker with a Tier 1 license like Cysec, FCA, FSCA, or ASIC to make sure your funds are protected.
MAS is considered one of the most reputable financial regulators due to its strict policies and thorough control of firms registered under them. It obligates forex brokers to keep business and client funds separate, along with several other safety measures to protect retail traders’ interests. It can also take disciplinary actions for compliance violations and even suspend the operations of financial firms.
Retail forex brokers regulated by MAS can offer a maximum leverage of up to 1:20, to retail clients. Qualified professional investors can receive leverage up to 1:50. However, MAS does not allow hedging, automated trading, or copy trading, and does not offer a compensation scheme in case of a dispute.
How to Verify MAS Authorisation and License
To identify if a forex broker is regulated or authorized by MAS to offer services in Singapore, the first step is to identify the registration number from the disclosure text at the bottom of the broker’s Singapore homepage. For example, here’s the key disclosure text from CMC Markets’s website,
CMC Markets Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Reg. No./UEN 200605050E.) is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and holds a capital markets services license for dealing in securities and leveraged foreign exchange, and is an exempt financial adviser.
Next, look up the firm on the MAS website to validate the register number is, in fact, legitimate.
Best Forex Brokers in Singapore
Through our thorough review process we chose the following brokers that stand out for their services in Singapore:
- OctaFX – Best for Education, Copy Trading, and Local Support
- Pepperstone – Best Overall and Most Trusted Forex Broker
- BlackBull Markets – Best Web Trading Platform and Instrument Collection
- Vantage – Great for Professional and New Traders
- Avatrade – Best for Beginner Traders, Great Mobile App
OctaFX
Pepperstone
BlackBull Markets
Vantage
Avatrade
Learn2Trade
CryptoSignals
1000pipbuilder
DDMarkets
Etoro
1.
OctaFX
- Best for Education, Copy Trading, and Local Support
Regulated By:
SVGFSA(octafx.com), CySec(octafx.eu)
Leverage:
1:500
Min. Deposit:
$25
Trading Instruments:
250+
2.
Pepperstone
- Best Overall and Most Trusted Forex Broker
Regulated By:
FCA , ASIC, CYSEC, BAFIN, CMA, DFSA, SCB
Leverage:
1:30
Min. Deposit:
$200
Trading Instruments:
1000+
3.
BlackBull Markets
- Best Web Trading Platform and Instrument Collection
4.
Vantage
- Great for Professional and New Traders
Regulated By:
ASIC, CIMA, VFSC
Leverage:
1:500
Min. Deposit:
$200
Trading Instruments:
1000+
5.
Avatrade
- Best for Beginner Traders, Great Mobile App
Regulated By:
ASIC, JFSA, FSCA
Leverage:
1:400
Min. Deposit:
$250
Trading Instruments:
250+
Singapore Forex Brokers Comparison
| Broker Name | Accepts Singapore Residents |
Authorized or Regulated by MAS |
Minimum Deposit |
Visit Broker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OctaFX | Yes | No | $25 | Visit Site |
| Pepperstone | Yes | No | $200 | Visit Site |
| BlackBull Markets | Yes | No | $200 | Visit Site |
| Vantage | Yes | No | $200 | Visit Site |
| Avatrade | Yes | No | $100 | Visit Site |
| XM | Yes | No | $5 | Visit Site |
| IC Markets | Yes | No | $200 | Visit Site |
| XTB | Yes | No | $5 | Visit Site |
| ActivTrades | Yes | No | $200 | Visit Site |
| FP Markets | Yes | No | $200 | Visit Site |
Methodology
All brokers listed on our website are regulated by at least one financial regulator and have never been reported as a scam. We analyze more than 3000 data points across 8 key focus areas.
Our reviews are a combination of data research and working alongside the brokers. All information provided by the brokers are double-checked to guarantee 100% accuracy and that we remain unbiased.
2023 Review Methodology
For our 2022 Forex Broker Review, we assessed, rated, and ranked 45 international forex brokers over a three-month time period. Each broker was graded on 108 different variables and, in total, over 100,000 words of research were produced.
While encouraged, broker participation was optional. Each broker had the opportunity to complete an in-depth data profile and provide executive time (live in person or over the web) for an annual update meeting.
All data submitted by brokers is hand-checked for accuracy. Ultimately, our rigorous data validation process yields an error rate of less than 0.1% each year, providing site visitors with quality data they can trust. Learn more about how we test.
Forex Risk Disclaimer
There is a very high degree of risk involved in trading securities. With respect to margin-based foreign exchange trading, off-exchange derivatives, and cryptocurrencies, there is considerable exposure to risk, including but not limited to, leverage, creditworthiness, limited regulatory protection, and market volatility that may substantially affect the price or liquidity of a currency or related instrument. It should not be assumed that the methods, techniques, or indicators presented in these products will be profitable, or that they will not result in losses. Learn more at Wikipedia.
Chad Smith
Director of Research & Analysis
Chad Smith is the Director of Research & Analysis here at ForexBrokerListing.com.
Chad previously served as an Editor for a number of websites related to finance and trading, where he authored a significant number of published articles about trading and the impact of technology in transforming investing as we know it.
Overall, Chad is an active fintech and crypto industry researcher with more than 15 years of trading experience, and you can find him teaching his dog how to trade in his free time.