Singapore, January 30, 2026, 15:16 SGT — Regular session
- Shares of Singapore Exchange slipped roughly 0.3% in the afternoon session
- SGX RegCo launched a consultation on expanding the use of broker custody accounts, with submissions accepted through March 27
- Investors are also eyeing SGX’s half-year results briefing scheduled for Feb. 5
Shares of Singapore Exchange Ltd slipped 0.3% to S$17.61 by 3:16 p.m. Singapore time on Friday, after investors absorbed new proposals aimed at changing how retail investors hold local stocks. The stock had closed at S$17.66 previously.
The company’s regulator arm is seeking feedback on rule changes aimed at simplifying the use of broker custody accounts for SGX-listed securities, as part of a wider push to modernise the post-trade infrastructure. The consultation period runs from Jan. 30 to March 27, The Business Times reported.
SGX RegCo announced proposed rule changes to permit omnibus broker custody accounts—where brokers hold multiple clients’ securities in a single pooled account. The new rules would also obligate brokers and depository agents to assist clients in exercising shareholder rights, including sending notices for meetings and corporate actions. “The standards of our custody framework remain robust,” said Tan Boon Gin, SGX RegCo’s chief executive, in a statement. Mondo Visione
The Straits Times said the proposal might roll out as soon as June, letting investors see their Singapore-listed and foreign stocks together via one broker, if they want. Evy Wee, DBS regional head of wealth platforms and solutions, stated: “A complete and timely investment portfolio view is key.” The Straits Times
UOB Asset Management launched its UOBAM Ping An FTSE ASEAN Dividend Index ETF on the SGX on Jan. 29, according to details on UOBAM’s fund information page. This marks the latest addition to the exchange’s ETF offerings.
Investors are gearing up for SGX’s first-half FY2026 earnings next week. The company plans to release results before the market opens on Feb. 5. CEO Loh Boon Chye and CFO Daniel Koh will hold a briefing at 9 a.m. Singapore time.
SGX’s earnings usually track activity in cash equities, derivatives, and data services. Investors will be digging into the half-year report to see if trading and clearing income stayed steady through January, and to catch any updates on the pace of market-structure shifts.
Parts of the region have grown jittery. Indonesia’s market took a hit this week following an MSCI warning that sparked a steep sell-off, leaving investors wary of potential spillovers in Asian risk appetite.
But the custody consultation won’t deliver quick earnings gains. Feedback may drag out the timeline, and a move toward omnibus accounts would raise questions about operational controls and how minority investors access information and cast votes when shares sit with intermediaries.
SGX is set to release its half-year results and hold a briefing on Feb. 5. Investors will be keen to hear management’s take on current trading conditions and if the regulatory changes will actually impact market participation in 2026.
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