Singapore Rolls Out Market Reforms to Pull Young Investors From US Stocks
Two changes matter: a Nasdaq dual-listing bridge and slashing board lot sizes for expensive shares.
Quick overview
- Singapore is implementing reforms to attract younger investors, including a dual-listing bridge with Nasdaq and reduced board lot sizes for expensive shares.
- The dual-listing bridge, set to launch in mid-2026, allows companies to list on both SGX and Nasdaq, potentially bringing high-growth tech startups to Singapore.
- Board lot sizes will decrease from 100 shares to 10 for stocks priced above S$10, making it more accessible for young investors.
- Despite these changes, young investors may still prefer US markets due to lower commissions and smaller lot sizes, highlighting the need for companies to improve engagement and deliver returns.
Singapore’s launching reforms to attract younger investors to local stocks. Two changes matter: a Nasdaq dual-listing bridge and slashing board lot sizes for expensive shares.
The dual-listing bridge launches mid-2026. Companies can list on both SGX and Nasdaq using one set of documents, getting Singapore’s investor base plus American capital without choosing. Ong Changqi from JP Morgan calls it removing “the dilemma” for Singapore firms. Interactive Brokers’ Lin says it’s the best of both worlds. For young investors, this potentially brings high-growth tech startups to SGX that would otherwise list only in the US.
Board lot minimums drop from 100 shares to 10 for stocks above S$10. Moomoo’s Lim calls this a “big catalyst” for young investors who can’t afford 100 shares of expensive stocks upfront.
Whether young investors actually care is unclear. One economics major told Channel News Asia she’s unfamiliar with 2025’s new listings and plans sticking with names she knows. Access is one thing. Brand recognition is another.
The SIAS-Beansprout survey found beginners rank research and expert guidance as key motivators. The enhanced Grant for Equity Market Singapore scheme improves research coverage for smaller companies.
SGX notes Singapore blue chips quietly outperformed the S&P 500 over five years. The Straits Times Index hit multiple record highs in 2025. But young investors prefer US markets where commissions cost less, lot sizes are smaller, and options trading is easier.
Moomoo’s Lim says companies need to improve fundamentals, create real business value and actively engage investors. Just making listings easier won’t matter if companies don’t deliver returns or communicate well.
SGX launched Capital Markets Conversations for students in June, drawing 300-plus participants. They’re working with brokers on bite-sized content through infographics, videos, podcasts and social media, partnering with financial influencers to reach digital natives.
The real test comes when listings flow. Analysts expect maybe 20 IPOs in 2026, including more from Southeast Asia. Breadth and quality of issuers determines whether participation sticks. Singapore’s equity market has struggled for years with delistings outnumbering new IPOs.
The reforms give SGX ammunition to pitch Chinese companies on primary listings. The exchange is targeting “tried-and-proven” names across advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, consumer tech, healthcare and sustainable energy.
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